In a very good way, this movie reminded me of a long episode of Dr. Who. Much better than I expected. And Eddie Redmayne would make a great Doctor, by the way. This movie had a lot of heart, both in the story of the budding friendship between Newt and Jacob, and in Jacob's story with his love interest. The resolutions of both of these stories strike all the right chords. And all the rest is indeed plenty magical and fun, with magical creatures and plenty of action. I came into the movie prepared to suffer though it, as my kid wanted to watch it. I was quite pleasantly surprised.