Those who haven’t been living under a rock for the past year might have heard that the Harry Potter franchise is getting a spin-off. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is the newest installment in author J.K. Rowling’s extensive magical universe. It’s fast paced and action packed, but be warned, this is not the average Harry Potter movie. New fans and Potterheads alike might find that despite hilarious and emotional moments and captivating visuals, “Fantastic Beasts” fails at capturing the originality and familiarity of the Harry Potter series.

Based in 1920’s New York City, “Fantastic Beasts” follows wizard magizoologist, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), and his journey to America with a case full of magical creatures. Joined by magical sisters Tina (Katherine Waterston) and Queenie Goldwater (Alison Sudol) and “No-Maj” – the American term for Muggles, or non-magical folk – Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), Scamander attempts to track down the beasts who have escaped his enchanted suitcase. Magical duels and adventure ensue as Rowling’s vision of the wizarding world pre-Harry Potter unfolds.

But “Fantastic Beasts” feels rushed and it’s almost as if director David Yates, who directed the last four Potter films, didn’t know which direction to take. Comical moments are lazily thrown into scenes where the audience should be on the edge of their seats. The jumbled tone and mood of the entire movie are just too hard to ignore, making many fans wonder if “Fantastic Beasts” really lived up to their expectations. Rowling, however, does manage some major redeeming qualities.

Hardcore fans will find slivers of nostalgia throughout the film and, along with the newer fans, can rejoice in the fact that there will be five more films. This means significant expansion upon the Potterverse that gives audiences hope that perhaps next time this spin-off series will find its rhythm. “Fantastic Beasts” has an all-star cast as well; it’s a talented group of actors who successfully capture the kind of depth Rowling writes into her characters. Lastly, it’s fun for both the new fans who are introduced to the wizarding world for the first time and for Potterheads who experience the joy of seeing the magic they love back on the big screen.

Though not what many expected, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is enjoyable, quirky and is able to provide audiences with something fresh. Despite mixed reviews many will agree it is among one of the best films of the year and is great for children and adults alike. Ultimately Fantastic Beasts gives many a glance at how amazingly imagined and fulfilling the future, or perhaps the past, of the wizarding world without Harry Potter could be.