The Secrets of Dumbledore Review written by the Unicorn and the Elf on April 15th, 2022. This post contains affiliate links, you can find out more on our policies page or in the disclaimer at the bottom of the blog.
Know Before You Watch Fantastic Beasts 3
Movie: Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Length: 2 hrs. 22 mins.
Age suggested: 10+ (If they’ve seen the first two movies)
Release Date: April 15th, 2022
Warnings: Mild violence, some intense scenes, animal cruelty
Quick The Secrets of Dumbledore Summary
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore picks up a little after where the Crimes of Grindlewald left off. Albus Dumbledore and Newt Scamander are still trying to figure out how to stop Grindlewald. Of course Newt uses a lot of animals to get to where he is going and Dumbledore uses a lot of vague wisdom dropping. Will their unlikely team be able to succeed?
Keep reading for lessons from the Secrets of Dumbledore- Fantastic Beasts 3
The Secrets of Dumbledore Review:
–Why Watch The Secrets of Dumbledore-
NO SPOILERS
1) Newts crazy animal antics and animals are back.
2) If you like the series, this movie needs support because they are debating if there will be more movies.
3) Some of the confusing storylines from the previous two movies are tied up in some really satisfying ways.
**Check out this MuggleNet article with 6 reasons Fantastic Beasts 3 was great (does contain spoilers)
-Is The Secrets of Dumbledore Appropriate?-
*MILD SPOILERS*
If your kids have seen the first two movies, this one should be fine. HOWEVER, there are some really gross and violent scenes. It’s less violent than the second movie, but more visually intense. There is a particular scene, which is meant to show you how evil Grindlewald is, in which an animal is violently killed that was really difficult to stomach. Otherwise this movie is fairly consistent with the first two as far as how dark and violent/ how much language is used.
-Fantastic Beasts 3 LGBTQ Controversy-
*LIGHT SPOILERS*
Why is there controversy surrounding this movie and series? Many people do not want to support any of J.K. Rowling’s work or take any part of any of the fantasy universe that she authored because they strongly disagree with statements she has made about trans people. Others feel like the Potter universe is more than the author. And there are many who feel like they do not want to support a movie that has a gay lead. And others are upset because the LGBTQ representation in the movie just isn’t that great and think it is just more queer-baiting; which is what Rowling was originally accused of in 2007. What an interesting intersection this movie then sits at- disliked before even being released by those from opposing and similar viewpoints, all for different reasons. We personally believe that Rowling is wrong in her statements and there are no issues with a gay lead (and are always happy to discuss our faith and reasoning on this). But for me, the magical universe transcends the author.
I want to reiterate that if you like the series, it needs theatrical support. If you feel like you can morally support it- then don’t let someone else’s opinion deter you. And any middle or highschoolers you take to see this are likely aware of the controversies surrounding different aspects of this movie. So it’s a great time to have some open discussions with them. Specifically to talk to your kids about how you would respond if they ever came out to you, and talk through how they might respond if a friend comes out to them. Because it is a matter of life and death- teen suicides are increasing at alarming rates and those that identify as a part of the LGBTQ+ community are at a much higher risk.
We all have biases. And representation is important. When kids don’t find all types of representation in PG and PG-13 media, they will find what they are looking for elsewhere. Probably in things they would not be watching with parents around. I want to encourage you to examine your own biases. Movies like this provide fantastic on ramps to deep and important conversations.
The Secrets of Dumbledore Discussion Questions
1) What was your favorite animal from Fantastic Beasts 3?
2) Do you think that they should have opened the election to Grindlewald?
3) Which part of the teams plan surprised you the most? Did you see any of it coming?
4) Which character did you relate to the most?
5) What’s a time you changed your mind from something you were committed to?
5 Lessons from The Secrets of Dumbledore
1) We Can Change Our Minds About Things We Were Committed To
This lesson was really central to this story. Queenie feels like she can’t leave Grindlewald’s group, but with a little help she is able to. And Dumbledore was once committed to the same causes as Grindlewald, but he too changes his mind and path.
2) Don’t Make Oaths or Commitments Based on Other People’s Passions
Dumbledore made an oath he regretted. Mr. Vogal supports Grindlewald with hesitancy. Queenie jumps of board with the villains not because she believes in their whole platform, but because she’s so discouraged by other wizards.
3) You Can Disagree and Fight With Care
Dumbledore fights as gently as possible with Creedence, even though it is one of the more intense fighting scenes in the movie.
4) We All Need Jacob’s In Our Life
Jacob stands up for Eulalie in the beginning of the movie. He agrees to help out his friends yet again, even though it will absolutely be dangerous for him. And most significantly he loves Queenie and helps her find her own strength. Even when she was caught up with a villainous group- Jacob never shames her and keeps fighting for her.
5) Don’t Underestimate The Unexpected Teams
The group that Dumbledore and Newt assemble to try to take down Grindlewald is unusual. And being unusual and unexpected one of their greatest strengths. And I just loved, loved, loved how Dumbledore’s plan concluded and who was holding the bag at the end.
The Secrets of Dumbledore (Fantastic Beasts 3) Conclusion
*Spoilers*
This review was harder to write. Partially because there is so much controversy over the film and the studio. Partially because people are so torn over supporting J.K. Rowling or supporting a movie that has an openly gay lead. But also, because it seemed like it was trying to tie up the second movies many stories and just wasn’t a super great movie because of it. It was great to see more fantastical beasts, and Newt’s reaction to them. And it was so nice to see some of Hogwarts again. Between the bits of the iconic Harry Potter score, seeing the Great Hall and the Room of Requirement, along with Hogsmeade, it felt like the filmmakers were trying to remind you of the series you loved, but it instead made me realize that those movies were a lot more enjoyable. A good movie, and I do hope that the series gets to continue, but not an amazing example of representation or an amazing movie in of itself.
Before you go, check out these other posts related to Fantastic Beasts 3:
-The 10 Best Moments and Quotes from the Harry Potter Reunion Special: Return to Hogwarts
-Fantastic Beasts the Crimes of Grindelwald discussion questions
-A New Magical School Coming to the Big Screen: Amari and the Night Brothers Book
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