The wizarding world has been buzzing excitedly in 2016, and our fearless leader J.K. has been actively creating. When “Cursed Child” was released, I’ll (unpopularly) admit that I was disappointed. Perhaps it was because I didn’t get to see the live stage play, but the characters seemed weak and inaccurate, the plot forced and some scenes ruined the closure of the final "Harry Potter" book. Frankly, I wish I’d never read it. However, the “Fantastic Beasts” film left me overjoyed. That is the J.K. I know and love.

Perhaps I'm a little biased. Newt is a Hufflepuff, as am I. Most of the movie involves the part of the wizarding world that fascinates me the most –its creatures. And, the movie reveals wizarding history that has been alluded to but has never been brought to life, something fanfiction authors have been struggling with for years. Not to mention, America, man! Also, I’ve just missed the excitement in my heart when Hedwig’s theme plays as the Warner Brother’s logo is shown. Perhaps you’re not completely ready to move on from “Harry Potter” (we will never truly be), but here are a few reasons why you should be willing to add to your knowledge of the wizarding world by watching “Fantastic Beasts”:

1. More Realist CGI Than the "Harry Potter" Movies

Technology has advanced. Magic feels (and looks) like even more of a reality now.

2. New Magic

All magic is incredibly cool, but we saw mostly fundamental magic at Hogwarts. Though Dumbledore is eccentric, I don’t think even he thought it was a good idea to teach kids to disapparate while leaping off skyscrapers.

3. Nifflers

I'm not spoiling anything with this, because you can spot a niffler in the trailer. One of the only successful classes Hagrid taught involved these creatures, and Harry Potter described them as “quite fluffy,” which is a totally un-Harry thing to say. In “Fantastic Beasts,” you get an even clearer picture of their disposition and magical qualities, which adds some much-needed humor.

4. A Darker Film

The "Harry Potter" books became progressively darker as each one was published, but “Fantastic Beasts” starts off dark right away. I wasn’t depressed after I came out of the movie theater (in fact, I left feeling hopeful), but I was definitely aware of clear themes and messages among the magic that reflected both America in the 1920’s and that are applicable to today.

5. A Fantastic Soundtrack

I mentioned Hedwig’s theme earlier, but besides that “Fantastic Beasts” has an entirely new sound. The music is still magical, but different, and, at times, much more American. It’s less reverent and wonder-filled, and more exciting and haunting. This personality of music is perfectly fitting for Newt, just as the other was for Harry.

6. Strong Characters

Male, female and muggle alike, J.K. has a knack for realistic, endearing characters, and she has managed to fabricate many in this movie that are completely unlike anyone we met in “Harry Potter.” Hats off to her, and to the talented actors and actresses for pulling it off so well.

7. Four More Movies to Look Forward To

That's right! J.K. Rowling has promised us five movies that follow the adventures of Newt. We have many years of happy anticipation ahead. We’re officially finished mourning.