In 2011 I never dreamed that I would be back at the cinema in just a few years watching another Harry Potter installment. If someone told 2011 me that in 2016 Harry Potter would be big again I more than definitely would not have believed them, I would've thought them cruel for teasing me so, yet here we are. This is exactly how it felt to watch Fantastic Beasts as a life long Harry Potter fan:
1. Surreal
Walking into the theatre knowing I was about to watch a movie about the wizarding world certainly didn't feel real at first. To go to a premiere again, to be among the people who feel the same way. It was nothing short of surreal.
2. Nostalgic
When the WB logo showed up on screen I started crying, my heart felt too big for my chest and it felt like I was transported back to the past again. Seeing that on the big screen for the first time in years, knowing it was new content to become enthralled with, it just made me feel so nostalgic all over.
3. Awe-inspiring
The movie itself was so breathtaking, as usual. The effects, the acting. I would go far enough to say it was better than the other movies (that's because movies can never be better than the books). The visuals and endless ideas left me awestruck.
4. Meaningful
Harry Potter always comes with meaningful life lessons, so don't think for a second this installment didn't. It was great to be able to find those meaningful moments and really take them into my heart.
5. Heart warming
The characters, the story, the fantastic beasts...all of it was so heart warming in different places, just like Harry Potter stories are supposed to be.
6. Magical
I wouldn't ever leave this one out. It did feel magical, it totally does feel magical because it's Harry Potter and it's the universe all of us fans crave to continuously learn more about. There were the moments that were heart warming, or awe-inspiring, and there were the moments that were just plain magical. Those are the moments that make being a fan so worth it.
7. Home
Finally, watching this movie felt a lot like coming home to Hogwarts, to the wizarding world...it was like coming home. I've always said Hogwarts is my home, and I mean it. And even if the film doesn't take place at Hogwarts, it didn't make it feel any different. So I laughed and cried and now I can't wait for the next one. 2011 me is so happy right now, 2016 me is too!