From the mind that created the world of Harry Potter, so too comes the adventure of Newt Scamander, a magi-zoologist who finds himself in New York City with a briefcase full of magical creatures. After a series of misadventures, the case opens and some creatures escape, leading to a chase around the city to recapture them.
First off, the film, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them," looks incredible. Since producers didn’t have to adhere to the confines of a book, the filmmakers went all out with visuals. The audience gets to see magical speakeasys, muggle homes mixed with magic ones and the American Ministry of Magic building; all of which brim with gorgeous visual effects that shine throughout the film.
The Beasts look exceptional as well, and the scenes spent with them in Newt’s makeshift home are truly the best parts of the film. Eddie Redmayne brings charm to the odd and socially awkward Newt, which makes rooting for him easy.
The film was never about him overcoming those traits though. Newt is a hero that embraces his flaws, and never tries to fix them, making him a likable and relatable protagonist
The entire cast is wonderful: Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Colin Farrell as Percival Graves, and Ezra Miller as Creedance are all exceptional. Fine Frenzy as the charming Queenie is also a delight, as is her subplot.
However, the movie is not without issues. It became clear early on that a “Second Salem” (as in the Salem Witch Trials) leader was important though she never manifested into a threat until halfway through the film. The film tries to build a villain but when he is revealed, it’s in a scene that makes the ending falter.
For those taking children to this film, be warned, this is a “Deathly Hallows Part 2” level of dark. The movie is more mature than past Harry Potter films, and mirrors “Toy Story 3” in the sense that it aims to grow with its audience.
There are themes of bigotry, repressed gifts, and supremacism. Past films explored such concepts, but here, they are even more potent . The film balances these moments with light ones as well, never making it a completely dreary affair.
The Wizarding World returned for a film just as good as any past Potter adventures. Some issues with the film’s villains arise, and there are moments that are mentioned but never explored for more than a moment, making the film feel cluttered.
However these Beasts have their bite, leading to a fun, visually stunning and poignant film with deep characters, lots of adventure and dark themes. Be warned, this one may be magical, but the older wizards should be the ones in attendance.
4/5 stars
Photo Courtesy of Heyday Films and Warner Bros. Pictures.
