Director – David Yates
Starring – Eddie Redmayne; Katherine Waterson; Dan Fogler; Alison Sudol; Ezra Miller; Colin Farrell; Zoe Kravitz; Jon Voight; Ron Perlman; Samantha Morton; Carmen Ejogo; Jenn Murray; Faith Wood–Blagrove.
Do you need to be a Harry Potter fan to enjoy this new instalment? No, you’ll enjoy it a lot, but if you are a Potterhead you’ll probably utterly adore this film from start to finish.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in 1926 as Newt Scamander (Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident…were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.
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I didn’t know what to expect going into the screening, I was a fan of the Potter films and have read the books. I can positively say we’re back into this wonderful, magical world and it’s been missed.
It’s surprisingly very funny with humour injected in the right moments and it never felt forced or unnecessary and gives you a feeling you’re supposed to enjoy yourself.
The MVP of the film is JK Rowling’s script and screenplay, you’re living inside her wonderful mind.
With this being her first film screenplay it was a bloody good job as she had to do a lot, from explaining and expanding this new universe, the rules of how America handle magic and muggles and if you could for these character without the Potter faithful.
Meanwhile, Redmayne was just playing a slightly dickish version of himself and you couldn’t hear him in some scenes as he just mumbled the way through. I did care from Newt as you see his soul focus is protecting these beasts.
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It’s the brilliant supporting cast who carries the film and you care for all of them. Folger brought a “No-Maj” point of view and was a great way to introduce us to the magical world and comedy he brought was an added bonus, but wish he kept the silly faces to a minimum.
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Then you have Waterson, who I’ve fallen in love with, and she brought a lovable, dorky personality to Tina (wish they’d say her full name of Porpentina Goldstein), but she also had a lot of strength and hope she returns to the series as she’ll be the strong female character.
On the other hand, Miller and Farrell bring the serious acting to the film and humanised the story. It shows how talented Miller is and will become and I now have no doubts about him playing Barry Allen/Flash, he’ll be great. I just wish we got more Farrell because he’s such a brilliant actor to have in his series.
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The visuals were breathtaking and beautiful and the creatures were beautiful and utterly adorable. You’ll leave wanting a Niffler.
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Finally, James Newton Howard’s score was brilliant and continued what John Williams has started and keep your ear out for the Harry Potter theme.
Verdict
We're home. An utter joyful film from start to finish with JK’s script being the MVP, the supporting cast were superb along with beautiful visuals. A must see for Potterheads and newbies.
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