Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Movie Review

When director David Yates concluded the “Harry Potter” series in 2011, I am sure he never expected to be returning to that same cinematic universe just five years later.  Earlier this year Yates brought another novel to the big screen with “The Legend of Tarzan”, although that was met with a lukewarm reception, I am sure that “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will rake in the dough worldwide. Four sequels are already planned. Knowing the business, I wouldn’t be surprised if they take the fifth film and split it in two.

“Fantastic  Beasts” is essentially a prequel to the “Harry Potter” series. Although you will hear a few familiar name-drops, J.K. Rowling wisely decided to focus on brand new characters (rather than a story on how Harry Potter’s parents met or what Snape was like growing up.) Even better, is that “Fantastic Beasts” is set in 1926 New York rather than London.  The new setting is actually a bigger deal than I initially expected.

The story centers on Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), a wizard who has been traveling the globe and rescuing magical creatures.  He keeps the creatures in his magical leather case. Trouble ensues when Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) a No-Maj (American for Muggle) accidentally lets some of the beasts loose on the city.  When former Auror Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) tries to bring in Newt in hopes to regain her position as an investigator, her plan backfires.  Now Newt, Tina, and Jacob must work together to try and locate the various beasts which are hiding in the city.

One of the drawbacks of this being the first in a five film series is that we are introduced to a whole lot of characters that feel crammed in.   As if locating these beasts wasn’t hard enough, the heroes must deal with dark forces which might be in the form of Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) or a fanatical faction known as the Second Salemers who want to eradicate all wizards.

There is so much to enjoy in “Fantastic Beasts”, it is absolutely beautiful and the score is intoxicating.  At times it does feel a bit long, but even some of the best installments in the “Harry Potter” series had that issue.  Redmayne is as great as you would expect in the leading role, but it is Fogler and Alison Sudol as Tina’s sister Queenie who are the scene stealers here.  I can’t wait to see more of them in the future. If you were a fan of the “Harry Potter” films, then “Fantastic Bests” is for you.

By: Marc Ferman