New characters, new music, new creatures, a new decade, and a promise of continuation is what new movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” brings forward in J.K. Rowling’s newest franchising attempt. Totally separate from our beloved Harry and friends, one would wonder how successful this film will prove to be to fans worldwide due to the fact that it promises to be totally different than the wizarding world we have grown to love.
As skeptical as many are about this first film, trailers and a little background research give a little information of what to expect from it. With involvement of talented bigshots such as David Yates, Philippe Rousselot, Stuart Craig, Colleen Atwood, Tim Burke, Mark Day and J.K. Rowling herself as the creator, a viewer can expect nothing short of a beautifully filmed and executed motion picture with cohesive elements and a plotline to leave you wanting more.
“Fantastic Beasts” did deliver. With a whole new set of characters and a completely separate plotline, even those unfamiliar with the Harry Potter franchise are able to enjoy the colorful characters and the spunk and wit that Rowling and Yates bring to life on the big screen.
While the first five minutes of the movie seemed a bit predictable for the genre with our quirky hero finding himself needing to capture and rescue one of his creatures right off the bat, the storyline quickly evolved into that of dark complexity lightened with heartwarming characters and creatures who do not disappoint.
By the end of the movie, you will have grown attached to the quirks and attitudes of Eddie Redmayne’s Newt and the steadfast morality and surprising sensitivity of Katherine Waterston’s Porpentina, as well as the strange talents of Fine Frenzy’s Queenie and the unusual companionship found in Dan Fogler’s “no-maj” (read: “muggle”) character, Mr. Jacob Kowalski. The interactions between Ezra Miller’s Credence and Colin Farrell’s Percival, however, were creepy, borderline abusive and seemed slightly out of place.
You will also likely want to take home your very own suitcase of lovable and truly spectacular creatures to care for and keep as your own. The magical creatures in the film prove to be just as noteworthy as the characters. With acknowledgement to both the hazards and the benefits of being around any kind of wild creature, the film did a good job keeping consistency with each creature and how it behaves and reacts under differing circumstances.
The cinematography and special effects used in the making of this film came together beautifully and believably, both satisfying the standards set by the previous Harry Potter films, and the current film industry. The music in this movie was both perfectly fitting and beautifully composed, living up to the brilliance of the Harry Potter franchise’s scores.
While maintaining a definite separation from the story of Harry Potter and friends, fans will note subtle references and nods to characters and places existing during that time. This loosely binds the two franchises together in a clever way.
After watching the film and experiencing the plotline on the big screen, “Fantastic Beasts” very much feels like a setup of what’s to come. Throughout the movie, a mysterious bad guy is named, but is not actually introduced until the end of the movie, and some of the characters seem to be left with a little unfinished business that would not have been left if the movie were intended to be a standalone.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” came with some heavy expectations and hungry fans, and both have been satisfied upon release. This film will leave you wanting more, and waiting to add it to your personal film library.
