When “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows- Part 2” premiered in 2011, we [the fans] thought the magic was over. J.K. Rowling, creator and author of Harry Potter, then announced in February of 2016 the creation of “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.” This would be a book and play write (play only premiered in London, England) extension of the “Harry Potter” series, featuring Harry Potter’s son and his years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Because of this, the magic continued. And then Rowling blessed us once more. On November 18, 2016, the movie “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” premiered in theatre. This is a movie based in the 1920’s that explains how the textbook, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, would be written, which is the textbook Harry Potter and all his classmates are required to have for their Care of Magical Creatures class. “Harry Potter” fans worshipped and appreciated J.K. Rowling for introducing Harry Potter and the Wizarding World to us. She was then rejoiced for continuing it for us. As thankful as I was for all the continuations, it was important that the original magic was felt. I finally made it to the theatre to see “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” and this is how I felt...
1. "No-Majs"
In “Fantastic Beasts”, J.K. Rowling finally informs to much waiting fans what Americans call people with non-magical abilities. In Europe, as most know, they are called “muggles.” We are informed in “Fantastic Beasts” that people with non-magic abilities are called “no-majs”, as in “no-magics.” Now, I am in love with the fact that in the two different cultures there are two different names for non-wizards. I enjoy that they contrasted the two continents in this way; yet, I do not enjoy the name they came up with. To me, “no-maj” sounds like they sat around the drawing board for a few minutes and when they could not come up with anything much better, they settled on this. The term “muggle” is iconic; nothing will ever compare. Nice try, though.
2. American/No-Maj Relationships
This brings me to the subject of the relationship that Americans try to maintain with No-Majs. In Europe, the Brits keep the Wizarding World a secret but are also open to Wizard/Muggle relationships. For example, they work alongside each other, can maintain friendships, and even romantic relationships. In America, we find out it is the exact opposite; No-Maj relationships are highly discouraged. Tina (Katherine Waterston), a former Auror, warns Newt (Eddie Redmayne) that the Magical Congress of the United States of America suggests Wizards and Witches do not associate or build relationships with No-Majs. I appreciated the complete opposite opinion of how the British and how the Americans handled these relationships. It makes me wonder if it was a secret reference to how the rest of the world truly feels about Americans… but I guess J.K. Rowling is the only person who knows the answer to that question.
3. Newt Scamander's Connection with Rubeus Hagrid
One of my favorite parts of this movie was watching the beautiful parallel that was created between Newt and Hagrid. While watching Hagrid in the original eight movies, he is so gentle, kind, and loving with the magical creatures. He treats them like they are humans and speaks to and loves them as such. His face lights up when he is around them and he puts himself on their level to reach the strongest connection with them. While watching Newt with his magical creatures, it is evident that the exact same connection is supposed to be visible. Newt interacts with the creatures the same way Hagrid will. It is an amazing representation of how the author of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” wanted to show and teach compassion for these creatures through his books and was successful, proven by Hagrid’s passion for them 70 years later.
4. The Magic
This was my biggest worry when going into this movie. Being a die-hard Harry Potter fan and by the fault, a die-hard J.K. fan, it is nerve-wracking walking into a movie that could potentially affect your opinion of J.K. Rowling in a negative way. The magic is what ultimately draws the fans into the Wizarding World. The idea of the beauty of magic and something more powerful than we can control is exciting. It is exciting to read about; it is mesmerizing to watch on a massive movie theatre screen. We [the fans] needed to feel the magic we did in the first eight books and movies. Good news: We did. The magic in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” was just as beautiful, powerful, and mesmerizing as it was from the beginning. While watching, you are once again taken prisoner to the Wizarding World… a prison in which you never want to leave and beg to be held at.
All in all, this was a great movie. I have once again fallen in love with the Wizarding World and hate myself for never receiving my letter from Hogwarts at age 11. I will survive off vicariously living through reading and watching and then writing about it. I can definitely deem this as a positive, successful movie review. Let’s just say this: There are confirmed rumors that there will be four more movies after “Fantastic Beasts” … and we are will be readily awaiting every single one from now on. Let the magic live on.
