Harry Potter defined a generation. J.K. Rowling graced the world with her literary genius, and the magical Harry Potter series made its way into the right hands and became a movie phenomenon. Many die-hard fans, or Potterheads, thought that the world of Harry Potter would only continue to live on in the movies, books and amusement parks – until it was announced that a prequel to the series would be released as a movie.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them follows the magical zoologist Newt Scamander as he arrives in New York City in 1926 at the height of an unsettling era for the American wizarding world. With him, Scamander brings his enchanted suitcase that holds much more than what the “muggle worthy” setting brings to the surface.
As critical as one can be when approaching a new facet of the Harry Potter universe, there isn’t much to be worried about. After all, the queen herself, J.K. Rowling, wrote the script and helped produce the film. Every part of Fantastic Beasts is extraordinary, just like the rest of Rowling’s magical works.
Fantastic Beasts has it all. Not only is there comedy, – and let me tell you, there is plenty of it – but there’s an intense story that unfolds around Scamander and his new friends in the city. New York City was the perfect setting to base the story in, especially the ‘20s in general as a time period. The modern world has always had an obsession with the flare, fashion ad scandals of the ‘20s in the United States, and Rowling knew exactly what she was bringing to the table when she decided on it.
The cast makes the movie. Eddie Redmayne is incredible, and I would argue that they were very fortunate to snag him fresh off the Academy Awards buzz. The American wizards introduced are flawlessly portrayed by Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol and Colin Farrell, among others. Ezra Miller makes quite the appearance throughout the movie; however, he isn’t easily recognized because of his character’s clothes and posture. Dan Fogler plays one of us: a muggle (or a no-maj, as the Americans say). If Rowling’s incredible imagination and words couldn’t have made the film a knock-out, the cast surely did.
Rowling outdid herself, if there was ever such a way. She has single-handedly inspired so many people of all ages. Fantastic Beasts is a great beginning to whatever she has in store for this series. It was announced not long before the film’s release that Rowling has four more movies planned for the series.
So, fellow Potterheads, there’s no need to fret. Fantastic Beasts is no disappointment – would we expect anything but perfection from Rowling? Our excitement can continue for, at least, four more years. I implore you to watch it and drag every person you know to go with you to witness the magic. You won’t be able to stop yourself from laughing out loud and shedding a tear when the end comes, and you might find yourself wanting to go see it again within the week if it leaves you with the lasting need for more (like me).
