Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them - Review

Finally, a new Harry Potter (sort of) film! It's been about 5 years since the last time we have been able to experience the Wizarding World on the big screen and expectations were high. Does Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them meet those expectations? Yes, it does. I will admit though that I went into the theatre with very high expectations and wasn't completely satisfied. I wasn't a fan of the overall storyline and Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, while entertaining, was almost impossible to hear. However, going back and rewatching it in preparation for the next installment, I can safely say that I enjoyed it much more than my original viewing. Ever have those moments where you give a film a second chance and at some point, it clicks in your head, "Wow, I really enjoy this movie."

So during my first viewing, while I still enjoyed myself, I left the theatre focusing on the negatives. Thankfully I was able to really soak in the greatness that this movie has to offer. First off, it was so nice to be back in the Wizarding World but to see it through a lens that we have never experienced before. Until now, we have only experienced the Wizarding World through the eyes of Harry Potter, meaning we have only seen the world in 1990's England. Now, we are introduced to New York City in the roaring 1920's. Muggles are called "No-Maj's" and in place of the Ministry of Magic, we have MACUSA (The Magical Congress of the United States). Little details like that make this world so fully realized.

Also, the 'Fantastic Beasts' themselves are wonderful. I really do like that they are magical variations of animals from all around the world. We have creatures that look like they could be flying the skies of Arizona, exploring the jungles of South America, we have creatures that are big, small, bright, dark, intimidating, cute, they are all great to see.

The characters were also fun too. Sure, they weren't Harry, Ron, and Hermoine, but they were really likable. Eddie Redmayne has this quirky English charm to him that makes him perfect for a movie in this universe. Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell, and Jon Voight all are great casting choices for their given characters. But the one man who stole the show was Dan Fogler as Jacob Kowalski. He brings great laughs and is a perfect character for us non-magic folk to relate to and follow along with through the story. I also like that we now have one of the main heroes as a muggle and better yet, he isn't useless. There is a great scene where Queenie (Alison Sudol) is trying to use a spell to open a door. Unfortunately, the door's lock is coated with some magic force that can't be undone. So, Kowalski simply kicks down the door. Sure, he's the comic relief, but he is a vital part to the team that this movie gives us.

Now, I should mention Johnny Depp. People hate that he is in this movie and will play Grindelwald in the sequels. Say what you will about his personal life, but he is a damn great performer. So if JK Rowling trusts him for the job, then I do.

Where Fantastic Beasts falls a tad flat is with the villain, some of the plot and unfortunately, Newt Scamander himself. Now I get it. Eddie Redmayne has recently won an Oscar and he is a famous British actor that could bring in box office numbers and is very charming. However, I dare you to watch this film and understand every single word he says. He has this very distinct acting style where he mumbles his words and sorry, it's fairly difficult to figure it out sometimes. When I rewatched it, I needed subtitles. As for the plot and the villain, you have two stories that feel like B-Plots that don't really mesh well with the much more enjoyable content with Newt, Jacob, Tina, and Queenie running around the city grabbing Newt's Fantastic Beasts. We have some dark magical force attacking random places which creates political tension between wizards and No-Majs. Also, there is a character named Credence who is a vital part of the story, but the way they explain (I say explain because they barely show) his character is not very clear and concise and Colin Farrell's character's purpose also had me confused throughout most of the story. Don't get me wrong, he's a great actor, but I had myself scratching my head a couple times and doing some double takes.

Overall, I enjoyed my time back in the Wizarding World with these new characters and for any Harry Potter fan, I think you will too. I can't wait for the sequel!