Review: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

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Is that all that is in your case?

Writer Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) had every intention of laying low during his trip to New York City, but when he accidentally switches suitcases with No-Maj (what Americans call Muggles) Mr. Kowalski, (Dan Folger) he ends up opening his case and letting several magical beasts escape. While the newly demoted Auror Tina (Katherine Waterston) attempts to help Newt and Kowalski, another Auror Graves (Colin Farrell) is lurking in the shadows and trying to groom a young man named Credence (Ezra Miller) into helping him find something.

The Harry Potter universe means everything to me. I went through a period of not liking to read leisurely, then when I picked up those books they instantly brought me back into that grove. Fantastic Beasts may not capture the magic the way the original films did, but it definitely brings back a lot of nostalgia. 

The story is thankfully more about just catching missing creatures, and the more serious story surrounding Credence is by far the most interesting. Ezra Miller gives the best performance in this film and seeing the Wizarding world through the eyes of muggles is an interesting touch. Redmayne was a very capable lead, even though I was beginning to get a little annoyed at how Newt never looks anyone straight on.

There were a few unneeded side stories, like that of a newspaper editor's son wanting to impress his family, but thankfully those don't take up too much time. The special effects in this movie stand out. I'll be shocked if this doesn't receive an Oscar nomination. 

Recommended: Yes

Grade: B

Memorable Quote: "Why did you keep me around, anyways?" - Mr. Kowalski (Dan Folger)

Comments

  1. KatyDecember 11, 2016 at 3:31 PM

    Nice review! Ezra Miller was so awesome in this movie. I'm not sure I'd be too interested in the sequel if it weren't for him/his character. It'll be exciting to see where they go with it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 11, 2016 at 10:47 PM

      I'm still trying to figure out how they'll get 5 movies out of this.

      Delete
  2. BirgitDecember 11, 2016 at 9:01 PM

    Great review of a movie I want to see. I agree with you boy the OSCARS.

    ReplyDelete
  3. MyerlaDecember 12, 2016 at 5:19 AM

    Yeah. They overplayed Newt's awkwardness to the extent it was a little bit annoying. Did enjoy the film, but like you felt there were too many subplots

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 12, 2016 at 7:52 PM

      I think it was Sati who said she wondered if maybe Newt was blind at one point, I totally get what she was saying now. It's just awkward.

      Delete
  4. UnknownDecember 12, 2016 at 8:16 AM

    Considering how much I can't stand Eddie Redmayne most of the time, I was pleasantly surprised with him in this! I always feel like this comes across sarcastic when I say it, but this movie was visually stunning! It's always nice to return to the wizarding world :)
    - Allie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamDecember 12, 2016 at 7:51 PM

      Nah, I can tell your sarcasm! I like Redmayne, his thirst for the Oscar consistently makes me lol. Dude was shameless about it.

      Delete
  5. s.December 14, 2016 at 1:00 PM

    I liked Ezra in this but whatever was going on with his hair was distracting. The actors playing Queenie and Kowalski stole the show for me

    ReplyDelete

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