(spoiler free)
In 2016 author extraordinaire J.K. Rowling showed audiences everywhere that there is much more to her wizarding world than just Harry Potter. With spin-off ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ she introduced us to Newt Scamander, a young wizard with a suitcase full of fantastical creatures, played brilliantly by Eddie Redmayne. Two years on and Rowling is back with the next installment of her new prequel story but would she be able to recreate the magic of her previous writing or should this series’ next trick be a disappearing act?
‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ shows us more of the wider wizarding world than ever before as audiences get to witness the magical community in previously unseen locations. Similar to the latter Harry Potter films and the first in this prequel series this is really refreshing, giving the story freedom in that it’s not confined to the walls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. However, the film does take us back to this iconic setting which brings with it a wealth of nostalgia but also development for the story this film tells. The film expertly juggles the new story with the return to Hogwarts as well as the use of the titular ‘Fantastic Beasts’. The stakes are much higher than the first film and as a whole the series really feels like it’s gaining momentum and building towards something big. At times it is a little challenging to keep up with. It’s hard to know what we’re already meant to be aware of and what is new information resulting in casual Potter fans potentially struggling with some aspects of the story. Nonetheless, it sheds light on elements from Rowling’s original series and whilst it also raises many new questions it does this in a way that provokes a curiosity amongst its viewers which will leave them eager for more.
The beasts that this series focuses on continue to showcase Rowling’s creativity and imagination. The designs of which do vary in quality but they are always woven into the story well with fan favourites from the first film making their welcome return alongside a whole new herd of crazy creatures! On occasion though it does feel like there’s just too many special effects in play here with certain moments crying out for the use of practical effects instead. However as a result of these same effects the spells and magic created always look superb. In comparison to the first film this installment maybe doesn’t have as many memorable action sequences featuring the beasts but it is paced so well that this isn’t an issue. The narrative is full of intrigue, complimented by some great comedy and it provides effective emotion in the correct amounts which all combine together making the running time feel quicker than a lap of the Quidditch pitch on a Nimbus 2000!
As impressive as these fantastic beasts are though it’s Rowling’s characters and writing which consistently prove most intriguing and entertaining to watch. Eddie Redmayne returns in the lead role as Newt. Redmayne is truly wonderful in this role, making Newt, the most unlikeliest of heroes, just so likeable, and even more than first time around. Here we see the development of his character, through comedy and emotion and Redmayne nails it offering a solid focal point in quite a crowded ensemble. As would be expected it’s not just the magical creatures from the first film that return but the majority of the characters we were introduced to in the series opener are back on our screens for this sequel too. Dan Fogler (Jacob), Alison Sudol (Queenie) and Ezra Miller (Credence) all continue to contribute well to the story proving great additions to the cast. There are lots of new cast members too though, with Jude Law’s turn as Albus Dumbledore probably being the most anticipated of them all. He doesn’t have masses of screen time but he portrays Dumbledore in a way that feels authentic to the character we know and love whilst still accounting for the much younger version of the character that he portrays. Otherwise, Callum Turner impresses as Theseus Scamander, Newt’s brother. Theseus’s involvement in the story gives Newt some more depth and Turner & Redmayne have a super chemistry that makes this relationship fascinating and fun to watch.
Conversely from the almost entirely positive work of the performers present one casting choice has proved most problematic for the sequel, that of Johnny Depp as villainous wizard, Grindelwald. Unfortunately his performance doesn’t remedy the skepticism and disappointment that many film fans held after his brief appearance at the end of the first film. His portrayal of the villian is the weakest element of the film and he fails to fill the shoes that Colin Farrell’s excellent turn as Percival Graves left for him in the original movie. Depp has none of the presence that Graves, or Ralph Fiennes’ Voldemort had and although Grindelwald is a different character Depp simply doesn’t contribute anything that made those previous villains work so well. He puts a little too much Depp into his performance to begin with alluding to a more pantomime style villian, he does tone this down as the film progresses but then just becomes dull and un-engaging – of which I’m not sure which is worse. His character also utters the most jarring line of dialogue in the whole film, one which I’m utterly amazed came from or made it past Rowling without cause for concern – it’s eye rolling to say the least.
Despite this noticeably weak addition to the ensemble though, he’s serviceable for the furthering of the story and the abundance of other more skillfully executed characters effortlessly pick up the slack. With this sequel, Rowling continues to amaze and mystify with her spellbinding story telling which holds such attention to detail and wonder. Her vision has been successfully transitioned to screen by Harry Potter veteran, director David Yates. This chapter brings with it drama, humour and emotion which make the story it tells mesmerising to watch and the future plot threads that it’s carefully setting up all the more alluring. The Crimes of Grindelwald, fantastic by name, fantastic by nature.
Written by Hamish Calvert
Rating – 8/10
Question: Who do you think is the best cast character from a Wizarding World film?
(Leave your answers in the comments section below!)
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Thanks to Movie House Cinemas for screening access
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