Fantastic Beasts Sparks Magic on Screen
Fifteen years ago, J.K. Rowling first introduced us to the wizarding world of Harry Potter, opening the floodgate for a billion dollar movie franchise. As the world of Harry Potter came to an end, die-hard fans found themselves in mourning over the conclusion of their beloved franchise that they’ve come to love and care for. However, on the horizon dawned a new (well, old) age of the wizarding world…Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them takes place seventy years before the times of Harry Potter in the mid-20s. Our main character New Scamander (Oscar winner Eddie Redmayne, The Theory of Everything), a young British wizard with a knack for caring for magical creatures that exist among the world, all within a (not so) tiny leather suitcase, finds himself in New York City amid turbulent times. Mysterious disasters have been taking place throughout the city due to the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp), and the relationship between the Muggle world and the wizarding world is tenser than ever. However, when Newt’s suitcase full of monsters is lost and leads to the escape of several of his creatures, Newt will be sent all over New York to find them before they create too much havoc on the city.
While Harry, Ron, and Hermione are sorely missed, the world is ready for the age of Fantastic Beasts and Newt Scamander. While the film does go back in time, many characters and topics from the original Harry Potter films are touched upon, making it a puzzle of sorts that is finally being pieced together on screen. And trust me, Harry Potter fans are quaking in their boots, wand in hand, over these revelations. Eddie Redmayne was an excellent choice for the role of Newt, demonstrating a character that is shy and quirky, yet witty and willing to stand up for what he believes in. The special effects as usual were incredible, making us all envious of such a magical world.
Despite there not being any books to follow for this film (J.K. Rowling did write the screenplay, however), it still stands on its own despite being tied into the world of Harry Potter. It will be interesting to see where this new era in the wizarding world takes us, and if all the films will continue to be just as compelling as the first one.
Grade: B+
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Review by Dylan Tracy
