Harry Potter fans have long thirsted for more stories from the wizarding world. Why else would pottermore.com – a website which offers short tidbits on everything in the universe exist?
2016 has been a great year for fans of the series. In July Harry Potter fanatics lined up outside bookstores for hours to get their hands on the ‘eighth’ story in the Harry Potter series and a script- Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. And just last week Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them hit cinemas across the globe – to the glee of many Harry Potter fans.
Eddie Redmayne as the adorably awkward Newt Scamander
The film follows magizoologist – Newt Scamander on his chaotic adventures through New York. Of course there are plenty of magical beasts involved – beasts which will give you the warm fuzzies and some which are sure make you snort with laughter. However the film is about so much more than just magical creatures- and this is where things get complicated. There are a lot of things going on in this film – which at times makes it difficult to follow as there is precious little time to flesh out the more complex things in one film.
Luckily – it’s not enough that fans will be disappointed with the film. The characters are quite likeable. Newt (Eddie Redmayne) is particularly awkward and Jacob (Dan Fogler) – a nomaj and a baker provides refreshing comic relief throughout the film. Tina (Katherine Waterson) an Auror who seems to be forever fighting for ‘the greater good’ and her sister Goldie (Alison Sudol) is a flirtatious mind reader and is instantly admirable. Less notable however are Colin Farrel as Graves and Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone – whose performances felt a little forced.
Gotta catch em all’. Jacob and Newt = the ultimate beast hunting team.
The best moments in this film are when Newt, Jacob, Goldie and Tina are chasing down the beasts – as these lighthearted sequences are most reminiscent of Harry Potter. However as with Harry Potter there is plenty of darkness and evil dispersed through this film – which presumably will carry the narrative in the film through the next four films. There are also plenty of references to the Harry Potter universe which fans will be able to relate to – despite the fact the film is set decades before the events of Harry Potter.
A Demiguise – one of many fantastic beasts in the film.
So what’s the final verdict?
Whilst this film feels a little cluttered there are plenty of moments rescue it. There are some amazing effects used through the film. There are plenty of Harry Potter references which will make fans feel nostalgic. The beasts included in this film are also so personable they COULD be real – which I think is pretty cool. Considering this is J.K Rowling’s debut as a screenwriter it is truly an admirable effort and one that is sure to be enjoyed by Harry Potter fans across the globe.
I’m rating this film 4/5 stars.
Brylie and Books 