Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Quite literally fresh off the boat to the States, writer Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) finds himself caught up in prohibition era New York’s secret community of Wizards and Witches whilst on a quest of his own to learn about some of the magical beasts of North America. Crossing paths with non-maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and sisters Tina and Queenie (Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol) the game is afoot to find some of Newt’s escaped beasts, meanwhile a darkness that seems to be encroaching into New York may or may not be related to what Newt is seeking. Setting things right before it’s too late is of the utmost importance.
Directed by David Yates and written by creator J.K. Rowling this setup of the U.S. magical world falls in perfect lockstep with what Harry Potter fans have already come to accept as “normal” and to that end works as an abbreviated primer in wizardry and magical creatures. Following Rowling’s formula of several short stories with an overlaying arc this series appears to be no different, who says’s lightning doesn’t strike twice? Fans will clearly find the love they seek in this latest installment; although, Redmayne’s coquettish performance as Newt does seem rather close to several of his standout performances from last year, and Collin Farrell’s performance as the dark investigator Graves is almost as type cast as they come, it’s hard to fault an actor for having a niche, but, one would hope they do have to stretch from time to time; alas, this does not rob the film of its charm, the fantasy continues, as will the success no doubt. Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is rated PG-13.