It's 1926, and the Wizarding World is in a state of panic thanks to the attacks across Europe by the evil Grindelwald and his sudden disappearance. With New York City already facing some problems thanks to mysterious attacks on No-Majs (or Muggles, as Brits refer to them as), it perhaps isn't the best time for one Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to arrive from London with a suitcase filled with bizarre animals and accidently switch it with an aspiring baker (Dan Fogler's Jacob Kowalski) at the bank. So when a good few number of these beasts – including a magpie-esque Niffler and a bird-snake hybrid Occamy – ends up escaping the case, Scamander must team up with Jacob, disgraced Auror Tina (Katherine Waterson) and her legilimen sister Queenie (Alison Sudol) in retrieving all the missing specimens once again, whilst being under threat by high-ranking Auror Percival Graves (Colin Farrell); who’s secretly trying to figure out his own quest involving a family devoted to the destruction of witchcraft. With all his animals let loose "in alien terrain surrounded by millions of the most vicious creatures on the planet" and a bigger threat at large, will the quiet and secluded Newt become the hero he may need to become?
Despite seeming like it has a few too many storylines going on for a simple Harry Potter/Pokémon mash-up (and in a way it does, as a good chunk of business involving a rich family and their aspiring senator son adds little to the overarching plot), Fantastic Beasts is thankfully a simple enough story to follow with some genuinely surprising twists and turns for its B-plot. Those hoping for plenty of animal escapades will likely be disappointed that the whole film doesn't focus entirely on said antics and the pacing does often ebb and flow to differing results, but when each and ever storyline correlates for the final act it makes the entire adventure a satisfying journey. The fun, of course, comes mostly from the creatures, with plenty of big laughs coming from Kowalski's bafflement over this strange new world and what each beast brings about, but the darker nature still compliments the light-heartedness of the main quest and the two together creates a solid main story – even if, as I said, the brief deviations towards the rich No-Majs adds very little to the overarching storyline.
In the lead role as Newt Scamander, Eddie Redmayne continues to prove to his critics that he's a solid actor. His eccentric but quiet protagonist is loveable and charming that it makes it difficult to really hate him. He does occasionally mumble his lines, but that's the only big problem he brings to the table. Katherine Waterson, on the other hand, has an unfortunate case of being a little underdeveloped as a character despite being the female lead. Her role as a disgraced Auror leaves her coming across a little stupid every time she bursts into a room in the MACUSA, and she repeatedly makes a certain upset face, but Waterson still does her best and still comes across as a likeable element. Dan Fogler is the biggest surprise, though, easily stealing every scene he's in and delivering a solid performance. He does start blending into the background as the film draws to a close – with no real impact in the climatic final battle – but also brings about the film's big emotional moment. Add to his chemistry with the lovely Alison Sudol (who also delivers), and he makes it as the film's MVP. Colin Farrell fits his menacing role well and in turn adds yet another solid performance to his resume; Ezra Miller's introverted Credence comes across as a solid counterpart to our hero's more charismatic side; Samantha Morton is menacing as the leader of the witch hate group; Carmen Ejogo makes for a fine, if underused, MACUSA President; Ron Perlman is equally underused as a shady goblin dealer, and Jon Voight turns up just remind us that sometimes he can actually turn up in good movies.
On the technical side of things, David Yates makes a massive improvement over his work back in The Legend of Tarzan. It's clear that the Wizarding World is where he can make best use of his talents, as his previous experience on the final four instalments gives him a clear understanding of the excessive CGI and magical worlds. And with some fine cinematography work from Philippe Rousselot (who's worked on many a Tim Burton production alongside this year's The Nice Guys), some stunning visual effects work from the countless production companies and excellent costume design, the technical aspects all come together to create a great-looking movie; all while revelling in James Newton Howard's main theme music. The score does often bring about the familiar tunes of Hedwig's Theme from the original franchise, but it only helps tie together the two series.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them may not be what many people were expecting from a continuation of the stories within the Wizarding World, but it certainly works as one of the better semi-prequels to ever be released. Thanks to a mostly-great cast of characters, loveable creatures and a fine story to behold, it feels so good to return to the world of Harry Potter again, even if the studios want to milk it to the ground with four sequels. But as far as ambitious franchise builders go – especially in a year with Batman V Superman, Ghostbusters and Warcraft under its wing – Fantastic Beasts is certainly one of the best ones. A really good adventure to be had. 8/10.
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