Since 1992
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(Warner Bros. Pictures)
By Lucas Allen
There’s no shortage of magic in the wizarding world of J.K. Rowling. With Harry Potter making a comeback on stage, the billion-selling author sets her sights on writing a new series of movies centering on a different part of this universe that wasn’t explored in any of the previous novels and films.
Taking place about 70 years before Potter’s enrollment into Hogwarts, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” gives fans old and new an introduction to a new series in the same vein as the original “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.”
It’s directed by David Yates, who previously directed the later, darker installments in the series. Arriving in 1926 New York City, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) brings along his special case of unusual creatures. But he came in at a very bad time because an unknown monster is already terrorizing the citizens.
But more problems arose when some of his creatures started escaping and causing havoc, first catching the attention of a non- wizard (or No-Maj) named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and then Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterson), who’s an ex- agent of a secret society of wizards and witches called MACUSA. With the society’s president Seraphina Picquery (Carmen Ejogo) and head wizard Percival Graves (Colin Farrell) suddenly hunting them, the three of them along with Porpentina’s sister Queenie (Alison Sudol) work together to recover the lost creatures and also solve the mystery of the unknown monster.
Soon enough, the mystery deepens involving Graves, an anti-magic activist named Mary Lou (Samantha Morton) and her adopted son Credence (Ezra Miller). What they’ll discover will change the course of the wizarding world as we know it.
If you’re coming in fresh without reading the books or seeing the other movies, you’ll be confused by some of the terminology of the magic and creatures involved in this story. But if you just want a fun fantasy adventure, then you’ll have an enjoyable good time especially in eye-popping 3D.
In fact, much of it feels like a theme park ride that both kids and adults will certainly have a great time. It is a fun movie to watch similar to the first Harry Potter film, but it has pacing issues that could’ve been fixed in later stages of editing.
The first act feels very quick, while the second act is surprisingly slow before things pick up in the final act. However, the combination of amazing-looking creatures and some stunning effects helps keep the entertainment value afloat. Plus, some of the creatures like the jewelry-thieving porcupine, the size-changing dragon and the little baby tree kinda like Groot from Guardians of the Galaxy are an all-ages delight.
Redmayne leads the charge as the shy but very likable Scamander, who is pretty much like Doctor Who with his long scarf and his suitcase that acts as his Tardis. Fogler plays well as the comedic relief, while Farrell plays a very intimidating villain.
It’s worth noting that another villain, an evil wizard named Grindelwald (played by a no-name famous actor), will be this franchise’s Voldemort. It may be too cute for its own good, but “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” works as an escape from the holiday stress. Even without the famous boy wizard, fans will eat it all up before begging for more. Fortunately, you, too, will want more of these films.
THE MOVIE’S RATING: PG-13 (for some fantasy action/violence)
THE CRITIC’S RATING: 3.25 stars (out of four)
