Fantastic Beasts Review

Photo by MCT Campus

Set in 1920’s New York, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” perfectly incorporates the traits of the classic era with the world of magic. Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Porpentina Goldstein) and a series of magical creatures create a cast that is charming.

Newt, a magic zoologist, opens the film entering America on Ellis Island with a case full of magical creatures he has collected and is trying to protect. One of the creatures escapes shortly after he arrives, setting the adventure across New York City into motion.

The slightly socially awkward characters fit the mold for the usual Harry Potter heroes: unconventional. Newt Scamander was even thrown out of Hogwarts. Redmayne played the role to a ‘T’. His awkward mannerisms throughout the film conveyed the magic zoologist as lovable and sometimes in some need of social assistance. His odd gait and often sideways glances showed his uncomfortableness around other people. It was clear he preferred his demiguise over people.

His female partner, Porpentina Goldstein was an ex-member of the FBI for the magic world. She was awkward, just like Newt. She was a little annoying at first, but after the movie progressed her character became much more likable once she and Newt became friends.

My personal favorite, the even more awkward and fatter sidekick, Dan Folger, played this role as Jacob Kowalski, a wannabe baker living alone. He gets tangled up with Newt when the first creature escapes, and it brings him into the wizarding world. Watching the expression on his face when he got chased by a glowing rhino was the comedic relief of the film. Along with Jacob in the comedic aspect was with the Goldstein’s sister, Queenie. The skimpy blonde and the fat baker running around New York City together was very entertaining.

These adorable CGI niffler and bowtruckles, though funny-looking, were one of my favorite parts of the film. Not only were they adorable to look at, but the actors appeared to actually be talking to them. The graphics of the film made it seem realistic. It truly looked like they thought there was a giant golden eagle or a pug-sized platypus animal.

With references to Hogwarts, muggles and Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts linked well to the previous Harry Potter films. Though the plot was completely separate the similar characters, references to the former movies, and traditional evil wizard in the mix kept it similar to the rest of the franchise.This one kept close to the details which made it easier to understand. You don’t need to have seen a Harry Potter movie before to understand and enjoy this one.

One thing I enjoyed about the film that has been consistent in all the Harry Potter films is the way violence is handled. Some movies make things gory just for the sake of it. Deaths in this film were quick, but were still very clear as to what happened. I just don’t see the point of the excess scare.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” surpassed my expectations. I found myself very entertained throughout the entire movie and pleasantly surprised at the continuity between this film and the original Harry Potter films. I was once again easily sucked into wizarding world by J.K Rowling’s creation.