amazon Fantastic Beasts reviews
If you have ever been fascinated with the magic that the wizarding world of Harry Potter brought in the previous movies, sure Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will bring you more interesting and different emotions.
At the time when the movie project Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them was publicized, the fans of Harry Potter around the world had a certain disbelief and worried that this would be just one title. The film … can not overcome the image so big that Harry Potter has left in the hearts of the audience. However, it is true that Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them has brought a relatively new experience for viewers and make sure this experience is somewhat more interesting and different than Harry Potter quite a lot.
Before going into the analysis of the uniqueness of this film, please shorten the name of the film back to Fantastic Beasts as the title of the article to help the long line. As you can see, the lengthy name of the film, in line with the textbook that Harry Potter had learned, was somewhat different from the characters in the movie itself.
In the movie, the audience will follow the wizard Newt Scamander (played by Eddie Redmayne) to New York City. Here, a series of strange events took place, threatening the peace of the city residents with the secrets of the wizarding world and Newt and the mysterious creatures that he carried in his suitcase. I am blamed for the above trouble. Along with his companion, former goddess Porpentina Goldstein and muggle man Jacob Kowalski, Newt will have to find a way to vindicate the rare creatures he carries.
If Harry Potter had impressed the audience by creating a world full of surprises, there are always things that make the audience surprised and excited like strange mantras, pots of poison In Fantastic Beasts, you can also find this strange, wonderful feeling, only that they focus on the creature more than about Mantra.
Newt’s journey is quite rushed with relatively fast, rampaging circumstances that drive the viewer from surprise. You will surely have to laugh when you see the cute animals, playfully mischievous guy everywhere or admire the area of animals are extremely wonderful Newt. The more interesting thing is that when you suddenly realize that this guy owns the rare animals that if sold on the black market, they are almost worth a fortune.
where can you get a Fantastic Beasts online
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: Buy it now
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD UltraViolet Combo Pack): Buy it now
Although it is a surprise, but it should also be objectively commented that the circumstances are embedded in the film is not closely linked so sometimes the audience will be able to see that the film is quite rampant.
Young Newt sorcerer is well represented under the actor Eddie Redmayne. We are going to see a handsome but relatively eccentric sorceress, differently, and it looks like Eddie Redmayne is well suited to such eccentric roles like this, his relatively good performance in Danish Girl is The most obvious example.
Along with Newt on the journey are the goddess Goldstein and the muggle maniac Kowalski acts as a fool, jokingly to create humorous situations. Dan Fogler’s Kowalski does not have to argue when he has brought a lot of laughs to his eyes. Only regrettably, the goddess Gildein, played by Katherine Waterston, faded away, leaving no impression on viewers.
The rest of the cast is also not very much because of the relatively small amount of appearances and the characters are not very cohesive. It’s hard to blame because the title is Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, so audiences must learn and follow more mysterious creatures rather than follow the witches.
One interesting thing that I wanted to reveal about the cast was the appearance of Johnny Depp as the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald. Personally, I find that the way that Grindelwald appears in the film is quite a must, but the character’s appearance is relatively cool and suits Johnny Depp. This veteran actor is not talked much, so maybe we have to wait until later to find out if he really fit into this great dark wizard role.
Plot Summary
The plot of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is driven by the arrival of Newt Scamander in New York City. Newt is on a global journey to document magical creatures for his book, which is destined to become a standard textbook at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Upon arriving in New York, a series of unfortunate events leads to some of his magical creatures escaping from his enchanted suitcase, causing chaos in the city.
Newt’s attempts to recapture his escaped creatures bring him into contact with several key characters:
- Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston): A demoted Auror who arrests Newt but soon becomes his ally.
- Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler): A No-Maj (non-magical person, or Muggle) who accidentally gets involved in Newt’s adventure and provides much of the film’s comic relief.
- Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol): Tina’s sister, who has the ability to read minds and forms a bond with Jacob.
- Percival Graves (Colin Farrell): A high-ranking Auror with a mysterious agenda.
Amidst the chaos, a darker plot unfolds involving a dangerous dark force called an Obscurus, which is linked to a young orphan named Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller). Credence is being manipulated by Graves, who is later revealed to be the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) in disguise.
The film culminates in a dramatic showdown between the magical authorities and Grindelwald, with Newt and his friends playing crucial roles. By the end, Newt has successfully recaptured his creatures and resolved the immediate threat posed by Grindelwald, setting the stage for future adventures.
Character Analysis
- Newt Scamander: Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Newt is endearing and quirky. Newt is depicted as a compassionate and slightly awkward individual, deeply devoted to the creatures he studies and protects. Redmayne’s performance brings a unique charm to the character, making Newt both relatable and intriguing.
- Tina Goldstein: Katherine Waterston’s Tina is a complex character, initially portrayed as stern and by-the-book, but she gradually reveals her warmth and dedication to justice. Tina’s character arc, from an isolated figure to a key ally of Newt, adds depth to her role.
- Jacob Kowalski: Dan Fogler’s Jacob is the heart of the film, providing a grounding presence amid the magical chaos. Jacob’s wide-eyed wonder and humorous reactions to the wizarding world make him an audience surrogate, and his chemistry with Queenie is particularly delightful.
- Queenie Goldstein: Alison Sudol brings a breezy charm to Queenie, whose Legilimency (mind-reading ability) is both a blessing and a burden. Queenie’s open-hearted nature and her romantic subplot with Jacob add an emotional layer to the film.
- Credence Barebone: Ezra Miller’s Credence is a tragic figure, abused and manipulated, struggling with his identity and power. Miller’s portrayal is haunting, capturing Credence’s vulnerability and latent power.
- Gellert Grindelwald/Percival Graves: Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp each bring their own menace to the role of the dark wizard. Farrell’s Graves is enigmatic and authoritative, while Depp’s Grindelwald is more flamboyant and sinister. The revelation of Grindelwald’s true identity sets up a larger conflict for future films.
Performances
The performances in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” are a significant strength of the film. Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander is particularly notable for his nuanced portrayal of a character who is both socially awkward and deeply passionate about his work. Redmayne’s ability to convey Newt’s empathy for magical creatures and his discomfort in social situations makes him an engaging and sympathetic protagonist.
Katherine Waterston’s Tina Goldstein starts off as a more reserved and cautious character but evolves throughout the film. Waterston’s performance captures Tina’s inner conflict and her gradual warming up to Newt and his unconventional methods.
Dan Fogler provides a standout performance as Jacob Kowalski. His comedic timing and genuine reactions to the magical world are a highlight of the film. Fogler’s Jacob is not just a source of humor but also brings heart to the story, especially through his interactions with Queenie.
Alison Sudol’s portrayal of Queenie Goldstein is captivating. Her ability to balance Queenie’s playful, flirtatious side with her serious and protective nature adds depth to her character. The chemistry between Sudol and Fogler is palpable and adds an endearing romantic subplot to the film.
Ezra Miller’s Credence Barebone is a tragic and complex character, and Miller’s performance is both powerful and poignant. The sense of desperation and suppressed rage that Miller brings to Credence makes his storyline one of the most compelling aspects of the film.
Colin Farrell and Johnny Depp bring different flavors to the character of Grindelwald. Farrell’s Graves is intense and mysterious, while Depp’s Grindelwald, revealed at the end, sets up a larger, more theatrical villain for the series’ future installments.
Visual Effects and Cinematography
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” excels in its visual effects and cinematography. The film’s depiction of 1920s New York City, infused with magical elements, is visually stunning. The blend of historical and fantastical elements creates a unique aesthetic that sets the film apart from the Harry Potter series.
The design and animation of the magical creatures are particularly impressive. Each creature, from the mischievous Niffler to the majestic Thunderbird, is brought to life with intricate detail and personality. The visual effects team deserves commendation for creating creatures that are both believable and enchanting.
The cinematography by Philippe Rousselot captures the grandeur and mystery of the magical world. The use of light and shadow, particularly in scenes involving Credence and the Obscurus, enhances the film’s darker tones. The camera work in action sequences is dynamic and engaging, keeping the audience immersed in the unfolding drama.
Themes and Messages
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” explores several themes that resonate throughout the film. One of the central themes is the importance of understanding and protecting nature, represented by Newt’s dedication to magical creatures. Newt’s belief that even the most misunderstood and feared creatures deserve compassion reflects a broader message about empathy and conservation.
The film also delves into themes of identity and acceptance. Credence’s struggle with his identity and the persecution he faces mirrors real-world issues of marginalization and discrimination. The portrayal of the Obscurus as a manifestation of repressed magic and emotions serves as a metaphor for the destructive consequences of denying one’s true self.
The theme of authoritarianism is introduced through the character of Grindelwald, who seeks to impose his vision of a superior wizarding race over Muggles. This sets the stage for future films to explore the battle against dark forces that seek to divide and dominate.
Humor and Emotional Depth
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” balances its darker themes with moments of humor and emotional depth. Jacob Kowalski’s character provides much of the comic relief, with his reactions to the magical world and his interactions with Newt and Queenie. The film’s humor is often light-hearted and charming, adding a sense of whimsy to the adventure.
The emotional depth of the film is enhanced by the relationships between characters. The bond between Newt and his creatures, the growing friendship between Newt and Tina, and the romantic subplot between Jacob and Queenie all contribute to the film’s heartwarming moments. Credence’s tragic storyline adds a layer of poignancy, highlighting the film’s ability to blend light and dark tones effectively.
World-Building and Expansion of the Wizarding World
One of the most exciting aspects of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is its expansion of the wizarding world. By setting the film in 1920s New York, the story introduces new magical laws, institutions, and cultural dynamics. The Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) and the differences between American and British magical societies provide a fresh perspective on the wizarding world.
The film also introduces a variety of magical creatures, each with its own unique characteristics and significance. These creatures add depth to the lore of the Harry Potter universe and provide opportunities for future exploration in subsequent films.
Musical Score
The musical score for “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” composed by James Newton Howard, plays a crucial role in creating the film’s atmosphere. The score combines whimsical, adventurous themes with darker, more ominous motifs to reflect the film’s tonal shifts.
Howard’s music captures the sense of wonder and excitement associated with Newt’s magical creatures while also conveying the tension and danger of the unfolding plot. The use of leitmotifs for specific characters and creatures adds a layer of emotional depth to the film, enhancing the audience’s connection to the story.
Conclusion
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a captivating addition to the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling. With its rich world-building, engaging characters, and stunning visual effects, the film successfully expands the magical universe while introducing new elements and themes. Eddie Redmayne’s portrayal of Newt Scamander, supported by a strong cast, brings a fresh and endearing protagonist to the forefront.
The film’s exploration of themes such as acceptance, understanding, and the protection of nature adds depth to its fantastical narrative. Despite some criticisms regarding plot complexity and pacing, the overall reception of the film was positive, and its commercial success solidified its place as the beginning of a promising franchise.
As the first installment in a planned series, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” sets the stage for further adventures and deeper explorations of the wizarding world. It offers a blend of humor, heart, and magic that appeals to fans old and new, ensuring that the legacy of the Harry Potter universe continues to enchant audiences around the world.