Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them -- Quick Review

[Cos]

As an fan of the Harry Potter Movies, I wasn't sure what to make of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.

A story prequel for the Potter Series, is based in NY 1926.

• I found much of the charm that made Harry Potter Films entertaining remained intact in this new 5 part movie series. It could be partially due to story and characters, but also because Yates (who directed the last 4 potter movies) was behind the helm here.

• Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne): Portrayed a shy academic wizard, with minimal social skills, who has a profound love the magical creatures in the Wizarding World. I was afraid, to quote TROPIC THUNDER, he might go full retard, but he plays the character quite well, even if you may question his posture at times.

• I like the interaction with the "Muggle" character Jacob portrayed by Dan Fogler. He provides just the right amount of humor.

• Side note Muggle is called NO-MAJ by the US Magic World, it didn't sound that great on screen LOL

• As the Title states: fantastic beasts, and there are a lot of them, most are portrayed very well on screen. Each has their own personality and they are fun and interesting. My personal favorite being the kleptomaniac platypus.

• This was an enjoyable film, though a tad on the long side (2H:20min). I also enjoyed the references to other Potter Films.

The story is basic, the acting is above average, but I think the weakness is in the character development of the villain. There is just not much there and then they throw the surprise at the end, which is not that much of a surprise. (NO SPOILER HERE)

3.5/5 Stars

Sound is quite good in an Atmos Theater with the larger monsters.

 

[rojo]

Klepto platypus? You mean a niffler?

I'm more a fan of the books than the movies. After Chamber of Secrets, although I watched the movies, I just couldn't get over how much more clever the stories were in the books.

But I'm highly looking forward to seeing this flick. There's not a book that tells this story more clever than the movie, because I don't think this story has been told yet (unless I missed something on Pottermore or similar). I must add to my knowledge of the Harry Potter canon, even if the villain has weak character development.

Now, what'd I do with my giant nerd pin?

 

[Cos]

Klepto platypus? You mean a niffler?

I'm more a fan of the books than the movies. After Chamber of Secrets, although I watched the movies, I just couldn't get over how much more clever the stories were in the books.

But I'm highly looking forward to seeing this flick. There's not a book that tells this story more clever than the movie, because I don't think this story has been told yet (unless I missed something on Pottermore or similar). I must add to my knowledge of the Harry Potter canon, even if the villain has weak character development.

Now, what'd I do with my giant nerd pin?

I agree with you that the books are significantly better than the movie. One part that really annoyed me is the ending of Deathly Hallows 2 in how they handled Dumbledore's and Harry's wand.

As for Fantastic Beasts and were to find them, it is based off her Potter text book which was written in 2001 Author Newt Scamander. So it is a completely original story for the movie.

Sorry obviously Newt is JK forgot to include that

 

[3db]

I agree with everything Cos stated after watching it at the theatre last night. I think Creedance got a bum rap and I'm surprised at how cold the president is when compared to the Harry Potter series.

 

[Speedskater]

While the plot seems to be the same as other movies that I have seen with the grand-kids, the amount CGI work is amazing.

 

[j_garcia]

Saw it last night. I agree with Cos. I found it to be entertaining but very much lacking in story. I think kids might enjoy it, but it was average fare to me, like most of the kids movies we watched this year. Awesome sound, great visuals, but no story. Yes, it is setting up the new franchise, but usually you want to get people hooked with a big opener and this one fell a bit flat.

I'd call it "Fantastic Beasts and how to cash in on a franchise". The studio probably asked for a new cash cow and this one is slated for a total of 5 movies - not off to a good start IMO.

They had a screening of Moana at the theater we were at - should have gone to watch that maybe.