When a money-making film franchise ends, a studio is usually
at a loss. Wondering whether to create a new series or continue the
existing one is something many executives have had to ponder. Considering
how huge the ‘Harry Potter’ brand name is, it was a no-brainer it would
continue in some form. ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ arrives
as an answer to the studio’s prayers. A prequel to the ‘Harry Potter’
series and based on J.K. Rowling’s book, it will no doubt extend the money machine
for a while yet.
Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is a shy wizard arriving in
1920’s New York. An employee of the British Ministry of Magic, he has
been sent to uncover more spells and creatures for his homeland. Meeting
Porpentina (Katherine Waterson), a boisterous witch keen on enhancing her
powers, Newt becomes involved with a myriad of spell-binding mayhem. With
goblins, ghosts and even scarier politicians on his tail, Newt has to work hard
to ensure his mission is a success.
Directed by ‘Harry Potter’ regular David Yates, ‘Fantastic
Beasts’ is a muddled brew. Whilst the imaginative CGI is incredible and
the performances are fine, the story and atmosphere is flat. For a movie
wanting to begin a potential franchise ‘Fantastic Beasts’ goes the wrong way
about it. Dour, gloomy and wallowing in misery, the narrative only picks
up in the last half hour. Until then it’s an endless parade of creatures for
Newt to capture with the elongated exposition tiresome.
Maybe one can blame Rowling who wrote the screenplay or
Yates who refuses to give the story much needed colour. Tonally it’s all
over the place with little to fascinate younger viewer to whom the Potter
series has been aimed. Although it has several negatives, ‘Fantastic
Beasts’ boasts a good cast. Redmayne and Waterson are solid anchors to a
tale featuring shy people banding together to defeat evil. This makes
viewing worthwhile even during the slowly paced moments, of which there are
many.
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is neither fish
nor fowl. Not as memorable as any ‘Harry Potter’ movie, it fails to fully
function as its own entity. Its last act is exciting making one wish the
previous sections were of its standards. That won’t stop sequels with the
machine sure to roll on as long as money is delivered to producer’s coffers.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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