The first Fantastic Beasts movie was an enjoyable lark that tried to extend the popularity of the Harry Potter universe, now known as the “Wizarding World” in the all-important theme parks. The first film succeeded on both counts, introducing us to the new characters led by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterson) in this prequel cinematic series that takes place in the 1920s, long before Harry Potter was a gleam in his parents’ eyes. The second film, The Crimes of Grindelwald, focuses on the main villain, played by Jonny Depp with his usual razor sharp intensity--yet he lacks the dark menace that Colin Farrell brought to the role in the first film.
Written by Potter creator J.K. Rowling, the second film is a grimmer tale that dives right into its main story, setting up a daring prison escape for Grindelwald, who publicly claims to be merely leading a peaceful revolution against the wizards’ unfair status quo. However, Rowling drops very telling hints that show the true vicious nature of Grindelwald, revealing that he is just another power-hungry thug who’s willing to do anything, as well as killing anyone, in order to ascend to what he believes is his rightful place as leader of both the Wizard and Muggle (regular humans) worlds.
Rowling not only does a superb job in setting up her villain, but she also excels at rekindling the romance between Newt and Tina in a warm, endearing way that doesn’t feel forced or sappy. Jacob (Dan Fogler) and Queenie (Alison Sudol), whose down to earth charm nearly stole the first film, are back as well. Rowling puts them to good use here as Jacob accompanies Newt on his mission to try and find a wayward Queenie, who ran off after a spat with Jacob and is now in Paris, where she’s seriously considering joining Grindelwald’s growing army. Newt’s mission is given to him by none other than Albus Dumbledore himself, who’s a professor at the Hogwarts school.
Jude Law is perfectly cast as the younger Dumbledore. He’s as cool as a cucumber under pressure even when Newt is not. And Dumbledore wears some pretty snazzy suits in this film, making one wonder at what point did he exchange them for his wizard robes later in life. One of the complaints is that since these Fantastic Beasts films are prequels, then we already know what happens down the road if we’ve already seen the Harry Potter flicks. But there’s far more to storytelling than just knowing that happens at the end (or already knowing spoilers, for that matter)--just look at how popular biographies on real-life people are. Even though readers may know what ultimately became of a deceased historical figure, that doesn’t stop them from wanting to know about their journey.
And that’s what it’s about here, as well. J.K. Rowling has taken us on a journey through another portion of her wondrous universe. Director David Yates has done a first-rate job of not only presenting this universe in all of its glory (warts and all), but he also ably increases the tension as required, making this an enthralling film, especially in its final act. Having seen the Harry Potter films, I may know what ultimately happens, but I still very much want to see how it all goes down. So bring on the third entry in the Fantastic Beasts film series. --SF
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