The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards 70 years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.
Director: David Yates
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol
Rated PG-13 for some fantasy action violence
After the Harry Potter film series ran its rather successful course, the final entry being “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” in 2011 – which, per Box Office Mojo, grossed over $1 billion and was the highest-earning installment of the entire series – Warner Bros. decided to tap series author J. K. Rowling for another film whose story would take place within the “Pottersphere,” as fans describe it, or, in layman terms, the same universe inhabited by the titular Harry Potter. The film would be an adaptation of Rowling’s 2001 book “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” described as being Potter’s copy of the textbook of the same found within “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” The film version has finally been released, after a four-year gap following its announcement. So, how does the film stack up to the Harry Potter series? Does it sit comfortably within the “Pottersphere,” does it act better as a standalone film, or will its four planned sequels need some serious work? To answer this question, one must first look at the movie’s general plot.
Traveling from England to the United States in 1926, wizard and magical creature enthusiast Newt Scamander – played exceptionally well by Eddie Redmayne, whose breakout performance in “Les Miserables” led to instant stardom – accidentally releases his creatures into the streets of New York City. With the help of a No-Maj, or non-magical individual, and two witches, Scamander sets out to recover the creatures.
Harry Potter fans will love “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Those unacquainted with the Pottersphere will certainly have no trouble adjusting. In fact, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a better introduction to the mythology of the Harry Potter universe than the first film adaptation, “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.” It’s not a better film, per se, but it’s certainly rooted in the knowledge of past films. Harry Potter has not been born yet, Hogwarts is mentioned but never seen, and the name Albums Dumbledore is uttered. Those unfamiliar with the Potter series are unlikely to raise an eyebrow at these references, while mythology fanatics will eat it up.
Rowling doesn’t just reiterate the story of Harry Potter, but she expands upon it. “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” introduces entirely new concepts as far as the films are concerned. But this doesn’t hurt the story or the characters. Rather, it gives them a purpose. The film’s narrative is structured in such a way that it never really becomes boring. There’s always something going on, and the character of Newt Scamander is usually at the forefront of each situation.
It’s worth noting that, even though four sequels are planned, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” doesn’t feel like the first entry to anything. Even though a majority of the characters feel like they have a place in the story, there are several – especially Graves, played by Colin Farrell – who seem to stick out in a more negative light. Audiences will likely see this character in some aspect again. Apart from this, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” largely feels like the spinoff it’s supposed to be.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” builds largely off the sheer mythology of the Pottersphere; even those who have seen all eight Harry Potter films will be pleasantly surprised here and there by the magical world surrounding the characters. Keep an eye on Newt Scamander’s suitcase. It’s not what it appears to be. The film also builds off Eddie Redmayne’s stellar performance. Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol do exceptionally well as a pair of witch siblings. The performance of Dan Fogler, who plays a No-Maj, feels forced at times, but it’s nothing too serious.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” will certainly please die-hards of the Harry Potter franchise, and Warner Bros. will probably come up with something else after the five-film series has met its end. Those unfamiliar with the workings of the Pottersphere shouldn’t fret, as “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is meant to be a standalone feature. Director David Yates, who directed four of the eight films in the Harry Potter series, proves here, once again, that he is one of the finest filmmakers working today. Not only has Yates taken on half of a gigantic film franchise loved by millions around the world, but he has also successfully guided its spinoff film to critical and commercial success. His singular vision and choice cinematography complement his ability to steer entire franchises in spectacular fashion, and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” puts his talent on sheer display.