Read Johnny's review of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is the second of five all new adventures in the Wizarding World™ created by J.K. Rowling. At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is in theaters on November 16th, 2018.
In the sequel to the successful 2016 spin off, Fantastic Beasts is back with its next installment.
But is it going to put a spell on you like its predecessor? Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne)
reprises their role and it welcomes the infamous Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law). The group of
wizards attempts to stop the dark wizard Grindelwald‘s (Johnny Depp) plan of raising pure-
blood wizards to rule over all non-magical beings. Dumbledore recruits his former student Newt
to fight against Grindelwald because he cannot move against him.
The story tests love and loyalty among the friends and family. The wizarding world is becoming
increasingly divided and it is up to Newt and his friends to put an end to Grindelwald’s
malicious plans. Many of the beloved characters from the first film are back with more comedy
and emotion. The Crimes of Grindelwald takes a seemingly darker approach compared to its
predecessor. A mysterious new plot is teased that reveals the true identity of Credence
Barebone (Ezra Miller). Unfortunately the reveal is lackluster and if you’re a fan of the series
you are only going to have more questions.
The film shines in giving the audience backstories for characters they didn’t know they needed.
Despite the controversy around Nagini (Claudia Kim) being played by an Asian woman I feel that
they did her character justice. You truly feel for her and wonder what happened along the way
to make her Voldemort’s minion. The one issue I have with the sequel is the film’s name
Fantastic Beasts. I do not believe the film should be considered apart of the franchise. Yes there
are numerous magical creatures, but the film focuses on Grindelwald now. There is no need to
keep a name just because you started it off that way. The original franchise always kept “Harry
Potter” in the name. I don’t think this new franchise should be burdened with Fantastic Beasts.
The Audience knows that this is a continuation so why not simply call it The Crimes of
Grindelwald?
Fantastic Beasts teases the entire cast in the trailers only to reveal that they will be separated
for majority of the film. What made the original work so well was the chemistry and family
bond they shared. When you watch this film you wonder why every major plot from the original
has been over turned thus making the film irrelevant. Deceased characters are brought back
and wizards are released. What was the point of the first film other than introduce us to
magical creatures that are barely in the sequel? This film is too focused on the grand finale
being the second of a five part epic. For most it may seem like a middle chapter that has little to
no consequence for the characters or the plot. The series is leading up to something big but it
leaves this film in the dust. If there are still three films in the making I hope they learn from
their mistakes and give the audience real consequences to look forward to.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Johnny (Senior Contributor) was born and raised in San Diego. He's been a fan of films the majority of his life. He enjoys the feeling it invokes and the power it has to take you to another place.Click Here to check out Johnny's Articles.