Return to the Wizarding World in "Fantastic Beasts"
J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world of Harry Potter returns to the big screen with “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.” Harry and company studied a textbook of the same name in their first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The author of the textbook, Newt Scamander, is the central character in the film.
Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) travels from the United Kingdom to New York City with a case full of magical creatures. After a series of most unfortunate events, some creatures get loose. Meanwhile, something is wreaking havoc on New York City and terrorizing its citizens, throwing fuel on an already fiery conflict between the wizards and witches of New York City and the non-magical citizens of the Big Apple.
I have to commend J.K. Rowling. She is a fantastic storyteller with an incredible capacity for imagination. The world that she built for the Harry Potter series is deeply layered and full of interesting and captivating people, places, and things.
The wizarding world of the United States is no different. It truly is magical in every way. “Fantastic Beasts” showcases a perfect blending of American culture from the 1920s and wizarding culture that stems from the Harry Potter books and movies. Filled with the awe inspiring visual effects we’ve come to expect from a Potter movie and quirky, loveable characters, “Fantastic Beasts” is everything Potter fans have been desperately vying for ever sinces “Deathly Hallows, Part II” was released.
Redmayne’s portrayal of Newt Scamander is absolutely perfect. His awkward, stumbling speech patterns and bumbling personality endear the character to even the most jaded viewer. My favorite thing about his character is when he talks about his beasts. His awkwardness disappears and he settles into what is obviously his element. Redmayne obviously has some pretty serious acting chops.
The supporting cast of “Fantastic Beasts” are brilliant as well. The witty dialogue, the snappy retorts, and the immediately charisma between the characters make this film all the more fun.
I would have never imagined that a film about a magical world in the 1920s could be such a true social commentary on 2016 America. Our society is fueled by fear. In “Fantastic Beasts,” its fear of wizards. The people of New York are terrified of the wizarding world. This abject fear led the creation of the “New Salemers,” a group of anti-wizard activists whose entire purpose is to destroy the wizard community. It’s the wizarding equivalent of the anti-immigration movements that have been popping up all over the country.
The only flaw I found with this movie was the love interest. Maybe it’s because I’m a cynic, but I felt that the love story was forced. It seemed too obvious.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is truly fantastic. Once again, J.K. Rowling proves that she possesses extraordinary world-building abilities and an incredible capacity for storytelling, all fueled by a unchecked imagination. Rowling really does know how to tell a story. I look forward to more Newt Scamander and “Fantastic Beasts” stories in the future.