An Endearing Adventure

    • Neil Soans TNN
    • Publish Date: Nov 20 2016 1:08PM
    • |
    • Updated Date: Nov 20 2016 1:08PM
An Endearing Adventure

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Movie Review

Neil Soans, TNN, Nov 18, 2016, 08.33PM IST
CRITIC'S RATING: 3.5/5

STORY: In 1926, magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) arrives in New York City after a worldwide search for magical creatures. Set 70 years before the Harry Potter era, ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ introduces the Potterverse to new audiences while seeking to meet high expectations of old fans, in this new spinoff from J.K. Rowling. 

REVIEW: Redmayne, who is more than well-suited for the quirky, introvertish character with good intentions, is quickly pulled into New York City’s ongoing tension between wizards and those without magical powers. Newt's ‘Narnian’ suitcase with his rescued animals gets swapped with Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), a bumbling No-Maj (American English for 'Muggle') looking to break out of his mundane blue-collar job and start a bakery. As Newt's beasts begin to escape the bottomless suitcase causing mayhem, they catch the eye of Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), an ex-auror looking to get back into the good books of the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA). Together with her sister Queenie (Alison Sudol), they seek to capture these magical creatures while evading the ire of the MACUSA, especially the dodgy Percival Graves (Colin Farell). 

There's an effervescent energy with the four titular characters that makes them fun to watch, and their chemistry overshadows the performances of more seasoned actors Jon Voight (in a forgettable role), and Colin Farrell. Even upcoming 'The Flash' star Ezra Miller's tormented Credence Barebone is amply layered. Charming as the cast may be, the animated characters are given ample nuances to make them appealing in their own unique ways. However, there are too many of them, and it's clear most of these creatures are largely present to establish a much bigger world for subsequent sequels – evident by a familiar actor’s surprising cameo in the end. 

Which seems to be the problem with the overall narrative. The character motives aren’t substantially clear while the film plays out like a typical origin story, with a tendency to slow down in bits and picking up in visual bursts as the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ chew the scenery. Nevertheless, an underlying narrative of humans learning to co-exist with nature fits well with the tale, even if it occasionally hits a bit hard on the nose. All in all, audiences new and old alike are treated to an endearing adventure with the promise of more to come from J.K. Rowling.
 

Have You Watched It Yet? If Yes, Tell Us Your Review
 
 

Comments

Onkarpreet Bhavan Vidyalaya

I''m watching this one soon.

MANAS KUMAR BAL BHARTI PUBLIC SCHOOL (PITAM PUR

I have not watched the movie yet but after reading this, an inner urge is coming into me to watch it.

Dimple Wadhwani Hiranandani Foundation School, Powai

I have a... let me guess, an urge to watch the movie.

Bhavana Jaison Atomic Energy Central School No 2

Will definitely watch this movie...

B. Tulasitharini Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

I haven'' t watched Fantastic Beasts

indhuja.r Amalorpavam Higher Secondary School - Puducherry

wow the review sounds awesome.must watch soon..

Asmita D.A.V Public School, Thane

Yes, I watched this movie and I think it''s amazing for those who understand the plot. According to JK Rowling, there are no plot-holes in Fantastic Beasts and where to find them.

Medini Sundarrajan Deens Academy

It is a fantastic movie, so awesome it leads me to say that it is (hands down) THE most amazing Harry Potter movie ever!!(Not taking the books into consideration, the books are, of course better). I am eagerly waiting for the sequel and am grateful to J.K Rowling for giving us another peek into the wizarding world.

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