Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
Image Credit: Warner Bros.
Simon Dillon,
29th Nov 2018
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Review
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'Harry Potter' spin-off 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' has spawned another cinematic universe, specifically the “Wizarding World” in which we are now due not one but four sequels to the aforementioned spin-off, with presumably other tangents and offshoots to follow after that. This instalment, 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald', feels very much like a scene-setter, but there are some intermittent thrills and the film is adequately entertaining.
The plot, set in 1927, involves the escape of rising dark wizard Grindelwald (a rather wasted Johnny Depp), who was captured at the end of the previous film, and his magic-Hitler style rise to power. This of course cunningly parallels “Muggle” history.
Around all this, we’re reintroduced to magical creature loving Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and various other cast members from the original film – including Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller and Alison Sudol – along with newcomers including Zoe Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, and Jude Law, the latter playing the younger Dumbledore.
There is a modicum of fun to be had, especially for those immersed in Potter-lore, and some eye-popping monsters that children will love, but JK Rowling’s screenplay is too densely plotted for much of the running time, and the story bogs down considerably. Thankfully things improve in the final act, with a splendid set piece involving a Grindelwald rally, which is very nicely directed by regular Potter/Beasts helmer David Yates. Special effects are suitably eye-popping, and James Newton Howard contributes a fine, John Williams-aping score.
As ever, Rowling’s moral compass is present and correct, and she finds time to weave in lessons about prejudice, being different, guilt, regret and – most pertinently – the seducing power of evil. It is possible to draw parallels to current events, but most of the time I was trying to get my head around the many plot strands, rather than pondering whether Rowling intended any Trump or Brexit overtones.
Non-believers won’t be won over, but there is plenty the fans will enjoy.
In short, non-believers won’t be won over by 'Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald', but there is plenty the fans will enjoy.
