Movie Review: Fantastic Beasts

This year the brilliant JK Rowling released the newest chapter in the Harry Potter universe; Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Fantastic Beasts is the story of magical zoologist Newt Scamander during one of his excursions to New York City. Rowling has said that Fantastic Beasts is not a sequel of any kind, but more of a spin off. Fantastic Beasts stars Oscar award winning actor Eddie Redmayne, along with Golden Globe award winning actor Colin Farrell, and newcomers Ezra Miller, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, and Alison Sudol. It has an 8/10 on IMDb and a 76% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Fantastic Beasts centers around Newt Scamander during his first trip to America. He has brought along with him his case of magical creatures, which is accidentally switched with former soldier Jacob Kowalski’s case, and gets opened. Throughout the movie Newt is looking for his missing creatures, all while a terrible beasts attacks the city. While all this is happening, with wizarding community is on high alert because radical Gellert Grindelwald is on the loose. The movie culminates in an incredible ending and insane twist that I, personally, didn’t see coming.

As the name suggests, Fantastic Beasts is filled with the magical creatures that populate JK Rowling’s realm. The beasts themselves are incredible to look at. Some, particularly the comedic niffler, are utterly adorable while others, such as the obscurus, are less so. Visually, the movie is spectacular; the beasts are incredible and creative. The magical and mortal buildings alike are incredible, and Newt’s suitcase is uniquely creative and fun.

Overall, Rowling has opened a whole new door with Fantastic Beasts, and I personally can’t wait to see what she comes up with in the next four movies.