MOVIE REVIEW: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the Beginning of a Beautiful Franchise

(VVNG.com)- I was in a relationship with the Harry Potter franchise for ten years. I loved the way it made me feel. How it made me laugh and cry and always kept me interested and committed with its wonderfully bewitching charisma. We grew together, and I got really attached after spending so much time getting to know each other. Then…. It ended, we parted ways, amicably, and I still have fond memories of it that I hold near and dear to my heart. My mistake going into Fantastic Beasts is that I was expecting it to make me feel the same way Potter did. I should have known that I can’t just go into a new relationship and expect everything to be identical. After I realized that, I was able to enjoy being with Fantastic Beasts and I look forward to building a strong connection with it for many years (and sequels) to come.

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) plays Newt Scamander, a dorky, lovable and quite careless zoologist/wizard who lets a bunch of magical creatures lose in 1920’s New York. He goes around trying to put them back in his enchanted briefcase with the help of two sister witches (Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol) and a muggle (non-magical human). The muggle is named Jacob and is played by Dan Fogler, who I would always find annoying in his other movies, but I have to give him props because he is REALLY good in this flick. There are other subplots in there that are interesting but hard to explain without them being spoilery.

I give this The “Checky™ Seal of Approval!” The story is interesting, the characters are unique and original, the set design and production are absolutely stunning and I loved watching how they blended the Wizarding World within our real (mediocre) world. I didn’t like that there was a lack of energy from the actors in some parts and that the sound in general (music, dialogue, and sound effects) could have been way better and louder. The reason why the creatures get out is pretty stupid and the special effects, compared to what we know is possible to achieve this day, looked a bit cartoonish sometimes. Also, the third act of the film is grand and epic but ends in a very anticlimactic and abrupt way. However, despite its imperfections, the movie is highly enjoyable thanks, in part, to it having a wonderful script and a very likable cast. Again, Jacob is so sweet and funny that you forgive him for being a bumbling idiot sometimes.

The story is set 70 years prior to the events of the Harry Potter franchise so don’t expect to see Ron or Hermione awkwardly kissing or anything like that. In fact, other than using the same magic spells and a very brief use of the original John Williams theme music, this movie stands completely on its own, and it is NOT a Harry Potter film so I recommend you grab your wand, hop on your broomstick and check this flick out in theaters, just make sure to leave your love for HP in the lobby (you will enjoy it more that way).

So, what did you think of Fantastic Beasts? Do you agree or disagree with me? Which flick are you checking out this week? What is your favorite Harry Potter movie of all time? Let me know in the comments below. Have a great day at the movies and don’t forget to save me some popcorn.