Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) knows the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards and witches including Theseus Scamander (Callum Turner), Yusuf Kama (William Nadylam) and Lally Hicks (Jessica Williams) and our brave Muggle baker Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald's growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?
Others to round out the cast are Ezra Miller as Creedence Barebone, Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein, Poppy Corby-Tuech as Vinda Rosier, Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein, Richard Coyle as Deerforth and Paul Low-Hang as Zabini.
This was directed striving to convey Rowling's vision by veteran David Yates ("The Young Visiters" (TV movie) '03, "The Girl in the Cafe" (TV movie) '05, "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" '07, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" '09, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" '10, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 '11, "The Legend of Tarzan" '16, "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" '16, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" '18) plus TV and shorts. As I've referenced in other reviews, this filmmaker certainly stays in his comfort zone with a plethora of fantasy films galore. And since he has been a consummate pro at this genre, why not stay where you an expert at? He simply allows his actors to embrace the embodiment of their respective characters and the audience is the benefactor of it. Redmayne's Newt Scamander and Fogler's Jacob Kowalski characters are conveyed well and are memorable. If you like this director's brand of directing, both his "Fantasic Beasts 4 & 5" have been announced. It was effectively written by J.K. Rowling ("Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" '16, "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" '18) plus TV, video games, shorts and videos, and Steve Kloves ("Racing with the Moon" '84, "The Fabulous Baker Boys" '89, "Flesh and Bone" '93, "Wonder Boys" 2000, "Harry Potter and the Scorcerer's Stone" '01, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" '02, "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" '04, "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire" '05, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" '09, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1" '10, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" '11, "The Amazing Spider-Man" '12) plus a video short. Even though the lion's share of the experience here lies with Kloves, I believe that Rowling received first billing since this is categorically her baby. The writers and director are certainly one big happy family since they are so intertwined with these films. Hey look, this, like a good many films of this type, is basically a 'good vs evil' film with a wizardry backdrop, replete with characters that one can love, endear, dislike, or simply care about in a turn of the century setting to give it that antiquated feel that lends to the material that much more. It was cleverly written; kept the audience moving right along. Was it as effective as the original installment? No, however they usually aren't as effective as with any other franchise installment. It has some choppiness and continuity issues, but certainly not enough to detract from the overall story. And the visual effects predominantly designed by Framestore and Digital Domain were effective as they were creative.
Certainly if you're either a "Harry Potter" or "Fantastic Beasts" aficionado, you've be in that particular heaven. I'm not a fan of either, but this franchise has been interesting. If you see this, it must be experienced on the large screen to get the full impact. And if you even want that up, close and personal feeling, this is presented in an IMAX format as well.
Out of 4 Stars: 3 Rated: PG-13 142mins.
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