OUT NOW on AMAZON VIDEO! | 'Fantastic Beasts & Where To Find Them' Review
Franchises seem to be the name of the game in Hollywood these days, and since the ‘Harry Potter’ franchise came to its natural conclusion in 2011, it is clear that Warner Bros has been seeking a way to continue to capitalise on the success of this film franchise.
J.K. Rowling has come to the rescue with a new batch of films are effectively the prequel series to the ‘Harry Potter’ films, and ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is the first.
It is a film where most is not what it seems, and that may seem frustrating and confusing to begin with, but if you are a patient viewer, you will be rewarded.
As the film opens, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) - a British wizard, arrives in 1920s New York. Deliberately aloof and distant, it soon becomes apparent that he takes a great interest in the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ of the Wizarding world, and is determined to protect them from both non-magic humans and those with powers.
Through a series of accidental adventures and confrontations, Newt finds himself working with Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterson) - a magician of considerable skill and power and Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) - a muggle, to try to avoid a major conflict that threatens to engulf both the wizarding world and the rest of human society.
The heroes of the film face a variety of villains over the course of the film before the central antagonist is revealed, setting the scene and creating anticipation for the next film in this series.
Veteran ‘Harry Potter’ director David Yates assembled an excellent cast, and created a film which connects nostalgically with the ‘Harry Potter’ films; however, it is ultimately unique and feels like a fresh film in its own right.
Die-hard ‘Harry Potter’ fans may be disappointed that this film takes a different turn to its predecessors, and there are quite a few scenes that may scare younger children, but Yates and Rowling are likely aware that much of the original Wizarding world fans have grown with the films, and ready for a less juvenile film.
The special effects and soundtrack are strong, and much of the film has a very muted and ‘washed out’ colour palette that is suited to the 1920s New York setting of the film.
Redmayne in particular gives an excellent performance as the enigmatic Newt Scamander, while the supporting cast – including Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Samantha Morton, Jon Voight, and Colin Farrell are outstanding in their respective supporting roles.
Ultimately, it is a film that works very well on the big screen, and even better on HDTV in the comfort of your own living room. So grab your copy of ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them’ now!
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them’ is available for download on Amazon Video & iTunes 7th March 2017. Available on DVD/BluRay 28th March worldwide!
