REVIEW | Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)
Magic blooms — only in rare souls.
Still, a magnificent movie emerges.
Yet another fantastic reason to revisit the lush wizarding world.
As the sorcerer-supremacist, Gellert Grindelwald, threatens to take over the non-wizarding world of the 1920s and rule over the magical realm. A young Albus Dumbledore seeks the help of the famed Magizoologist, Newt Scamander, to stop him and his followers from destroying the peace of both worlds forever. All while rescuing and protecting not only fantastical beasts — but friends and allies in the process.
Minor spoilers for The Crimes of Grindelwald ahead*
Make no mistake fellow muggles, if there’s anything the Potter-saga has taught us (in and out of classrooms), it’s that the magical realm means serious business.
This time around — The Crimes of Grindelwald projects a different age of mysticism. You’ve got political plots brewing all over, paired with various narratives overlapping one another, all wrapped in stupefying degrees of magical wonder.
Oh and of course — let’s not forget the help of magnificent, mythical monsters.
The Crimes of Grindelwald is an entry in the series that definitely fortifies ‘Fantastic Beasts’ as a significant monument in the franchise. With the simple idea of trading school antics with the beautiful bestiary of the wizarding world.
And If there’s anything that can pull the spotlight off the enthralling mysticism, exquisite mythology, and an engrossing mystery that fills the reels of this film — it’d be the creatures.
To be honest, I found myself helplessly smiling at almost every warm interaction, convenient assistance, and spectacular exhibition of those magical beings. It’s an absolute delight to watch the nature and behaviour of such imaginary beings — almost like a mystical safari ride.
I mean it’s one thing to come up with such magnificent beasts from nothing, but it’s something else entirely to then fit them and their ecology into the wizarding world, and even have them sustain support the plot.
And then — we come to the title antagonist of the film. Which really shouldn’t warrant any elaboration, considering the filmography, the character range, and theatrical charisma of one Johnny Depp.
Whether it’s the rum-fuelled [Captain] Jack Sparrow, your trusty sidekick Tonto, or even a man with scissor hands — you know you’re in for a captivating show that’s ready to terrorise the wizarding world.
While in the blue corner — we have Eddie Redmayne masterfully carrying the originality of Newt Scamander with his on-screen delivery.
Performing with a truly subtle and significant brilliance, without the slightest weight of portraying actual figures in history like The Theory of Everything (2014) or tracing the footsteps of another actor like Les Misérables (2012).
To no surprise and with great effect, the series has always succeeded in maintaining a raw feeling of wonder and amazement — no matter how simple or convoluted the story may be.
Mostly because every scenario and situation becomes utterly unpredictable when magic is involved. And The Crimes of Grindelwald carries this torch in new and exciting ways.
And despite the uncompromising pace and potency of the film’s plot, The Crimes of Grindelwald doubles-down on the strengths and specialities of the franchise that made it great.
With charming spells, curious artefacts, a collection of species, and conflicting factions, coming together like ingredients to a spectacular concoction.
And after all — if the aim is for a greater exploration of a giant, glorious, and growing world (from a franchise known for being larger-than-life mind you).
You’ve gotta ask yourself:
“Why not have a carefully curated cast of characters take me through the thrilling and transfixing realm of magic?”
All while following a carefully connected and converging narrative that’s filled with a collection of colourful creatures.
Where Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them (2016) was a fun-filled adventure that introduced a new era and exposition to the realm of magic. This entry in the series raises the stakes for the established setting and familiar characters with a denser plot and deeper lore.
Similar to how Rogue One (2016) illustrated a different side to the galaxies of Star Wars — this film illuminates the darker past and portions that have hidden the realm of magic. Exploring new magical landmarks, and connecting narratives from spellbound sleuthing.
From the books to the big screen, the franchise has always hosted a heart-warming tale that’s carried by fascinating characters towards infinite possibilities.
Which — you could say — is a far more unique elaboration of ‘Cinema Magic’.
With more lore from the wizarding world for fans of the series, an enchanting epic fuelled by magic fit for moviegoers, as well as a beautiful bounty of fantastic beasts for us muggles to behold.
There’s certainly more than enough tucked away in The Crimes of Grindelwald to rejoice as a film — whether you grew up with the-boy-who-lived, or if you’ve never practised your Patronus charm.
