FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD (Released to Theaters USA 2018)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.9|5.0 Starsììì

 Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald challenges one’s ability to make strong connections between the Harry Potter stories and the Fantastic Beasts series. While this movie allows a bit more freedom to connect the dots it still leaves many open-ended questions. But, the script is written well enough to follow the gist of the story. Relatability tries to establish itself in the scene where Dumbledore teaches children magic in what looks like early Hogwarts and a scene that shows students flying on their brooms. The attempt to catch Grindelwald and Credence before serious damage occurs shows an integrity to the concept of fighting evil with good, a major theme of the Harry Potter stories.  Overall? The movie is difficult to follow but it has some great special effects. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images 

Storyline

 

Grindelwald develops a deep desire to rule the world of humans. That desire for power is accompanied with ethical values that are subpar. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director David Yates for directing effort. Thank you to Producers David Heyman, J. K. Rowling, Steve Kloves, and Lionel Wigram for making the film possible. Cast includes Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoe Kravitz, Callum Turner, Jude Law, and Johnny Depp.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. There is no doubt that the film has the J.K. Rowling stamp of creativity, the ability to involve an audience, and regularly spring surprises in the storyline. The gist of the story is understandable, but the human element of relating to the story content is missing which makes the movie difficult to follow and link to the original Harry Potter series. The consistent question of  “and why!” continually raises its head. The film seems to have been written more for the writer of the content than for the general audience. 

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers