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Samantha Reece (16 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) in Movies
Nov 20, 2018 (Updated Nov 20, 2018)
Let me start out by saying, if you have never seen the first Fantastic Beasts movie or have little knowledge of the Wizarding World, you will probably not understand this movie.
Personally, I loved it! Yes, there is the whole McGonagall not being born yet situation, but I can look past that to all the depth put into the movie. It provided the audience with an overload of information to prepare the viewer for future movies. Newt has become my favorite character! Also, the baby Nifflers are adorable. Let’s not forget to mention that huge twist in the end! I’m still slightly confused over THAT, but there are lots of theories and ideas going through my brain. So, if you are a Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts fan, go watch it!
Personally, I loved it! Yes, there is the whole McGonagall not being born yet situation, but I can look past that to all the depth put into the movie. It provided the audience with an overload of information to prepare the viewer for future movies. Newt has become my favorite character! Also, the baby Nifflers are adorable. Let’s not forget to mention that huge twist in the end! I’m still slightly confused over THAT, but there are lots of theories and ideas going through my brain. So, if you are a Harry Potter/Fantastic Beasts fan, go watch it!
More adventures in the wizarding world
Contains spoilers, click to show
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is a two part play written by Jack Thorne, based on an original story by J. K. Rowling which continues directly where the last one ended, 19 years after the battle of Hogwarts.
The story follows Harry Potter, now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, and his younger son Albus Severus Potter, who is about to begin his first term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
After discovering that his father was present the night Cedric diggory died, Albus decides to right his father's wrongs by making sure Cedric never dies?!
What follows is truly unforseen....
This was some amazing story telling that genuinely had me hooked, a story about communication, trust & sacrifices.
The story follows Harry Potter, now Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement at the Ministry of Magic, and his younger son Albus Severus Potter, who is about to begin his first term at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
After discovering that his father was present the night Cedric diggory died, Albus decides to right his father's wrongs by making sure Cedric never dies?!
What follows is truly unforseen....
This was some amazing story telling that genuinely had me hooked, a story about communication, trust & sacrifices.
It's a Jungle Out There: A Lipman-Agerie
Book
Have you ever wondered what the wizarding world might look like if it were graced with a character...
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Illustrated Edition
Jim Kay and J.K. Rowling
9.2
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Prepare to be spellbound by Jim Kay's dazzling full-colour illustrations in this stunning new...
fiction fantasy childrens j k rowling harry potter magic
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
9.1
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When Dumbledore arrives at Privet Drive one summer night to collect Harry Potter, his wand hand is...
fiction fantasy childrens j k rowling harry potter magic
BankofMarquis (1832 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022) in Movies
Apr 30, 2022
The Magic is Fading
Alas, the magic is fading in the Wizarding World
The 3rd installment of the Fantastic Beasts saga, THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is satisfying enough for fans of the ongoing Wizarding World of Harry Potter universe and will be time well spent for those of you that have watched all 8 Harry Potter films and the first 2 FANTASTIC BEASTS films, but it is nothing…magical.
Picking up where the 2nd film (THE CRIMES OF GRINDEWALD) left off, the arch-nemesis of Dumbledore (a game Jude Law) is in power and looking to start a war with the Muggles (non-magic folk). A ragtag group of heroes (are there any other kind) led by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) are humanity’s only hope.
And…while this worked well in the first series of film…this setup falls rather flat as it has a “been there done that” feel to it that is not really elevated above the ordinary.
The reason are numerous:
First, Newt Scamander is no Harry Potter. While Eddie Redymayne plays an interesting, quirky, central character - a character who’s unique skills were needed to defeat the bad guy in the first film - he is, really, a secondary character, yet he is the one we follow throughout the film. Kind of like watching the Harry Potter films through the eyes of Neville Longbottom.
Secondly, Grindewald (this time played by Mads Mikkelsen, replacing Johnny Depp) is no Voldemort. Grindewald was an interesting character set up in the first film, but by this film, he is pretty bland (and pretty blandly played by Mikkeslen who is, frankly, miscast).
Thirdly, Dumbledore (Jude Law in a very good performance, one that needed to be larger and more central) is sidelined for most of this film - a film about the battle between Grindewald and Dumbledore, a stumble (plotwise) to be sure in an awkward attempt to keeping the Newt Scamander character front and center.
Fortunately, the supporting cast is strong from Dan Fogler’s muggle, Jacob Kowalski to his love, Queenie (Alison Sudol) to Newt’s brother, Theseus (Callum Turner) to Newt’s assistant Bunty (Victoria Yeates) to Dumbledore’s brother, Aberforth (Richard Coyle) - all have their moments and are interesting (enough) to watch.
Unfortunately, Ezra Miller’s conflicted villain, Credence is poorly written with a crescendo to his character that lands with a thud. And, the inexplicable reason that Katherine Waterston’s main character of Tina is sidelined (rumors are she conflicted with J.K. Rowling) just doesn’t land, so, consequently, 2 major pieces from the first 2 films just don’t work.
What does work in this film is the magical sequences, as handled by Harry Potter veteran David Yates (who has now helmed 6 films in the Wizarding World franchise), the magical scenes are truly…magical. They are fun to watch and the real reason to watch this film, but the story is weak with a misguided viewpoint character that diminishes the fantasy for all.
Rumors are that this was supposed to be a 5 film franchise, but with box office diminishing for each successive Fantastic Beasts films, the filmmakers wisely decided to wrap up most storylines in this film.
It’s time to say goodbye to FANTASTIC BEASTS, but it should be time for the Wizarding World to go the way of Star Wars, Marvel and Star Trek - streaming TV series that breathes new life - and new, interesting characters - to a sagging franchise.
In the meantime, FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is “good enough” and since it is all we have at the moment, it will have to do.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) - and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
The 3rd installment of the Fantastic Beasts saga, THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is satisfying enough for fans of the ongoing Wizarding World of Harry Potter universe and will be time well spent for those of you that have watched all 8 Harry Potter films and the first 2 FANTASTIC BEASTS films, but it is nothing…magical.
Picking up where the 2nd film (THE CRIMES OF GRINDEWALD) left off, the arch-nemesis of Dumbledore (a game Jude Law) is in power and looking to start a war with the Muggles (non-magic folk). A ragtag group of heroes (are there any other kind) led by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) are humanity’s only hope.
And…while this worked well in the first series of film…this setup falls rather flat as it has a “been there done that” feel to it that is not really elevated above the ordinary.
The reason are numerous:
First, Newt Scamander is no Harry Potter. While Eddie Redymayne plays an interesting, quirky, central character - a character who’s unique skills were needed to defeat the bad guy in the first film - he is, really, a secondary character, yet he is the one we follow throughout the film. Kind of like watching the Harry Potter films through the eyes of Neville Longbottom.
Secondly, Grindewald (this time played by Mads Mikkelsen, replacing Johnny Depp) is no Voldemort. Grindewald was an interesting character set up in the first film, but by this film, he is pretty bland (and pretty blandly played by Mikkeslen who is, frankly, miscast).
Thirdly, Dumbledore (Jude Law in a very good performance, one that needed to be larger and more central) is sidelined for most of this film - a film about the battle between Grindewald and Dumbledore, a stumble (plotwise) to be sure in an awkward attempt to keeping the Newt Scamander character front and center.
Fortunately, the supporting cast is strong from Dan Fogler’s muggle, Jacob Kowalski to his love, Queenie (Alison Sudol) to Newt’s brother, Theseus (Callum Turner) to Newt’s assistant Bunty (Victoria Yeates) to Dumbledore’s brother, Aberforth (Richard Coyle) - all have their moments and are interesting (enough) to watch.
Unfortunately, Ezra Miller’s conflicted villain, Credence is poorly written with a crescendo to his character that lands with a thud. And, the inexplicable reason that Katherine Waterston’s main character of Tina is sidelined (rumors are she conflicted with J.K. Rowling) just doesn’t land, so, consequently, 2 major pieces from the first 2 films just don’t work.
What does work in this film is the magical sequences, as handled by Harry Potter veteran David Yates (who has now helmed 6 films in the Wizarding World franchise), the magical scenes are truly…magical. They are fun to watch and the real reason to watch this film, but the story is weak with a misguided viewpoint character that diminishes the fantasy for all.
Rumors are that this was supposed to be a 5 film franchise, but with box office diminishing for each successive Fantastic Beasts films, the filmmakers wisely decided to wrap up most storylines in this film.
It’s time to say goodbye to FANTASTIC BEASTS, but it should be time for the Wizarding World to go the way of Star Wars, Marvel and Star Trek - streaming TV series that breathes new life - and new, interesting characters - to a sagging franchise.
In the meantime, FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE is “good enough” and since it is all we have at the moment, it will have to do.
Letter Grade: B
7 stars (out of 10) - and you can take that to the Bank(ofMarquis)
BobbiesDustyPages (1259 KP) rated Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in Books
Apr 21, 2019
If this was one of my text books I might have done my homework.
I was really unsure of reading this when it first came out since I tend to stay away from novellas or side books but it's for Harry Potter so I took the dive and you know what I was not disappointed.
I really didn't know how I was going to like reading a "text book" book but Fantastic Beasts is really cool in that you do get to learn more about the magical creatures of the wizarding world.. And honestly I wish it was longer!
My favorite thing and what really just helps this book be more immersive is that it is Harry Potter's old school text book so it has little notes from him and Ron. It's a small detail but just really cute and a must have for Potterheads.
I really didn't know how I was going to like reading a "text book" book but Fantastic Beasts is really cool in that you do get to learn more about the magical creatures of the wizarding world.. And honestly I wish it was longer!
My favorite thing and what really just helps this book be more immersive is that it is Harry Potter's old school text book so it has little notes from him and Ron. It's a small detail but just really cute and a must have for Potterheads.
Despite the hype and excitement, I was disappointed by The Cursed Child, but only because it tried to do too much. I loved returning to the wizarding world and seeing the world through the eyes of Albus Potter, but at the same time, I couldn't quite picture it as important scenes were hurried through, I thought, and I found it difficult to become fully submerged in it - but this may be because it is a screenplay rather than a novel.
I loved the interaction between Harry and Albus, their troubled relationship is at the heart of the play, and I enjoyed the banter between Albus and Scorpius. They are a right playful, troublesome pair indeed, complete opposites to their fathers in every way. It was a delight to see into the married life of Ron & Hermione and Harry & Ginny. Even after all this time, they have profound love and duty to one another. It was wonderful to see the ships still sailing.
Now on the whole, there is much JK could have done to make it better, but for the reasons I have highlighted, it is a brilliant additon to the Harry Potter series.
I loved the interaction between Harry and Albus, their troubled relationship is at the heart of the play, and I enjoyed the banter between Albus and Scorpius. They are a right playful, troublesome pair indeed, complete opposites to their fathers in every way. It was a delight to see into the married life of Ron & Hermione and Harry & Ginny. Even after all this time, they have profound love and duty to one another. It was wonderful to see the ships still sailing.
Now on the whole, there is much JK could have done to make it better, but for the reasons I have highlighted, it is a brilliant additon to the Harry Potter series.
Harry Potter: A Journey Through Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts
8.2
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The history of magic is as long as time and as wide as the world. In every culture, in every age, in...
56 of 235
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Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: parts 1&2
(Harry Potter 8 )
By J.K. Rowling , John Tiffany & Jack Thorne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The official playscript of the original West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
It's been nineteen years since Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger saved the wizarding world, and now they're back on a most extraordinary adventure, joined by a brave new generation that's only just arrived at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son, Albus, struggles with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present collide, both father and son are locked in a race through time as they battle mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.
Ok so it’s as expected I absolutely loved it! For any Harry Potter fan it’s a fab opportunity to have a follow on story and I am now so excited to go see this on stage. I loved the story and being back in the world I’ve known for so many years.
Book
Harry Potter and The Cursed Child: parts 1&2
(Harry Potter 8 )
By J.K. Rowling , John Tiffany & Jack Thorne
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The official playscript of the original West End production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
It's been nineteen years since Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger saved the wizarding world, and now they're back on a most extraordinary adventure, joined by a brave new generation that's only just arrived at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son, Albus, struggles with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present collide, both father and son are locked in a race through time as they battle mysterious forces, all while the future hangs in the balance.
Ok so it’s as expected I absolutely loved it! For any Harry Potter fan it’s a fab opportunity to have a follow on story and I am now so excited to go see this on stage. I loved the story and being back in the world I’ve known for so many years.