By Natalie Gadeikis, Staff Writer
The author of the multi-award winning and best selling book in history, JK Rowling, has not once failed to blow away her dedicated fanbase with tales from the world of Harry Potter.
The newest spinoff series by Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, rated PG-13, undoubtedly keeps the flame burning to preserve the hype for the wizarding world that has dominated modern day literature and film for decades.
Starring Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander, Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald, and Ezra Miller as Credence Barebone, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, tells the story of Newt Scamander, a Magizoologist (a wizard who studies magical creatures) that is sent on a mission by Hogwarts’ headmaster Albus Dumbledore to cease the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald’s plans to have pure-blood wizards take rule over all non-magical beings, as well as recruiting Credence Barebone, a powerful obscurial (a young wizard or witch who developed a dark parasitical magical force as a result of their magic being suppressed through psychological or physical abuse), into his army to attempt to kill Dumbledore.
From the first few minutes, the film brings the audience to the edge of their seat through the use of an excellent soundtrack, gorgeous cinematography, lighting techniques, and the introduction of characters mentioned in previous works that we all thought we’d never get to see. The second installment of the Fantastic Beasts film series beautifully and progressively reveals the nature of the beloved characters Newt Scamander, Tina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, and Jacob Kowalski throughout the film, along with appearances from Barebone, Nagini, and Nicolas Flamel, giving the audience a deeper look into their roots, motives, and personalities, which we only got a peek of in the first movie.
Attention to detail is a prominent element throughout the film. The brilliant performances from Redmayne, Depp, and Miller brought the story to life and proved to truly be the perfect fit to play their characters. Compared to the first film in the series, the soundtrack in The Crimes of Grindelwald is far more embellished and perfectly sets the tone of the story. The soundtrack presents unforgettable motifs and wondrous melodies that ring in your ears after leaving the theater. The diligent use of lighting in the movie establishes the reminiscent and eerie tone that is seen throughout previous Harry Potter films, giving the audience the rush of nostalgia Potterheads have been yearning to feel.
Excellence is the leading quality that is shown within the works of JK Rowling. Although the beloved fantasy series Harry Potter ended about a decade ago, the fan base remains alive and well throughout the releases of spinoff series. The Fantastic Beasts series successfully revives and unites Potterheads across the globe to come together and enjoy the wondrous world of Harry Potter.