Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

Genre: Adventure and Fantasy

Director: David Yates

Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Ezra Miller and Colin Farrell

Being screened at QFX Cinemas

Kathmandu

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them welcomes you to the new world of magic and wizardry of JK Rowling. Full of magical and mystical beasts, you are in for some magical treats and visual aesthetics. But on the other hand, the film is not cracking; you may be disappointed with the anticipated spin-off of Harry Potter films.

The film has new things to offer from the world of wizardry including Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) as the new hero. Back in 1926, the introvert magizoologist arrives in New York, USA with a magically-expanded suitcase. His short visit turns into an adventure when his suitcase is opened and a few magical creatures break lose on the streets of the Big Apple. With the help of No-Maj (American word for Muggle — common people) named Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) as well as Porpentina Goldstein  (Katherine Waterston), he retrieves the creatures. In the meantime, a powerful dark power is lurking to jeopardize the American wizardry world.

Scamander is not a new name for Potter fans. He is the author of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them that Harry Potter had to study in Hogwarts. And so Potterheads can relate well to enjoy the film. Otherwise it is a lacklustre film with the occasional excitement and suspense.

Rowling has told better and interesting stories — Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is inadequate. Its narration revolves around Newt and his beautiful beasts and finding them, while lacking the thrill and suspense. And her characters are very sketchy — perhaps (hopefully) this is the just the beginning of the many stories and truth to unravel.

The film directed by David Yates, who has had directed the previous four Potter films, has missed to create magic with this one. Nonetheless, it is a magical spectacle with all the effects used. And you don’t have space for any complaints when it comes to the performances of the actors. Redmayne as Newt is likeable and his introvert wizard really comes through in the film. Fogler fulfils his duty as a funny bone while Katherine Waterston and Colin Farrell are mediocre in their performances. Ezra Miller in the role of painful character of Credence is promising.

Strictly for Potterheads!