For J.K.Rowling’s first screenplay can she conjure the same mystical and engaging world as she did in her books?…
Fantastic Beasts follows the arrival to the United States of one Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). Newt carries with him a case full of all sorts of surprises, however after a mix up with local entrepreneur Mr Kowalski, (Dan Fogler) there is much worse than an open can of worms loose in New York.
Besides trying to reconcile the problems he has caused, Newt must also navigate the stormy political waters of New York’s magical and muggle world. Embroiled in the midst of dark plots that have little to do with him Newt must find a solution, helped and hindered by the collection of hangers on that he picks up along the way.
Beautifully depicted in perfect CGI, the Beasts and the manor of how and where they find them, is indeed fantastic. Supported well by both Fogler and Redmayne the interactions and stories surrounding these animals are lovingly brought to life and explained with great attention to detail. The greater plot turns on much more ungainly wheels, as the producers manoeuvre room for four more cash cows. Although adding very little to the story of value and despite some glaring errors, it does little to detract from the enjoyment of the movie as a whole. The animals themselves are a marvel. Feeling almost real as their behaviours, diets, hunting or mating ritual’s all shape the story in different ways. It is easy to lose yourself into the reality of this alternate dimension, as you follow characters who are being introduced to this reality and share the wonders of the unveiled mysteries at the same time as the audience.
Fogler’s performance as Kowalski perhaps sums up the movie the best. With subtle touches of humour, kindness, wit, romance and pathos the character and the actor embody all that is good about this production. This is not to say Redmayne falls flat, but he appears more the glue that holds the book together rather than colour on the pages.
The implications of politics ignoring the real issues at hand, the oversight of what should be nurtured rather than destroyed and the machinations of people using evil as crutch to their own gain makes this more than just a teenage adventure movie. Some of the finer explorations of these points are somewhat fudged in the pursuit of a more intellectually simple and rewarding ending, however it is to J.K.Rowling’s credit that it tackles them at all.
I would happily promote this to almost any demographic, as it offers a full range of emotions, narratives and characters to enjoy. There is no shortage of action, adventure, romance and humour, balanced well against some sharp, dark and pithy elements of danger and sadness. The characters remain true to themselves throughout, leading to some very clever moments that will stir the heart strings of even the hardiest watcher, even those dragged along to watch by an enthusiastic friend.
Author: Joe, Bath store
