This new movie from the Harry Potter universe has fewer beasts but a lot more dark magic to offer. JK Rowling’s imagination continues to run wild and the visual effects are just dazzling. But even hardcore HP fans can’t deny the irregular flow of the film and the several complicated subplots which might cause a wee bit of confusion. Despite this, there are still major twists that will baffle the audience.
The film begins with the escape of the evil wizard, Gellert Grindelwald – portrayed by Johnny Depp – from the clutches of the Ministry of Wizards of the Unites States. Credence, the troubled young boy with uncontrollable power played by Ezra Miller is in Paris, figuring out who he is with the help of Nagini (Claudia Kim). Grindelwald plans to use Credence for his own power hungry ambitions; to rule both the wizard and muggle (non-wizard) world.
But Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is recruited by young Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) to find and help Credence before its too late. Newt is joined by Tina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) and the loveable muggle Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) who is trying to win back his love, Queenie Goldstein (Alison Sudol).
As the movie progresses, a myriad of events takes place leaving the wizarding world in mayhem as Grindelwald wrecks havoc. Jude Law and Johnny Depp’s performances are tailored with perfection. Johnny Depp’s speech when his character gathers his followers was nailed with flamboyancy.
From the beasts design to the final sequence involving an intense battle between Grindelwald and the good wizards is sure to leave the audience in awe, thanks to the vibrant VFX and the production design. The costume design is sure to grab an Oscar nomination and why not? Didn’t Colleen Atwood – the costume designer -help win the very first Oscar for the HP universe?
Die hard Harry Potter fans can’t miss the deja vu references from the HP series like when the legendary alchemist, Nicholas Flamel opens his cupboard to read a book or when Dumbledore teaches his class how to deal with a boggart. Such scenes sure to leave them in nostalgia. Yet, there’s no denying that the story is burdened with too many subplots. Hopefully, the unanswered questions will be answered in the next films. Nonetheless, this movie is sure to entertain.