Watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) - Movie Peek
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
Title: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure
Director: David Yates
Starring: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Colin Farrell
Overview:
Set in the Harry Potter universe, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them transports viewers to 1926 New York, decades before the events at Hogwarts. The story follows Newt Scamander, a magizoologist who arrives in the city with a mysterious suitcase filled with magical creatures. When some of his creatures escape, chaos ensues, drawing the attention of the magical authorities and revealing a deeper conspiracy brewing in the wizarding world.
Plot and Themes:
At its core, Fantastic Beasts is an adventure film mixed with elements of mystery and political intrigue. The movie explores themes of acceptance, prejudice, and the consequences of suppressing one’s true self. As Newt and his unlikely companions work to retrieve his missing creatures, they uncover a sinister plot involving dark magic and the rise of an ominous force. While the narrative is engaging, it at times feels overstuffed with subplots that set the stage for future sequels.
Performance:
Eddie Redmayne delivers a charming performance as Newt Scamander, portraying him as an awkward yet endearing protagonist with a deep love for magical creatures. Dan Fogler, as Jacob Kowalski, a No-Maj (non-magical person), provides comic relief and a sense of wonder, making him one of the film’s most relatable characters. Katherine Waterston as Tina Goldstein and Alison Sudol as Queenie add depth to the story, while Colin Farrell brings a sense of intensity and mystery to his role as Percival Graves.
Cinematography and Technical Aspects:
Visually, Fantastic Beasts is stunning, with impressive CGI that brings the magical creatures to life. The 1920s setting is beautifully crafted, blending period aesthetics with the whimsical charm of the wizarding world. The film’s score, composed by James Newton Howard, captures both the wonder and tension of the story, enhancing the immersive experience. While the visual effects are top-notch, some action sequences can feel a bit overwhelming with excessive CGI.
Strengths:
- The introduction of new magical creatures adds a fresh and exciting dimension to the Harry Potter universe.
- Strong performances, particularly from Eddie Redmayne and Dan Fogler.
- The film successfully expands the lore of the wizarding world with intriguing new characters and conflicts.
- Visually captivating, with a richly detailed setting and stunning special effects.
Weaknesses:
- The plot occasionally feels cluttered, juggling too many subplots at once.
- Some characters, particularly Tina Goldstein, could have been developed more.
- The pacing is inconsistent, with some slow sections that drag the momentum.
Verdict:
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an enchanting return to the wizarding world, filled with wonder, humor, and adventure. While not as tightly woven as the Harry Potter films, it introduces a compelling new protagonist and expands the lore in fascinating ways. Fans of the franchise will enjoy the magical creatures and world-building, while newcomers may appreciate the standalone adventure.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)