Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

I do nit understand the people who are saying that they have found it boring.Either they don't know Harry Potter universe at all or they know it only through the movies. I,having grown up with Harry Potter books,loved the movie.I will go as far as saying that it has been more magical than any other Harry Potter movie, even though it doesn't have Harry and the rest of the cast we are familiar with. With this movie,David Yates has redeemed himself of the abymal ridicule that was Deathly Hallows part 2.

I remember clearly when I first entered the Harry Potter universe back in 2002. It happened when a friend of my mom’s insisted she buy a VHS of “Sorcerer’s Stone” after her kids didn’t really enjoy it, thinking I might have a different experience. And I did. Over the next decade, I witnessed one of the most unforgettable cinematic journeys, where magic and maturity walked hand-in-hand, leading to an ending that, while satisfying, left a bittersweet taste of farewell. But like a well-cast spell, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” brought the magic back—this time with a fresh vibe, but without losing the charm.

Set seventy years before Harry was even born, the movie doesn’t try to recycle the Hogwarts formula but instead creates something new and independent from that storyline, and that’s what pleasantly surprised me the most. The story centers around Newt Scamander, a British magizoologist played by Eddie Redmayne, who arrives in New York carrying a suitcase full of magical creatures. Of course, things don’t go as smoothly as he expected, and when his creatures escape into the city, it sparks a chase that goes far beyond just magical animals.

What “Fantastic Beasts” does well right from the start is creating a familiar vibe for long-time fans while boldly venturing into new territory. Directed by David Yates, who also helmed the last four Harry Potter films, the movie retains a dark, somber atmosphere, but it also gives us a fresh setting—a 1920s New York, with a beautifully desaturated color palette that amplifies the melancholic, mysterious mood.

One of the highlights of the film is definitely the cast. Redmayne brings Newt Scamander to life, a protagonist very different from the usual heroes we’re used to. Newt is reserved, shy, and the way he interacts with the world around him is, at the very least, charming. His quirks—which could’ve easily come off as over-the-top—are well-balanced, adding authenticity to his character, especially in his relationship with the magical creatures. Redmayne’s look of fascination every time Newt encounters a new creature is remarkable, and it really helps us connect with him.

The chemistry among the cast is another strong point of the movie. Dan Fogler, as Jacob Kowalski, the “no-maj” (or “muggle,” if you prefer) who gets swept into this world, works perfectly as comic relief without falling into exaggerated caricatures. He’s genuinely funny and adds a much-needed lightness to the story. Katherine Waterston, as Tina, starts off as a character who seems unsure of herself, but gradually reveals an inner strength that makes her a great companion for Newt. And I can’t forget about Credence, played by Ezra Miller. His performance exudes a vulnerability and bottled-up desperation that’s both disturbing and touching. He stands out as a tragic figure, and it’s impossible not to feel for him, given his situation marked by repression and the abuse from Mary Lou Barebone (Samantha Morton), who leads a religious crusade against wizards.

But while the cast shines, the real spectacle is in the details of the world David Yates brings to life. The attention to small magical elements—like polishing wands instead of shoes, or the organized chaos of magical bureaucracy—shows the commitment to making this world believable. And, of course, the creatures steal the show. From the mischievous Niffler, a compulsive “cute little thief,” to the majestic Thunderbird, each creature is animated with care to seem both magical and real. The quality of the visual effects is top-notch.

Lastly, I can’t ignore how the film touches on deeper themes, especially intolerance. Mary Lou Barebone, with her extreme religious rhetoric and quest for a “new Salem,” is a clear reflection of the dangers of fear and ignorance—something that feels a bit ironic and bizarre writing about in 2024, knowing the intolerance shown by the screenwriter of this very movie since 2016.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a more than worthy addition to the Wizarding World franchise. It brings the magic back, but in a different, more mature, more introspective way. For fans of the universe, it was a welcome return. And for newcomers, it was definitely an intriguing entry point into a world of endless possibilities.

What an amazing movie, loved it from the start. Eddie Redmayne nailed the role of Newt!
Growing up with Harry Potter this movie made me go back to my youth, even tough this one if different.

Can't wait to get to know more about Lestrange!

But who else gasped at the mention of Leta LESTRANGE. This world full of magic will never ever get boring for me.

Personally I found this movie to be 2+ hours of excellent entertainment. This is one of these movies where I simply cannot understand how people can give one and two star ratings stating that it is garbage etc. I do not get what these people expected? Maybe they just have to complain? The original Harry Potter books are very much books for children or young adults and so is this movie. It is a highly entertaining story in a magical universe with some adventure, some suspense and a lot of humor.

The magic and the magical animals are quite cool. The pocket universe (or whatever they are called in the Harry Potter world) is simply gorgeous and cool. The story is not really much to write home about but it does not have to be. This is a magical movie where the magical atmosphere is what makes the movie. It is a good enough story involving a bit of suspense, action, friendship, bad guys, quite some humor and, of course, a lot of magic. More importantly perhaps, the story is not overly stupid nor does is try to peddle crappy SJW nonsense messages about gender or diversity nor climate. This movie delivers where it counts as far as I am concerned. It is entertaining, plain and simple.

If I should endeavor try to find something to complain about it would probably be that the lead character was fairly bland. He did not really have much charisma. That and the fact that I never really understood which, despicable (presumably) acts the main opponent, Grindelwald, had actually committed before the events of the movie.

On the whole I enjoyed the movie a lot and although it is perhaps not the absolutely best movie I have ever seen but it still deserves a top rating.

Good movie. Funny and entertaining. Far, far, FAR better than any of the Harry Potter movies. Which were usually just a constant struggle to stay awake through whenever my kids begged me to take them to see one of them. This movie is in the same world, but a much different and much more enjoyable film.

A great idea, made for more older teens to adults which most harry Potter fans would be now....

Went to see the movie without reading anything about it. At the end when I saw Johnny Depp I was pretty shocked as I had no idea he was in it.

It is a good movie, brings back nostalgia to HP and the name of the movie being the school book used in Hogwarts (And probably other schools) is also nice. I was pretty amazed that the movie took place in New York as Hogwarts and the entire HP franchise has taken place in England but I am glad they cleared things out in the beginning and not leave us guessing.

Overall, would love to see it again in the future when I am feeling nostalgic to HP.

What a fantastic surprise, I wasn't expecting this movie to be so beautiful! The plot, the characters, the cinematography, the acting, everything was top tier. You can feel that nostalgic feeling only the magical world brings us. Right now I feel like Jacob, coming back to reality after living a dream!

5 MOVIES HOLY SHIT IM SCREAMING IN 98765433478765 DIFFERENT LANGUAGES