Director: David Yates
By Alex Watson
Two installments in and the Fantastic Beasts franchise is still struggling to find sure footing. The first outing had some kinks but Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald fails to iron them out. While there are individual moments that impress, the amount of CGI finesse cannot disguise the thinly layered plot and the lack of narrative. The wizarding world is a place of limitless potential, but in the hands of David Yates, its effect is starting to slip.
Permanently banned from international travel after the events in New York, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is thrust back into the fight against evil by old professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law). Meanwhile, evil wizard Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) cunningly escapes from prison and sets his plan to have pure-bloods dominating both the wizard and muggle worlds. There is also the added problem of troubled young wizard Credence (Ezra Miller).
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a rather tame beast throughout. Often promising more than it delivers, we are left with what feels like a build up for the next installment. The first half certainly delivers some stunning pieces- such as Grindelwald's daring escape from a flying carriage. This picture also makes the most of its 1927 Paris setting and the cinematography by DP Phillipe Rousselot is among the movie's biggest accomplishments. Sadly JK Rowling's script is content just to plod along exploring any number of side plots. Newt is still dealing with the fallout from his New York adventures and is unwilling to 'pick a side' with the upcoming good vs evil fight. This character while the clear lead is oddly rather bland and unappealing. Newt still pines for his crush Tina (Katherine Waterson) and a large portion of the movie teases the 'will they/ won't they' business.
Some of the major plot points hit- such as muggle Jacob (Dan Fogler) attempt to keep his romance to Queenie (Alison Sudol) on track. A mismatched pair as Queenie is pure blood, this gives us the very definition of a doomed romance. Credence is a character that everyone pursues- but in reality, his character is given little to do except look sullen. Grindelwald while a scene grabbing villain is restricted to only a couple of key scenes. His appearances provide some bursts of colour and potential for an epic showdown. This lack of inclusion proves frustrating and the movie seems more invested in bringing to light the backstory of Lita LeStrange (Zoe Kravitz) than it does with developing its villain. While Dumbledore's inclusion does throw more light on what is ultimately a very bold and tricky wizard, he is given barely any time to make an impact.
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is its lack of resolution. Towards the end, Grindelwald holds what is arguably a mass pure-blood rally. Rather than going away satisfied after a mass magic battle and some closure thrown in for good measure- we are instead left confused and deflated. What feels like a blockbuster finale is in fact rather flat and lifeless affair. There is a cliffhanger feel and perhaps the third outing with finally satisfy all tastes. David Yates is now on his sixth outing in the wizarding world. He did a stellar job over the final four Harry Potter films. So far, the Fantastic Beasts franchise has been less kind to his abilities and this begs the question if he should make way? Some blockbusters know how to leave audiences wanting more- this picture does it the wrong kind of way.
Eddie Redmayne while a capable actor doesn't feel like a good fit for Newt Scamander. Often struggling to completely convince as the awkward and bumbling wizard, Redmayne has yet to find the groove of this character. Katherine Waterson is one of the most underrated actresses on the planet. Once more she is shortchanged in a big movie and her Tina Goldstein is given little chance to make an impact. Johnny Depp however, despite a lack of screentime is thoroughly commanding as Grindelwald. There was controversy galore over his casting, but Depp is very much the villain the series needs.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a movie that promises a great deal but seems content to let its audience sit and wait.
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