“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” Movie Review

NOTE: This is the second movie out of five scheduled in the “Fantastic Beasts” series.  Originally based on a tiny 46 page book by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), I understand, after seeing this movie, that J.K. Rowling has decided to write 5 more Harry Potter books, just skipping the book phase and going straight to movies.  These are, pure and simple, Harry Potter prequels with no apologies to those who are not Harry Potter fans.  If you ARE are a true Harry Potter fan, this movie is MAGICAL….if you are not, and are a so-called critic, go read 7 books……because you are missing the point.  

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” opens up shortly after the end of the first movie.  Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) is safely in custody in New York City but, the Wizards from England have come to get him.

Problem is….Grindelwald escapes and starts his European quest to start a new world “For the Greater Good” where wizards rule over everyone and everything else….For the greater good…..(he just needs a red hat…FTGG).

In London, Newt fails another job interview at the Ministry of Magic even though his brother, Theseus (Callum Turner) and ex-girlfriend, Leta Lestrange (Zoe Kravitz) have set this up for Newt.

Not able to travel abroad, Newt meets with Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) who needs to find Grindelwald and Credence (Ezra Miller) before all hell breaks loose.  He needs Newt’s help.

Eventually, the entire new team of heroes (Newt, Jacob (Dan Fogler), Queenie (Alison Sudol), and Tina (Katherine Waterson) join forces (more or less) to, not quite yet, save the world.  Along the way we meet several old Harry Potter characters. Great fun and, again, no explanations…if you don’t already know who the characters are….too bad.

J.K. Rowling knows how to write a book (by my count this is “Book” 9), even if it is now a just a movie. Be patient–critics–read the 7 Harry Potter paper-based books and then you will be more knowledgeable when….

…..Movie #3 (“Book” 10) comes out!  🙂

Go to IMDb for more information.

Drive Safe! Never Forget.