Fantastic Beasts Weekend Marathon

This weekend, I wanted to watch all the Fantastic Beasts movies because the wizarding world in one of my favority cinematic universe.

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016)

The marathon kicked off with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Directed by David Yates and written by J.K. Rowling herself, this film is set in the 1920s, long before Harry Potter ever stepped foot in Hogwarts. We follow Newt Scamander, played brilliantly by Eddie Redmayne, as he navigates the magical landscape of New York City with his suitcase full of magical creatures.

From the very beginning, I liked this movie a lot. The film's visual effects were stunning, bringing to life an array of fantastical creatures that were as whimsical as they were awe-inspiring. The Niffler, with its penchant for shiny objects, quickly became a favorite, adding a playful element to the story.

What really stood out to me was the world-building. The magical society of America, complete with its own rules and customs, was really interesting. The plot, which revolves around Newt's efforts to recapture his escaped beasts amidst a backdrop of rising dark forces, was engaging and well-paced. The chemistry between the characters, especially Newt and the No-Maj Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), added depth to the narrative. Overall, the first film was a resounding success for me.

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018)

Next up was Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald,. Directed once again by David Yates, this sequel promised to delve deeper into the dark forces hinted at in the first installment. Unfortunately, it fell short in many areas.

The film's plot felt convoluted and overcrowded with characters and subplots. Johnny Depp's portrayal of the dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was menacing, but the character's motivations and the storyline's direction were muddled. The film seemed to struggle with balancing its many narrative threads, leaving me feeling a bit lost and disconnected from the core story.

Moreover, the charm and whimsy of the first film's magical creatures were largely absent. While there were moments of brilliance, such as the visually spectacular scenes of Grindelwald's rallies and the Parisian magical underworld, they were not enough to salvage the overall disjointed feel of the movie. It was a disappointment, considering the high expectations set by its predecessor.

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore (2022)

The final leg of my marathon was Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. After the letdown of the second film, I approached this one with cautious optimism. Directed by David Yates, the film sought to bring the trilogy to a satisfying conclusion.

Eddie Redmayne's Newt Scamander was as once again very good, and the return of Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore was also a nice touch. The film's plot, focusing on Dumbledore's attempts to thwart Grindelwald's rise to power, was more coherent and engaging than its predecessor's.

One of the highlights for me was the CGI. The magical creatures and spell effects were rendered with breathtaking detail, making the film a visual feast. The Qilin, a magical creature central to the plot, was particularly well-realized, embodying both elegance and mystery. The action sequences were also top-notch, seamlessly blending magic and physical stunts.

However, despite these strengths, the film still felt somewhat disconnected from the broader Harry Potter universe. While there were familiar elements and references, the overall tone and setting of the Fantastic Beasts series never quite captured the same magic and charm.

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