Great Performances and Visuals Make This Not-So-Fantastic Sequel Enjoyable

By Avik Basak

Ever since the release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, I was eagerly waiting for the second film in the series. It promised to shed some light on the series' main antagonist, Gellert Grindelwald's intentions, as the title suggests. It delivers on this promise but in doing so, makes its plot a bit convoluted. It raises so many questions and plot points for the future references that it becomes ignorant about the rushed subplots it leaves in its wake.

Do not think for a moment that Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald will make you feel bored though. Director David Yates and Writer J.K. Rowling pack the movie with some brilliant action set pieces and comic humour that keep you interested in the proceedings. The action scenes are adeptly placed at regular intervals to maintain a sense of adventure. The only thing that is missing is a gripping plot, which works without thinking about the sequels that are yet to come. Unlike Rowling's other Wizarding World endeavours, this one's story fails to make a good enough mark.

There are a few plot holes as well. Why a key character unnecessarily sacrifices herself? Why would someone switch sides, based on rash thinking? Or why the Aurors of the ministry are as violent as Grindelwald’s fanatics? We keep searching the answers to those even when the credits start to roll. Another odd thing that stings is that despite her presence in the movie, the young Professor McGonagall, an important character in the “Potter-lore”, does not get as much importance as a character like that should get.

On the brighter side, the performances make it worth our while. Eddie Redmayne once again evokes life into the film’s eccentric protagonist, Newt Scamander, while Zoë Kravitz successfully brings out the inner-struggle of the twisted Leta Lestrange. Though her screen time gets shortened in the sequel, Katherine Waterston maintains the balance of sweetness and ruthless curiosity in Tina Goldstein. Ezra Miller as Credence, Claudia Kim as Nagini and Brontis Jodorowsky as Nicolas Flamel look sincere in their roles. Once again, Dan Fogler inflicts the much needed comic humour in crucial moments to stir up some laughs as the No-Maj, Jacob Kowalski, while Alison Sudol’s Queenie Goldstein is one character who falls victim to the untidy script.

It is the veteran characters of the Wizarding World though, who steal the show. Despite having limited screen time and a humungous pressure of living up to the brilliant previous iterations, Jude Law nailed the role of young Albus Dumbledore. From that subtle sarcasm and humour, we are familiar with to the emotional struggles, Law is just perfect in every frame he is in. On the other hand, Johnny Depp dazzles us with his subtle yet astounding outing as Gellert Grindelwald. Whether it is the cold smirk before murdering someone, the whimsical body language, or the overall menacing look of the dark wizard, Depp pulls them off with panache.

David Yates once again does well with his duties behind the camera, as he never lets the audience lose their interest in the adventure. Philippe Rousselot shoots the film with a perfect balance between light and darkness, while Mark Day too, stays strict with his editing scissors as the movie never seems overlong. James Newton Howard once again comes up with a brilliant background score that is perfectly in sync with the themes of this magical universe. The one, who disappoints, is J.K. Rowling herself, as she seems so busy to set up the future plots here that she gives little priority to weave a compelling standalone tale.

Overall, though the half-baked story and the rushed subplots do not make Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald that much of a “fantastic” sequel, the powerful performances and the visuals somewhat make up for that. It is also able to keep us hooked for the future entries in the series with some amazing twists and revelations, even at the end.

3.5 Stars Out of 5 from Me...