Fantastic Beasts Movies: A Review of the Second Installment

The Fantastic Beasts series has been a beloved part of the Harry Potter franchise, offering a new perspective on the magical world that J.K. Rowling created. The first film, 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,' was a delightful introduction to the wizarding world in the 1920s, showcasing the adventures of magizoologist Newt Scamander and his friends. Unfortunately, the second installment, 'The Crimes of Grindelwald,' fails to live up to its predecessor's momentum.

While I enjoyed the first movie, I was disappointed by the lackluster sequel. The film feels lazily put together, with plot twists that don't make sense and a general sense of cash-grabbing rather than a well-crafted story. As a fan of the Harry Potter series, it pains me to say that this movie missed the mark.

As someone who has grown up with the wizarding world, I have always been fascinated by J.K. Rowling's creation. From reading the books multiple times to attending the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, I've immersed myself in the magical universe. My brothers and I even developed a tradition of watching every Harry Potter-related movie together on opening night.

In 'The Crimes of Grindelwald,' the film takes a different approach than its predecessors. The addition of the magical creature element adds a unique touch to the story, which matches Newt's charming interactions with them. The protagonist's awkward energy is also endearing and drives the story forward. While the film has its moments of suspense, it ultimately lacks the lighthearted charm that made 'Fantastic Beasts' so enjoyable.

One of the standout aspects of this film is the dynamic between Newt and his friends, particularly Tina and her sister Queenie. Their interactions are lovely, and their characters add layers to the story beyond the original book. The addition of Muggle Jacob Kowalski also brings a fresh perspective to the world of magic.

Overall, while 'The Crimes of Grindelwald' has its moments, it fails to recapture the magic of the first film. As a fan of the series, I was disappointed by this installment and hope that future films will return to form.

Fantastic beasts movies