The concept of Harry Potter isn’t dead (did he die at the end of the final film/book? I can’t remember.) with J.K. Rowling’s newest endeavor taking viewers and readers back in time to before the infamous wizard was even born. Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston star in this film full of more CGI than actual dialogue or story, making it a rather dull and boring prequel to the unprecedented Harry Potter series.
Dan Fogler as Kowalski
Newt Scamander (Redmayne) travels to New York City in search of additions for his enchanted briefcase full of endangered and misunderstood magical animals. With a “muggle-worthy” button, Scamander safely makes it through Ellis Island, bumping into the characters that would be a part of his life over the next day. Tina, an ex-investigator for the wizard population, spies Scamander, an undocumented wizard in America, breaking all the rules in the book of how to interact with the No-Madges (we knew them as Muggles, those that have no magical skills). Attempting to bring him in to her superiors, we learn of very dark forces surfacing and wreaking havoc on the city. Along the w
ay, Scamander has a chance encounter with Kowalski (Dan Fogler), a wanna-be pastry baker who sees much more than any other mere mortal should. The two find themselves in an unlikely friendship as they attempt to save the creatures and the world from the ultimate evil.
The story as it is described, sounds quite appealing. However, the constant and drawn-out scenes of CGI special effects including a myriad number explosions as we watch these characters run away becomes monotonous and takes away from the story-line. Redmayne as the lead augments the boredom with his flat-lined portrayal of Scamander. He has no charm, depth, or much of a personality and his body posture looks like he’s a dog who’s been beaten and is head-shy. Eye contact and interaction between he and any character is minimal making him appear detached and unappealing. Waterston has an equally cardboard performance. The saving grace are the two supporting actors
, Fogler and Samantha Morton who plays Mary Lou, Tina’s sister. Their adorable attraction with one another and awkwardly sweet interactions are absolutely comical and entertaining. Whenever the two are on-screen, the level of appeal rises dramatically. Both actors show charm and skill to bring a personality that is lovable to the story.
Samantha Morton as Mary Lou
Colin Farrell is also quite charismatic as the questionable leader, never revealing his true intentions. It is unfortunate that Redmayne and Waterston didn’t bring their A-game to this film or perhaps the characters just weren’t developed in the script to the level they should have been.
“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a disappointment in story-telling. It had the potential to be so rich and full of life to give Potter fans a background story, but falls short in delivering a story we care about. The special effects are quite remarkable, but that cannot make a story. The main characters are one-dimensional, but luckily the supporting actors are simply wonderful. For Harry Potter fans, you might be disappointed in the lack of depth and complexity in this film. For parents bringing your kids to this, buy a cup of coffee at the concession stand—you’re going to need it.
1 1/2 stars out of 4