After the huge success of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them in 2016, here comes the much-awaited second part of the Fantastic Beasts film series – Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. Many professional movie reviewers in India and abroad have literally thrashed this movie; with some even going to the extent of saying that this is the worst movie in the Wizarding World franchise. I suggest don’t bother to even think about them. Just watch the movie and decide yourself instead of being influenced by these ‘well-established’ movie reviewers.
While Fantastic Beasts one was based almost entirely in the US, the part two takes place in the European cities of London and Paris. The Crimes of Grindelwald has much resemblance to the Harry Potter series-be it the Harry Potter theme music or the mesmerizing featuring of the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, and not to forget our beloved Albus Dumbledore. The film evokes a feeling of nostalgia in you.
Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald – Storyline:
Set in the year, 1927, the film starts with Grindelwald detained by the Magical Congress of the United States of America, MACUSA). As expected, he tricks MACUSA officials and escapes with his associate to Paris. Meanwhile, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is back in England and has been banned from International travel the magic ministry.
However, his brother (an auror) offers him to come onboard as an auror to hunt down Credence in exchange of lifting travel ban to which Newt gladly reject. All of a sudden, Jacob Kowalski and Queenie Goldstein makes an appearance in Newt’s home. Newt asks about Tina and gets to know that she is searching for Credence in Paris on orders of MACUSA.
The Wizarding world is left divided and in grave trouble with the news of Grindelwald trying to get Credence on his side to take control of the whole world including the muggles/ no-majs. In comes, Albus Dumbledore (played by the effervescent, Jude Law). Dumbledore tasks Newt with finding Credence before Grindelwald could lay his hands on him. At this moment, we wonder why can’t Dumbledore himself tries to stop Grindelwald? The answer lies in the climax-Dumbledore and Grindelwald were sworn brothers and took a blood pact not to fight each other.
Somehow, with the help of Dumbledore’s influence, Newt along with Jacob leaves England and reaches Paris. In Paris, he meets Tina tries to stop Grindelwald from reaching Credence. However, there are people in the magic ministry who secretly help Grindelwald in his quest to unite the pure-bloods for his evil end.
To see how Newt and his “Fantastic Beasts” tackle the threat of Grindelwald and once again save the Wizarding world from the dark forces, you must watch Fantastic Beasts 2 in theatres now.
Characters to Watch in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald:
The most exciting thing about Fantastic Beasts two is, it introduces us to a number of new characters that are connected to the Harry Potter series-in a way that we hardly thought about. I appreciate the way this film has references to the Harry Potter series in an intricate yet spellbinding manner. My top three new characters of this movie are:
- Nagini (played by Claudia Kim): Nagini is a being who carries a blood curse that means she will sooner or later transform into a snake permanently. Does it ring any bells? Yes, Nagini is Lord Voldemort’s horcrux killed by Neville Longbottom with Godric Gryffindor’s Sword in the last movie of the Harry Potter series. Claudia as Nagini has performed extremely well although she had little to speak in this part. However, it is expected that in the next part, she will have a telling role.
- Albus Dumbledore (the younger version that we don’t know): Well, there was hardly any doubt in the fact that Albus was the most clever, wise and powerful wizard of all time. However, The Crimes of Grindelwald, added one more dimension to his personality-he was also the most secretive of all in the Wizarding world with a questioning past. To me Jude Law is a perfect choice for this character because of his sheer quality and class.
- Leta Lestrange (played by Zoë Kravitz): Lita is one of the ancestors of Bellatrix Lestrange (who killed Sirius Black). She is a wise, young, and beautiful woman, who is engaged to Newt’s brother, Theseus. Since childhood, Lita was a misfit among peers. She is different from others like Newt, who was with her at the Hogwarts. Most probably she was Newt’s first love.
My Verdict & Rating of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald
I gave 10/10 to Fantastic Beasts 1 and I am giving 9/10 to The Crimes of Grindelwald. Fantastic Beasts 2 is a movie that takes you to a well, but don’t let you drink from it and yet it quenches your thirst. After watching Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, you will feel more excited to know about the third installment of Fantastic Beasts series.
Fantastic Beasts 2 has a great plot and an equally exciting climax that reinforces the fact-no matter how much hatred progress; it has no power to stand against love, friendship and family.
In my view, if you are a fantasy movie lover, then Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a must watch for you.
Reviewed by: Absar Ahmad
[…] Reviewed by: Absar Ahmad […]