It’s time for the Harry Potter fans around the world to dust off their wands and cloaks. That’s right, we thought it was over, but we were wrong. We’re back in the Wizarding world for another journey with a whole new set of characters – and some old ones, from the Harry Potter books and films.
The big question that’s surrounded this new series of films is whether it can live up to the seven extremely successful and loved Harry Potter films. Luckily, the question is irrelevant. This first instalment sets itself as its own film with its own personality, characters, and a completely new storyline.
The beauty of this franchise is that, unlike the Harry Potter saga, we’re already clued up on magic. We know it exists, we know it’s kept separate to muggles, and we even know some of the spells and creatures. This means that no time had to be spent explaining or introducing us to this world. Therefore, comedy takes a more prominent stance with this movie, and has you laughing out loud throughout – usually because of the creatures.
We’ve also always known that magic exists on a global level, but we’ve only ever been introduced to some Russian and French students. We’re now being thrust into the American Wizarding World. It has its own Ministry (called MACUSA), its own laws, and a black female minister – or president, as she’s called over there – played by Carmen Ejogo (Selma). However, Britain is definitely the magical capital of the world – although that may be biased, coming from a British Harry Potter fanatic.
The beautifully weird creatures that we meet in this film set the whole franchise up. From a large female hippopotamus-type animal looking for love, to a group of snake-type animals that can grow or shrink to fit any size. Each creature looks and acts distinctively different from one other. With their own quirks, personalities, and humour, you can’t help but fall in love with each and every one of them.
However, some of the humans are equally as loveable. Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything), is the main character. He’s on a mission to save the creatures in the magical world that are being wrongly treated, and teach his fellow wizards and witches to care for these mystical animals. Redmayne’s quirkiness is once again brought to the big screen and fits perfectly for Scamander.
His love interest, Porpentina Goldstein, is played by Katherine Waterston (Steve Jobs). Her down-to-earth demeanour, added to an obviously kind heart, makes this character a perfect match for Scamander. Waterston creates a Witch like we’ve never seen before. Her American accent, her androgynous clothing choices, her desire to become an auror once again, all add up to create a one-of-a-kind character. By the end of the film, you’re wishing Scamander and Goldstein to fall in love.
Other characters adding to this impressive cast include Jacob Kowalski, played by Dan Fogler (Balls of Fury). He is a sweet and funny muggle (or No-Maj, as known in America), who falls in love with Porpentina’s sister, Queenie. She’s accomplished in legilmancy, meaning she can read minds, and comes across as a blonde bombshell. She completes the party of four that we travel through the film with, and she’s played by Alison Sudol.
On the opposing side, we’re introduced to Percival Graves, played by Colin Farrell (Phone Booth). He is an auror and Director of Magical Security at MACUSA. Although his true purposes for his actions in the film aren’t made clear until the end, it’s very obvious that this character has evil intentions. A more simply wicked character in the film is Mary Lou Barebone, played by Samantha Morton (Sweet and Lowdown). She is the leader of a group whose sole intention is to find, catch, and kill wizards and witches. Think Dolores Umbridge on steroids.
It was recently revealed that Johnny Depp is joining the cast as the infamous Gellert Grindelwald. The character was talked about a lot in the Harry Potter books, and mentioned in the films. However, to say anything about his character’s role in this instalment would simply ruin it. So, that character is staying a mystery until you go and watch the film yourself.
David Yates, the director of the final four Harry Potter films, has managed to re-create the magic. But, he’s created a whole new personality, with addictive characters, incredible creatures, and a story full of unexpected twists and turns. It’s even better than the trailers suggest. It’s even more beautiful than we’ve seen Yates create before. And the hilarious characters and creatures make the film perfect for all ages.
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