{"id":398,"date":"2018-11-22T04:55:17","date_gmt":"2018-11-22T04:55:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.granitecitynow.com\/?p=398"},"modified":"2018-11-22T04:55:17","modified_gmt":"2018-11-22T04:55:17","slug":"fantastic-beasts-the-crimes-of-grindelwald","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/blog.granitecitynow.com\/?p=398","title":{"rendered":"Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>The Beasts are back. Well, sort of.<\/p>\n

\u201cFantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald: is installment No. 2 in the J.K. Rowlings series that further explores the Wizarding World made famous by and that sequentially predates the author and screenwriter\u2019s \u201cHarry Potter\u201d tales.<\/p>\n

And while its 2016 predecessor \u201cFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them<\/a>\u201d really was all about the title creatures this follow-up uses them more as accessories, focusing instead on the issues plaguing the wizards and Muggles in this satisfying adventure: the struggle for power, a search for identity, and matters of the heart.<\/p>\n

In New York City, circa 1927, the Magical Congress of the United States of America is transferring dastardly knave Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) because \u201cit\u2019s time for him to answer for his crimes in Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n

To remove all doubt, director David Yates (who, oh by the way, directed the first \u201cBeasts\u201d film, as well as four \u201cPotter\u201d flicks) brilliantly highlights Grindelwald\u2019s gaze with the tiniest<\/em> sliver of light across his different-colored eyes, taking this pale-faced baddie to next-level villainy.<\/p>\n

Right? Shudder.<\/p>\n

But Grindelwald is \u201c\u2026 very persuasive…,\u201d so this transfer doesn\u2019t go as smoothly as planned, but it does<\/em> showcase some insanely impressive visuals and the magic that makes these flicks such a treat.<\/p>\n

Three months later Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) is asking the Ministry to life the ban prohibiting him to travel internationally \u2013 y\u2019know, because his briefcase filled with Fantastic Beasts wreaked havoc in the last movie.<\/p>\n

Newt will need travel access, because old pal Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) needs a favor.<\/p>\n

And no one else can do it: \u201cIt has to be you,\u201d Dumbledore assures.<\/p>\n

But Newt isn\u2019t the only one on this mission\u2026.<\/p>\n

Before watching \u201cCrimes\u201d it\u2019s helpful to have seen the first \u201cBeasts\u201d flick and<\/em> at least familiarize yourself with the \u201cHarry Potter\u201d series. There are familiar faces, places, names and events that otherwise might be confusing.<\/p>\n

I was happy to see Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) return as Newt\u2019s Muggle sidekick, once again offering his subtle quips; and Credence Barebone (the always awesome Ezra Miller), sporting a much better haircut than when last we saw him. God bless!<\/p>\n

As for the Beasts: Pickett the Bowtruckle is back to lend his talents as needed and to tug at a heartstring or two; the Nifflers (squeee<\/em>!) still are enthralled with all things shiny while being the most adorable things ever; and we meet the Zouwu, a sort of Chinese New Year dragon critter with cat-like tendencies (watch its eyes light up at the jingle of a simple bell toy).<\/p>\n

But the true stars here are the magic and adventure, and \u201cCrimes\u201d delivers both \u2013 big time<\/em>.<\/p>\n

From the slow-motion shot of a Niffler popping a champagne cork, to the morphing transformation of one of the major players, to rage-fueled destruction of a building, to the memories and foreshadowed imagery, to the transporting of characters \u2013 the effects are seamless and altogether mesmerizing.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll be completely immersed in this Wizarding World because it looks and feels legit.<\/p>\n

The sets are amazing, with their old-world aura and larger-than-life scale.<\/p>\n

The danger and mystery is intensified with sounds from a hurried and somber orchestral score.<\/p>\n

And the story not only dives deeper into defining these characters and relationships, but it begins to connect the dots between \u201cBeasts\u201d and \u201cPotter\u201d and, of course, sets itself up beautifully for the next installment, set for release in November 2020.<\/p>\n

\u201cRevelio!\u201d<\/p>\n

You have just enjoyed the insights of Movie Addict Mel, a cinema dork and conversational writer. Follow her on Twitter\u00a0@movieaddictmel<\/a>, and \u201clike\u201d her Facebook page\u00a0www.facebook.com\/movieaddictmel<\/a><\/em>. You also can email her at movieaddictmel@outlook.com<\/em>.<\/p>\n