THE OSCAR winning Eddie Redmayne brings the wizarding world into a further dimension with his spectacular portrayal of young wizard Newt Scamander in Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the first spin off of the Harry Potter film series, written and produced by J.K Rowling, and did not fail expectations of fans everywhere when it premiered on Friday. (19th November).
The film tells the story of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) in the year 1926 (pre Harry Potter), as he arrives in New York accompanied by his magical suitcase which is full of mystical creatures in which he intends to expand during his trip.
Although along the way all is not as it seems as he is drawn in to the dark and mysterious events which are unfolding within the city, presumed by the ‘No-Maj’s’, the American term for Harry Potter’s ‘Muggles’, to be the work of witchcraft.
Joining Newt on his adventures in the big city are magical sisters; Porpetina (Tina) played by Katerine Waterston, a former Auror at the Magical Congress of the United States and Queenie Goldstein played by Alison Sudol, a Monroe-esque mind reader.
Along with the trio is Jacob Kowalski, played by Dan Fogler, a No-Maj who accidentally swaps briefcases with Newt and finds himself plunged into the wizarding rabbit hole.
Eddie Redmayne (Newt) and Colin Farrel (Percival Graves) are the real diamonds in this film however, as their good vs evil roles portray the magical mystery world that fans have grown to love for many years.
Fantastic beasts and where to find them was amazing!!!!!
— Ricky Dillon (@RickyPDillon) November 18, 2016
The wondrous effects which can be seen in the film throughout are also completely tantalising, from the detail that has been put into the world inside Newt’s briefcase, the beasts, the terrifying tearing up of the streets of New York to the explosive battle we see at the end of the film.
A brilliant decision by Rowling to bring director David Yates into the fold to guide her wondrous wizarding world into more extraordinary depth, following the success of the four final Harry Potter films.
The story does not overshadow nor mock the franchise which is loved by many, but merely complements it, with references to people and things which many Potter fans will be weak at the knees for- even a mention of Dumbledore as Newt’s teacher at Hogwarts (proving he really has been round since the dawn of time!)
@jk_rowling @pottermore My heart is exploding with happiness because the Wizarding World just got a whole lot bigger! #FantasticBeasts
— Holly Dunderdale (@hdunderdale) November 18, 2016
This film is expected to make a killing at the box office over its opening weekend, and with such a gripping and interesting storyline, as well as fantastic acting and special effects there is no doubt it will do just that.
For anyone thinking you have to be a fan of the Harry Potter franchise, you do not, the film works well enough on its own to capture audiences. However, if you are a fan there is a lot which can be read in to!
So if you fancy being transported into the amazing fantasy world of magic and mystical creatures that will leave you wanting more, look no further than Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
By Becky Waldren
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