Finally we get to see the home of our friendly caretaker and how he manages to handle all these tiny and huge and sweet and dangerous and not so dangerous fantastic animals. However the main story-line quickly diverges from the theme. Generally it is a story about how Grindewald came into power. Having said that, the title should be something like: “The era of Grindewald: a story with a help 10% from fantastic beasts”. Cringy, right?
Well I did my best trying to save the movie theme. Of course it is as interesting and pleasant as the first one. There are maybe less plot holes with a more straightforward approach of stopping Grindewald. The beasts you wanted to see also play a role but bot a big one. Many relations are explained and some plot twists are presented. Ultimately, the background and some important history of the magical world is cleared and the universe of the Harry potter world is expanded.
You remember that old man where he helped save London? Do you care? Yeah, me neither (he is Flamel by the way). Do you remember the magic? Yeah! Me too! The special effects are awesome! Well executed, not too much, not too little and the magic spells carefully chosen.
If you know what you are going to see, which is not about beasts, it is a nice movie. Complex enough with good acting and very interesting ideas with problems people actually care about.
Favourite quotes:
“Newt: She has eyes just like a salamander. Jacob: Don’t say that.”
“Queenie: I can’t tell if you’re making a joke or if you’re just…French.”
“Flamel: I am alive, but I am an alchemist, and therefore immortal. Jacob: You don’t look a day over 375.”