Not
only do blockbuster franchises have sequels, prequels and reboots, but luckily
for the colossal fandom, the latest emerging trend, is the extended universe or
spin-off. Marvel, DC and Star Wars have all ventured into
continued iterations of their expansive milieu, and now comes the second
instalment in JK Rowling’s evolution of Harry Potter’s Wizarding World.
After
the events of the first Fantastic Beasts in
2016, proceedings inevitably take not only a much darker, but also far more
complex turn. It’s even more elaborate, magical, ambitious and visually
dazzling than its predecessor. Rowling’s imagination is as boundless as ever, with
a whole bundle of new characters, intersecting plotlines and idiosyncratic
creatures.
This descent into the aforementioned far
darker territory, is thankfully due to the much bigger role taken by Johnny Depp,
returning as the grandiose arch antagonist of the title, Gellert Grindelwald. Depp
is absolutely terrific - oozing relentless malevolence, but still retaining
this incredibly persuasive capacity to manipulate. Still sporting a shock of
blonde hair and haunting eyes that change colour, the film opens in spectacular
style, as he engineers a high-octane escape from prison, then plans to
eradicate the world of ‘No-Maj’s’ (muggle, or ‘non-magical’ souls)…
Meanwhile, it’s up to gifted but awkward
wizard Newt Scamander, played by Eddie Redmayne (once again a rather bumbling,
one-note performance) to stop him. He believes the key may be in ascertaining
the whereabouts of troubled orphan Credence (a very empathetic Ezra Miller)
who’s desperate to discover the truth about his identity…
Narratively,
this chapter strikes the perfect balance between originality and nostalgia. It
feels simultaneously utterly fresh, with entirely new echelons of danger, and a
tone which hits doomily dramatic heights at times. But also, there are
extremely clever references strewn throughout to the beloved, tangibly familiar
Potter canon. These include the much-anticipated return to Hogwarts – during
which a gleefully exciting portion of John Williams’s signature theme is
reprised. As well as a wonderous new score, prolific composer James
Newton-Howard subtly intertwines these classic motifs throughout (listen as the
3D Warner Bros. logo floats towards you!)
There’s
a young Dumbledore, portrayed by Jude Law – unlikely casting, but he does
capture an enigmatic, mercurial quality.
The swirling, panoramic cinematography by
Philippe Rousselot, immerse the viewer firmly into the action. Stuart Craig’s
richly detailed production design – statues move, champagne pops, several
artefacts from previous films appear – and Colleen Atwood’s sumptuous costumes,
only add to the magic.
Giving nothing away, the final scene contains
an unbelievably audacious revelation – which sets up tantalisingly for what’s
to come next!...
Rating:
* * * *
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