Although quite a lot of people liked Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016), it's undeniable that not a few people didn't like it at that time. See mixed opinion ( mix ), no wonder that many are skeptical with Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald.
The skepticism has been heightened by the bombardment of negative reviews we've read over the past few weeks. Then, is the quality of this film as disappointing as the negative reviews we've heard in the last few weeks?
Still Magical & Very Beautiful
To be honest for us, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald , is not what all the negative reviews say . On the other hand, this film, which is being directed by “Wizarding World” veteran David Yates ( Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them ), still leaves us captivated and thrilled when we see it.
In fact, it can be said that this feeling of awe and magic is felt immediately since the opening scene which features the character who became the title of this film, Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) who is shown locked up in a prison guarded by the Magical Congress of the United States of America workers ( MACUSA).
Furthermore, the opening scene is arguably the best opening scene of the entire Harry Potter film so far. And after the opening scene is shown, the film is increasingly sprinkling its magical spells that make our eyes even more captivated.
Back to Hogwarts & Deeper Character Development
Fascination goes even further when, as shown in the trailer for the film, we return to our favorite wizarding school, Hogwarts. WOW Geeks ! WOW. It hurts my ears when the scene back to Hogwarts is shown. The aura when we first watched Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001) returned to this body.
Never mind the fact that Hogwarts here is set in the 1920s and there is no Snape, Hagrid, and other wizarding school leaders who are much cooler than their rivals , Ilvermorny, when the inside and outside of Hogwarts are shown, goosebumps instantly.
In addition to the return factor to Hogwarts, which makes us even more comfortable with The Crimes of Grindelwald , is that most of the characters in the previous film, developed further into the background of the characters which as a result, makes us more annoyed, sad, sympathetic with these characters. . And of all the characters, it is undeniable that Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller) has the most character development.
Fantastic Beasts and the Credence Barebone Show
Yep that's right geeks . Even so cool, interesting and IMPORTANT character development, it can be said that this sequel is devoted to the character. But make no mistake, Grindelwald's focus here is still dominant.
But again, if I'm honest, Credence is the most dominant focus. Maybe for geeks who really wanted to see the focus of the film on Grindelwald from the start, they might feel a bit disappointed. But believe me geeks , this focus will be paid off in the twist ending of the film which is super surprising.
Party Twist
Correctly. It can be said that this film features a final twist that can be categorized as the best film twist in 2018. But don't get me wrong geeks , the twist in this sequel isn't all that super surprising.
At least in our eyes, there are 3 twists that are shown in this film which are not only surprising, but also will be able to make our view of some of the characters in the film and the whole plot completely changed from before.
Mr. Johnny Grindelwald
Of course, all these positive aspects are further strengthened by the appearance of all the actors and actresses. Miller must be really cool as Credence. Well , if it's not cool, maybe it's not that he is being praised all over here.
Eddie Redmayne as Newt Scamander is even cooler and more awkward . Alison Sudol as Queenie Goldstein is "shocking". Jude Law as young Dumbledore is fantastic. The point is that there is no bad appearance at all in this film.
But if you have to choose which appearance really steals the attention, then Depp as the enemy and former closest to Dumbledore is the most brilliant. When we saw him as Grindelwald, we were curious again, who was the casting director who chose Depp? Because once again Depp is Grindelwald.
The Sequel That Must Be Watched “Innocently”
Then what are the shortcomings of The Crimes of Grindelwald ? Hmm, maybe there are only 2 in our opinion: Some characters that look just as sweeteners (including Nagini) and the way the twist is revealed (except for the one towards the end) that feels "general" only.
You can compare it later with Snape's (Alan Rickman) twist in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) and in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (2011).
But despite these two negative aspects, once again Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a very satisfying sequel for all Potterheads or even for geeks who have only followed the entire film adaptation of The Wizarding World .
For geeks who might want to watch it but are still unsure, one key is: “Put yourself down” before watching this film. The point here is, don't read reviews, have been affected by the negative bombardment lately, and of course you're comparing too much with the first film.
Geeks do that, we guarantee you will feel the sensation of returning to Hogwarts which is very magical and fantastic.
