Newt Scamander is back in his latest mission to stop the rising power of Gellert Grindwald. Scamander is not alone and secrets are uncovered when Albus Dumbledore reaches out. Now it time to reassemble the troops of the most unlikeliest including a school teacher, wizard from an ancient family and a muggle.
Eddie Redmayne reprises as the magical zoologist as the film opens with him seeing the birth of twin Qulin’s (a rare species able to detect purity), but when one is stolen, Newt seeks to protect the one left alive. Through the film, which is packed with several references to the original Harry Potter Franchise, we learn that there are evil wizards who seek to have Grindelwald take over as they use the deceased twin to prove Grindelwald’s purity.
All in all, Redmayne does an exceptional job of bringing to life the beauty of the beasts as everyone else would feel threatened. Similarly he also is the connecting point to assembling what is being called Dumbledore’s “first army” as one of the latest trailers connected that to the original Harry Potter Franchise.
Also returning to the magical movie is muggle baker, Jacob Kawolski (Dan Fogler) who has exceedingly grown in his knowledge of the Wizarding World, though he is still apprehensive as to if he is what is needed. Newt quickly reminds him that he is exactly what is needed in the epic battle between good and evil.
Alison Sudol also reprises her role as Queenie, the sly but sweet witch that has stolen Jacob’s heart though she declined his proposal in the previous film. Queenie also has a secret as like so many other witches in previous films that have dealt with temptation from the evil. Sudol and Fogel’s chemistry though is enough to make us wonder will this movie be the one to tie the knot? One will have watch to the end to see if this comes true.
The one difference in casting is Grindelwald himself who was previously cast as Johnny Depp in the previous film. This one we see the same character in a new light as Dr Strange’s Mads Mikkelson steps into the spotlight. Right away, we almost forget that Depp was even involved because the way Mikkelson embraces the role is stellar. He also has a unique evilness that almost makes one want to root for him even though you know that he is leading us down the path of no return.
At 2 hour 22 minute run time Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is the third movie in the current franchise and ultimately doesn’t disappoint. A word of caution, it might be a little slow if this is your first Fantastic Beast movie as there are several references to the first two which may make for a little confusion if you don’t know the back story. That being said, it’s everything a true fan wants from a Wizarding World story and will uncover secrets that you didn’t even know existed.
The film came out April 15, 2022 and is currently playing in a theater near you.