The Fantastic Beasts series, while an ambitious attempt to extend the enchanting world of Harry Potter, has not resonated with everyone as profoundly as the original set of books and movies. The magic of Harry Potter, with its rich narrative fabric interwoven with the trials and growth of its beloved characters, is something that the Fantastic Beasts films have struggled to replicate for me.
While the newer movies do expand on the wizarding world, delving deeper into the lore and bringing to light new facets of the magical society, it’s this deviation from the familiar Hogwarts setting and the absence of the original characters that might contribute to the feeling that something is missing. Moreover, the emotional connection that grew over years with Harry, Hermione, and Ron is hard to replicate with a brand-new cast in a relatively short span of time.
There is also the difference in the way stories are told. The original Harry Potter books allowed readers to grow with the characters, inviting them to imagine the vastness of the wizarding world. The movies then brought those imaginings to life with a shared vision. In contrast, Fantastic Beasts started as a film series without the literary backstory that often adds a layer of depth and attachment for the audience.
It’s worth noting that tastes and preferences in storytelling are subjective, and what doesn’t resonate with one might deeply affect another. Some fans may enjoy the new adventures and the additional knowledge about the wizarding world’s history and societal complexities that Fantastic Beasts offers. For me, the films might lack the heart or the connection they cherished in the original story. Whether you choose to read the Fantastic Beasts novels in the future or not, your experience is shaped by your personal journey with the Harry Potter universe.
Now, what do I dislike about the series, particularly the last film? Two key points:
Reflecting on the story at hand, it becomes evident that the narrative circulates around a magical animal caretaker whose destiny intertwines with the looming threat of Grindelwald. However, the tale seems to lack the verve and vigor one might hope for in such a fascinating premise. The characters introduced to replace the beloved trio unfortunately do not resonate with me; they appear to be mere shadows when placed beside their predecessors, whose charm and complexity were instrumental in capturing the hearts in the original story.
Moreover, the prequel setup inherently brings with it a certain predictability – after all, it delves into a history with an outcome already etched into the audience. This knowledge often undermines the suspense and diminishes the emotional stakes, as the viewers are not journeying through uncharted territory but rather navigating a path that leads to a recognized destination.
To imbue this prequel narrative with the necessary depth and engagement, it might have been beneficial to focus more keenly on adding layers to these new characters, crafting backstories and presenting them in a way that makes the audience invest in their fates.
In essence, the story, as it stands, falls short due to its inability to detach from the inevitabilities of its prequel nature and to create new legacies that are captivating in their own right, independent of the original ensemble that has long since captured the imaginations of readers and viewers.
The primary Villain: Grindelwald, unlike Voldemort, is a watered-down version of the book’s primary villain. Voldemort is determined to destroy everything and poses a threat to everyone, an evil wizard who cannot die. Grindelwald is planning to rig the election? LOL.
The SGI Matrix-like Battels that appear to be phoney. The original Books included a terrific cast of characters, an amazing story, and magical scenery. Fantastic Beasts appears to be a low-cost attempt to capitalise on the Wizarding World. Even The Cursed Child is light years ahead, which I will discuss later.
Let me know your thoughts.