“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” is the 3rd of a 5 film series as a follow up prequel to the fabulously successful Harry Potter franchise. The strength of this particular franchise is that it has expanded the magic outside of “Hogwarts” and into the world which makes the stakes feel higher. It has nice special effects and fabulous locations but something just doesn’t feel quite as magical or special and, while entertaining, it all feels a bit routine and familiar.
Last we left this series, Grindewald had raised his army of pure bloods and destroyed most of underground Paris. While his plan was foiled the message was sent and our villain had escaped to parts unknown with his loyalist. He also converted the sweet magical half of the charming magic/mudbood couple, Queenie, to come with him, leaving Jacob alone and heartbroken.
This film kicks off with a nice intimate scene between Dumbledore and Grindwald who are attached by a magic medallion that was sealed in their youth with their love ensuring that neither can destroy the other. Thus, since the beginning, Dumbledore has assembled a cracker jack team lead by Newt Scamander, played nicely again with equal portions debilitating shyness matched with fierce strength and loyalty by Eddie Redmayne. Newt anchors the franchise and is a nice change of pace for a hero. Far from the Braveheart hero, he leads by example and brains while struggling to make eye contact with anybody he encounters. Jessica Williams, Ezra Miller and Maja Boom play the rest of the wizards working with Dumbledoor, while Dan Fogler is back as Jacob Kowalski, the lone muggle character in the wizarding world.
There is a conservative movement afoot in the wizarding world, and Grindwald’s anti-mudblood message is popular with many and the ministry of magic has been infiltrated by Grindwald allies who not only see that he will not be tried for crimes from the previous film, but will be allowed to run for Ministry of Magic. The comparisons to modern times are not subtle, but none the less, effective. There is a side plot involving Dumbledor’s nephew who has been recruited by Gindwald and sent to assassinate Dumbledore. He is slim, pale, dressed gothic black and has long black hair to suggest Severius Snape from the Potter films. A decision that feels a little too obvious.
The big switch in this film is the casting of Gindwald. Perhaps due to Johnny Depp’s legal troubles, he was replaced by Mads Mikkelsen. Whether intended or not, it is a nice upgrade in portrayal. Depp played Gindwald as ghosty, angry and distant. Outside of being a powerful wizard, it made you question his alure and why anybody would follow him. To be his disciple didn’t seem too appealing. Mikkelsen plays him with all charm and confidence. He owns the room when he enters. Jude law is also very strong as Dumbledore. When either one of them are on the screen the film is elevated, and when they are on together it is electric. Perhaps there will be more of that in the future.
So, why isn’t the film more effective. It has a rousing score, nice performances, some nice actions scenes, particularly the scene in the prison where Newt has to rescue his brother from a dirty jail littered by some nasty insects, both small and very large. I think the fact that counting the first series, this is the 10th film in the universe so the ability to dazzle is pretty much gone. Add to that this is a prequel and if you had seen or read the previous Potter books you know what the outcome is of this series, so not a lot of surprises.
The one thing this series does have to its advantage is that none of these characters, outside of Dumbledoor or Gindwald, have been introduced in the original series. It was the 4th book and movie of the original series where Serious Black died for the cause and his sacrifice elevated the series. So perhaps some tragedy awaits in the next film that will elevate the drama. For now, this is a nice entertaining film, if not all that memorable.