Humanity Hallows Issue 4 Out Now!
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By Benjamin Francis Cassidy
Building on an established franchise is never an easy task, even for the major players of the film world. When you add in that the franchise in question is Harry Potter, which achieved unparalleled and unimaginable success, that task becomes one that few would fancy the responsibility of delivering. Fortunately, David Yates was more than up for the job.
The action takes place in 1920s America, at Hogwarts, the characters all older than Harry and his friends were at the start of their adventures. This allows for a much darker and moodier tone to the film, which is why it was rated 12A. It is this which is partly responsible for the film being a roaring success, as it sets it apart, feeling like the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, in terms of dealing with adult themes on the screen.
Newt Scamander, the film’s main character is every bit the awkward protagonist, who has the flaws needed to be believable, but the presence and likeability to be memorable. He is responsible for his magical briefcase going missing, when it gets mixed up with a similar one, when he bumps into Jakob Kowalski, (played by Dan Fogler) a down on his luck would be entrepreneur. This sparks of a series of events that see the two begin a truly magical adventure, involving magical animals and other dangerous characters.
Playing the lead role must be intimidating, even if you are blessed with the skills and talent of Eddie Redmayne. He manages to make the role his own, by bringing much needed Britishness, to an otherwise all-American cast, flying the flag for the UK acting community that JK Rowling holds in such high-esteem. Redmayne dazzles as the young rebel with a cause, managing to team up with Fogler to create some undeniable chemistry, and sublime physical comedy, which offers relief to the fast-paced and action packed plot.
The two female main roles are Tina, and her sister, Queenie, played by the wonderful Katherine Waterston and Fine Frenzy, respectively. Tina is a character in conflict with herself, after getting into trouble with the Ministry of Magic (which for Potter fans will be a familiar name, as it features heavily in the later Potter books/films). She wants to make amends, but also feel a pull to helping Newt and Jakob to ensure the safety of the magical animals that live within a world that exists in Newt’s briefcase. Queenie is on hand to assist her, as well as being her moral guide along the way.
The supporting cast includes Colin Farrell, Jon Voight, and the star who almost steals the show, Ezra Miller. Indeed, all the actors here show-case the imagination of creator and script-writer, JK Rowling, who once more shows audiences why fantasy is such a brilliant and immersive genre of film.
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