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It seems that when looking at the newest Fantastic Beasts film, one can't help but notice that it's plagued by numerous amounts of negative controversy ranging from Johnny Depp's firing and recasting as Grindelwald to creator and author J.K Rowling's controversial remarks regarding transgender individuals, and Ezra Miller being arrested for disorderly conduct. Adding further insult to injury, the newest installment experienced a near two year delay from being released due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic along with experiencing a gradual decline in critical stature with each new entry. With Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets Of Dumbledore, the film doesn't provide the prequel series to Harry Potter with a grand finale, but moreso one that's successful in bringing it's characters journey to a viable conclusion.
Continuing from where The Crimes Of Grindelwald left off, The Secrets Of Dumbledore focuses on Professor Albus Dumbledore entrusting the help of magizoologist Newt Scamander to lead an intrepid team of wizards and witches against the powerful, dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald as he moves to seize control of the wizarding world. In doing so, they encounter an array of old and new beasts as they clash with his legion of followers. Beasts third installment operates as being a partial trilogy caper despite originally being planned for five movies total. Although Secrets Of Dumbledore brings the series to a close that's satisfactory with some appealing visual scenery, it lacks the magic of the previous Harry Potter films which inspired the newest trilogy with it carrying both pacing and narrative issues that has bogged down the Beast series as a whole.
Whereas Fantastic Beasts has struggled with maintaining a straight-forward narrative, its cast remains reliable with them delivering fantastic work as a whole. Eddie Redmayne is solid once again as self-proclaimed magizoologist Newt Scamander, despite his character often feeling underutilized in the series overall. Jude Law delivers a terrific performance as Albus Dumbledore with him playing the part with absolute confidence. Ezra Miller is effective as severely abused and disturbed Aurelius Dumbledore, son and adopted child of Mary-Lou Barebone. Dan Fogler steals the show once again as Newt's friend and lover of Queenie, Jacob Kowalski. Folger does a stellar job of investing audiences in his character when Newt isn't in the screen. Alison Sudol does well as Jacob's lover Queenie Goldstein with the two still making their dynamic engaging for audiences along with possessing solid chemistry. Replacing Johnny Depp in the role of Grindelwald is excellent method actor Mads Mikkelsen, who proves to be a worthy replacement as the infamously powerful dark wizard causing chaos across the globe. Any actor stepping into shoes worn by Depp has an enormously tall order to fill, but Mikkelsen meets those demands heads on while makes the role his own. Other noteworthy performances include William Nadylam as Newt's ally Yusuf Kama, and Callum Turner as the formers older brother Theseus whose a dedicated and loyal Auror. Overall, Dumbledore's cast is a terrific ensemble who wonderfully bring their characters to life on the big screen.
Directed by David Yates who helmed the previous Fantastic Beasts films along with several Harry Potter ones, he once again gives the wizarding world an appearance that's visually stunning while keeping things dark and intense as the story requires. The action sequences are intense with frightening scenes including the use of
unforgivable curses that torture, control, and kill along with causing significant property damage. In keeping true to the Potter series, Yates presents scary creatures including a giant tentacled beast. The cinematography presents a dark atmosphere that fits the stories tone, though can make certain action moments tough to see. Some of the films visually striking moments include Theseus and Newt's escape, as well as the third act involving Grindelwald. At 143 minutes, the pacing remains relatively steady without feeling overlong. When it comes to the overall look of the wizarding world, Yates once again proves himself to be the ideal choice for bringing the world of Fantastic Beasts to the big screen in a form that's thrilling and feels larger-than-life. Along with the films rich production and costume design, James Newton Howard delivers a score that's both effective and emotional.
When it comes to writing, The Secrets Of Dumbledore focuses on themes pertaining to hate, bigotry, past mistakes, the death of loved ones, abandonment, loyalty, magic, and honesty. The film gives Dumbledore's character a backstory that provides deeper insight into his past along with revealing past mistakes and wounds. As far as narrative goes, Secrets is more focused and straight-forward than Crimes Of Grindelwald, though struggles with similar issues including Newt feeling overshadowed by the side characters despite being the main figure of the story. The audience can't help but find themselves still invested in the relationship between Jacob and Queenie with their dynamic being resolved with a rewarding twist. The reveal of Dumbledore and Grindelwald's past as childhood lovers becomes a key part of the story without it feeling forced. As for the scripts dive into politics, the story keeps things basic with the inclusion of magical creatures in international elections being an interesting twist, particularly the addition of the rare magical creature, Qilin, that's used to choose the winner, despite its usage often be confusing at times.
As a whole, the film brings the franchises story to a point where the series could conclude as being an honorable standalone trilogy which feels appropriate given that the series appears to be running out of magic in terms of dazzling audiences. Although the third film operates as a serviceable finale, it often feels by-the-numbers and doesn't offer anything new for audiences. This is a film that's made to cater to the most passionate fans of Rowling's wizarding universe with them being the ones most likely to fully appreciate it. It marks a more satisfying experience than what Grindelwald left, and brings the Fantastic Beasts series to a fitting close. Considering the latters declining status along with numerous amounts of negative publicity surrounding it, that's perhaps best.
Final Verdict: Worth a watch for fans of both the Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter series.
Images Courtesy Of Warner Brothers
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