Tailor-Made for The Most Devouted Fans

The critics weren’t kind to the sequel of the Fantastic Beasts that was released 2016 and I was very intrigued as to why. I see what could’ve made the critics hate it; I understand, but I don’t care.

This is J.K Rowling ultimate fan service, and only those true fans will feel the exhilaration and the jaw-dropping moments in Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald. There are millions of subplots that will put you in the edge of your seat. The visuals are the best in the Wizarding World ever, Harry Potter included. Peopel are saying how the magic was lost, the truth is, this is The Half-Blood Prince of this age; magic takes the backseat and turns into second-nature. Instead we are shown relationship, brotherhood, regrets, a little bit of politics, loyalty and a film that is about taking a side and standing up for it.

The visual effects of this film is absolutely on point. At times it was dizzyingly overwhelming in a good way. Cinematography is gorgeous and the scoring is outstanding. Johnny Depp brought Grindelwald to life and he did a great job. I was impressed with Jude Law, at times my heart melted with the reminder of Dumbledore’s kind eyes from the books. Law brought that here and it was so resonating. And I almost cried on the Leta Lestrangw Hogwarts memory. It captured how I felt seeing Hogwarts on the earlier films. It was so emotional and beautifully shot.

The ending left me frozen. It was so shocking and completely wasn’t what I expected at all. Now that’s how you drop a bomb. It’s one of those cinematic moments, in tradition of “I am your father” from Star Wars and “I see dead people” from The Sixth Sense. Very brilliant!

Crimes of Grindelwald only crime is the next one is not anytime soon. Potterheads rejoice. The Wizarding World has truly expanded and we can’t wait for more.

Grade: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Try Not to Die With The Return of The Wizarding World. Dies a Lot. A Lot.

We love Hufflepuffs. We really do. Especially Newt Scamander. And oh Eddie Redmayne too, and like him, it is impossible to find something to hate in this film. It is the perfect return trip to the Wizarding World without the same old formula, without the golden trio, and that’s okay. 

I have never seen a movie this charming; it’s captivating, delightful and just plain magical, literally and figuratively. We could’ve not asked for a better cast, and they all seemed very happy to be in the film, and like the rest of the world, we just want magic too. 

Everything is sharper, it’s the same Harry Potter crew, the Davids, JK Rowling who by the way, is fantastic in her screen writing debut, same film editor, casting director and production designer. They all got 200% better from the last time we’ve seen them work together on Hallows Part 2. 

I was very reminded heavily on how I first experienced the magic of Sorcerer’s Stone. This movie just took me back on that place were you just so in awe with all the magic. Right. In. The. Feels. 

I was worried at first on how the magical beasts will be shown, but all of this worry instantly disappeared with the appearance of the singularly fantastic Niffler. And when we see the rest of all the beasts kept in Newt’s suitcase, it was an real impressive use of CGI technology. The creatures were so believable and magical, and it didn’t look funny or weird at all. Like I said, pure magic. 

Without saying too much, the most reaction the audience gave was with the appearance of Johnny Depp as Gellert Grindelwald. It is very exciting to see what we’ll see in him in the future. The countdown for the next movie begins instantly after we see him. Good times people. Good times. 

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is truly fantastic in every way. Nostalgia will hit the most hardcore of Potter fans, and it is really the movie we all deserve right now. The movie is huge spell that will captivate this generation. 

Grade: 4.5 / 5 Stars

Jupiter Ascending or this decade’s Wachowski Misfire

Jupiter Ascending was supposed to be released a long time ago. The story about the regular Illinois girl turned ruler of earth was postponed from it’s 2014 release to this year to give time to finish the film’s visual effects.

It’s a visual spectacle, sure, but everything else  is complete rubbish. The Wachowskis are supposed to be reclaiming themselves but here they are disappointing everyone (yet again) with cheesy lines, predictable plot and lousy acting that is thankfully confined only to Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum. Eddie Redmayne, who is set to win at this year’s Oscars, is the only commendable talent in this movie. Sean Bean is a miscast, and Douglas Booth is to good looking for Mila Kunis.

To be honest I felt like I’m watching the prequel of Star Wars with its political theme and galactic extravagance. Directed by George Lucas of course. I gave it a chance, hoping it will pick itself up. That didn’t happen.

Jupiter Ascending should never been postponed in the first place, it should’ve been canceled to save us all from the Wachowski’s, Mila Kunis’ acting, and the obvious showing off of Channing Tatum’s abs, for no reason at all.

Grade: 2 Stars