THE latest instalment in the Fantastic Beasts series, the third film of five, is now showing in Swan Hill and is sure to thrill wizards and muggles alike.
Set several years after the events of the previous film in the series The Crimes of Grindelwald, The Secrets of Dumbledore follows beloved professor Albus Dumbledore as he hands magizoologist Newt Scamander and his friends a mission to help bring down the darkest wizard of the time.
This mission will take Scamander and his allies into the heart of Gellert Grindelwald’s army, with Mads Mikkelsen stepping into the role of the dangerous wizard, replacing Johnny Depp.
Set in the 1930s, the story shows the magical world’s approach to World War II and will feature wizarding communities from China, Germany, Bhutan, the US and UK, with Dumbledore forced to consider how long he will remain on the side-lines.
Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston return respectively as Scamander and his friend auror or dark wizard catcher Tina Goldstein, with Jude Law appearing as Dumbledore.
Erza Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner and Jessica Williams also star in this fantasy adventure, bringing an American flavour to the magical world.
Redmayne and Waterston have brought plenty of warmth to their roles in the series thus far, portraying heroic outsiders which they are sure to continue in this iteration.
The films tell an important story for young fans as these outcasts manage to take on the dark forces in their society, and fight for change.
The wide variety of fantastical animals are also a major drawing card for audiences.
The film is directed by Harry Potter film veterans director David Yates, and writers J.K. Rowling and Steve Kloves.
Despite this knowledge and experience behind the work, Fantastic Beasts has never reached the same popularity as the original films and the story at times feels muddled and less developed, particularly as fans’ encyclopaedic knowledge of the seven major books and Rowling’s short book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them will only help only slightly in deciphering the plot.
Rowling’s recent comments against the trans community have also sparked plenty of criticism, so some fans may turn away, though multiple stars including Waterston and Redmayne have spoken out in support of the LGTBQI+ community.
Whatever fans decide, this film offers a good teaching moment about how outcasts and disenfranchised groups can change the world and the power of standing up for what is right. Now showing at Swan Hill Showbiz Cinemas.
