Two years after the release of the very first Fantastic Beasts film, a dark chapter that many have anticipated and waited for in J.K. Rowling's "Wizarding World" film series finally reveals itself in theaters - continuing the adventures of the eccentric yet clever Newt Scamander as he investigates a case given to him by mentor and former professor Albus Dumbledore. Of course, that case revolves around one "Gellert Grindelwald" - a Dark Wizard who wanted to orchestrate a revolution that could have grave consequences in the world of magic and beyond.
That in itself is the premise of "Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald" - the second of a planned five movie prequel series set before the events of the Harry Potter films and featuring heroes we haven't known and those younger and well before their time in the Potter films. Directed by veteran franchise director David Yates, The Crimes of Grindelwald acts as an "Empire Strikes Back" sort of sequel - giving more emphasis to Grindelwald and his portrayal in the big screen by the ever talented Johnny Depp. After being revealed at the end of "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them" when his "disguise" as Pecival Graves (played by Colin Farrell) was blown by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), Depp's Grindelwald is in full force and free to act as the unopposed dark magic user with plans to wipe out the old Wizarding order and supplant it with his own. This in turn leads to a series of events that has returning characters Tina Goldstein, her sister Queenie, and the No-Maj friend of Newt, Jacob Kowalski.
Also returning in this sequel is Ezra Miller - who reprises his role as the lost and angry Credence. Seeking to find answers and the love of his lost family, the film shifts its focus away from 1920's America and into Europe - where much of the story takes place in Paris and London. Harry Potter fans will also get to see a familiar name in Nagini - the future snake pet of Lord Voldemort who still retains her humanity and acts as Credence's closest friend in the Fantastic Beasts timeline.
Playing of course the young Albus Dumbledore is veteran actor Jude Law - and he is an exceptional presence as he is one of the main links between the Fantastic Beasts series and the Harry Potter films later on in the Wizarding World timeline. His story is quiet interesting and further establishes more of the future old headmaster of Hogwarts' past, as well as his complicated relationship with Grindelwald. Speaking of pasts, Newt's old flame Leta Lestrange also makes her debut in the series, as does Newt's own brother and Leta's fiancee Theseus Scamander (played by Callum Turner).
As with the previous film, Fantastic Beasts is definitely another chapter in magic and wizardry no JK Rowling or Harry Potter fan will want to miss. There's more to the story down the line, but this dark chapter is another ride you will not want to miss if you want to see more of the Potterverse. It is now playing in theaters - courtesy of Warner Bros. Philippines!
Rating - 4/5
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