‘Blu-ray or Bust’ FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

‘Blu-ray or Bust’

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM (2016, PG-13, 133 minutes, WARNER BROTHERS)

J.K. Rowling may be the smartest woman alive.

Leaving the tale of Harry Potter behind—or, since BEASTS takes place prior to the particular tale, leaving it to the future—she has taken the world in which Potter (eventually) inhabits and spinning it upon its proverbial head. And by setting the latest installment of the Potterverse in America, we are treated to a slightly different interpretation of that world by the creator and author herself.

BEASTS is the tale of Newt Scamander, an English wizard freshly arrived in New York City with what could be the greatest suitcase EVER. He stumbles into an ever-growing problem in the city, one that threatens the exposure of the magical world to the city that secretly harbors the head of the American contingent. He quickly makes friends and alliances, including that of Jacob, a factory worker with big dreams. Played by Dan Fogler (“Hannibal”, “The Goldbergs”), Jacob is more than just the comic relief—he is the secret heart of this film. He may be a muggle, but he’s a muggle just like you and me, and the wonder and heartbreak that we see in his eyes mirrors our own.

And there is absolutely no other actor that could play Newt than Eddie Redmayne (THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING). He plays the lead with a nearly eccentric air—but when you realize what is really going on with the character, you might be even more surprised at how many of the mannerisms Redmayne adopts, which reveal the true nature of Newt.

He is the most socially awkward character in recent cinema history. And it’s awesome. Rowling has not only added to her universe with some grandiose and brilliant touches, but she has also given us a character whom delivers on so many levels that I doubt there are few that don’t connect with him in some way. That is one of the wonderful secrets of this film: the characters. While the Potter films could not quite capture the intricacies of each individual, this film, written specifically for the screen, is a more grownup approach to the characters. “Queenie”, played by the gorgeous and confident Alison Sudol (“Transparent”), is a fun and carefree soul, truly a ray of sunshine in nearly every scene she is in.

And of course, there are the beasts themselves. Housed within Newt’s magical suitcase, the interior of which looks like literal movie sets based upon whatever environment the beasts need to survive, is a traveling zoo of magical creatures. We are given just enough time within this mini world to appreciate how much Newt connects with animals better than he does with other people. But not nearly enough time to explore all of its wonders. Another stroke of genius—Rowling has given us a zoo just as awesome as the school her wizards were taught in. It is a fair and amazing replacement for the moving staircases and hallowed grounds which make up Hogwarts.

The special features start off with Ms. Rowling herself, and she is present throughout most of the documentaries. This is a smart move on WB’s part; by giving the viewer access to her brain, we are afforded a detailed look into how differently she approached this part of the Potterverse. And, it pays close attention to the characters, just like the script did.

Consider this new chapter in the Potterverse a welcome addition. It is a darker look into that world, but with these characters to guide us, the outcome looks more than promising.

Film Grade: A

Special Features: A

Blu-ray Necessary: Most Definitely

- T.S. Kummelman