Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Review
RYAN: This is a momentous occasion! I remember the crowding sadness after the last Harry Potter film hit theaters; the end of an era – the finite close to the Potter universe. JK Rowling made clear Harry’s story was over… so when Warner Bros. announced Rowling was scripting a new film based on the Wizarding World – it was like a spiritual awakening.
CAROLINE: Don’t mince words.
RYAN: (laughs) Really – the news alone was something to celebrate. And now knowing it’s a five film franchise, it’s just reasons to live, you know?
CAROLINE: I know how much you love this stuff. I loved the books and movies too. I wish I could have joined you at the screening. How was it?
RYAN: It brilliant – everything you want it to be. You just get the chills. The same creative team is here – producer, director, designer, effects – so it’s a reunion for them and it all relates so perfectly to the original films and stories – you have familiar spells, wands, mentions of characters, effects and best of all – the iconic theme music! I was, quite lit’rally, freaking out watching this.
CAROLINE: I don’t doubt it for a second. And this one takes place in NYC right?
RYAN: Yes! It’s so great. I remember asking Tom Felton, who played Draco Malfoy in the Potter movies how fans could fill the void after Deathly Hallows Part 2 and he just said Pottermore.com which is great – and we can always return to reading the books. But this is all so much more. And at Pottermore, in the months leading up to this film’s release, Rowling did update us on the American School of Witchcraft and Wizardry – called Ilvermorny. And it’s all so fun getting our own stake in this magical universe. It’s in the 1920s and the period is outstanding. This film should definitely get disjoin nominations but also acting for the supporting stars Dan Fogler and Alsion Sudol.
CAROLINE: They look fun, even in the trailer. How is Eddie?
RYAN: I mean, just so great. I love Newt Scamander. The most amazing thing about this experience is it’s the first Wizarding film we’ve seen that’s not based on a book. So it was great watching and not knowing what would happen next, or thinking about what was cut out. And the screenplay is genius. Her mind – in creating all of the characters and these creatures and spells and locations and story – with such depth and emotional and real-world implication – it’s just beyond impressive. I want to kiss JK Rowling’s mind! And thank her for all she’s done to bring magic into our lives. I’ve made so many friends through her stories – there’s really a wonderful community of fans out there.
CAROLINE: I know – I see all of your posts and you even cosplay at the parties. But I’m not calling you a geek.
RYAN: I love it! It’s all great. I did get Newt’s jacket. Blue is my color.
CAROLINE: (laughs) Yes. So what about all the effects and beasts, as it were?
RYAN: Magnificent. Some are cute, some are creepy – but they’re all so imaginative. Again you just have to marvel at the mind of Jo Rowling. We’re not familiar with these characters the way were all connected to those in Harry Potter, so there is a bit of bonding that takes place. But their relationships and the stakes, the way they’re fully formed, along with the parallels between Harry Potter and ties to actual American history is all so grand – it just clicks in the most effective way. I just love it. I already can’t wait for the next one. And I can’t wait to see this one again. I’m going this weekend!
