Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

In your local theatres. That’s where you can find them. The Fantastic Beasts. For a film that tends to live more in the realm of mediocre, the beasts are not just fantastic, they are spectacular. They are magnificent and awe-inspiring. They are the whole reason this film exists, except of course to make money and set the table for what’s to come.

What is essentially the ninth film in the Harry Potter franchise serves as a prequel that will spawn (at least) four subsequent sequels of its own. Eddie Redmayne is Newt Scamander, a writer and animal whisperer of a wizard on holiday looking to purchase a rare horse to add to his impressive collection, which he conveniently keeps in a raggedy brown suitcase. He accidentally releases an eclectic group of magical creatures to wreak havoc in 1920’s New York City, and the results are catastrophic and inevitably set into motion a chain of events that may very easily lead to another half dozen books and films.

The wizarding community attempts damage control and risks being discovered by the “nomag” (not magical), or the American version of the British muggles to the Potter initiates. Meanwhile, we’re introduced to new and imaginative creatures and characters, and some familiar names from the stories we all know and love (I say that facetiously).

David Yates returns to the director’s chair after four of the original “Harry Potter” films, and this year’s “Legend of Tarzan”. He is attached to the next four “Fantastic Beasts” films, all of which are in the process of being written, and urgently I would presume. His camerawork is simply average, though I wonder how much time he spent in post-production.

J.K. Rowling may have bitten off more than she can chew on this one. She doesn’t need the money, so I question her motives. She is tinkering in dangerous territory and might want to have a chat with George Lucas. The next few novels she writes could very well destroy her credibility with the masses and for what? To continue her legacy? I would prefer something new perhaps.

The supporting cast of Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell, Dan Fogleman, and Ezra Miller do little to add substance to the plot or setting. They play their characters convincingly, but they seem like just that; characters. Eddie Redmayne can’t even save the attempt at brilliance that simply comes off as ordinary.

I can’t help compare this legacy to the “Star Wars” canon. Although I’m a huge “Star Wars” fan, I could see how as each new one comes out, there are people who just don’t understand the excitement and fervor. I feel that way about “Potter”. These next five stories are going to drag out the story and dilute the cultural importance and impact of the first seven books. Or eight films if you prefer.
I won’t pretend to know the “Harry Potter” universe very well. I’ve seen the movies and haven’t read the books (blasphemy for a middle school teacher, I know), but it just doesn’t really do much for me. The power that can be wielded by wizards just seems to diminish the tension and drama of conflict. Destroy the city? Just wave your wand and everything goes back to normal. Get caught by a human? Cast a spell and make them forget everything. Encounter literally any situation you don’t want to be in? Say the right combination of nonsense words and you can simply disappear. The rules or lack thereof don’t jive with my sense of logic. Even for fantasy, the narrative seems to make “Lord of the Rings” seem like non-fiction.

I will say this. If you are a big fan of the “Harry Potter” films, you will not be disappointed in the slightest. The special effects are mesmerizing and the creatures are nothing short of breathtaking and beautiful. If you’re just a movie fan looking for something to check out? It might do, but it will most certainly leave you feeling unsatisfied. 7/10 for visual dazzle.

Arrival

The much-anticipated sci-fi Oscar hopeful has finally, well, arrived. Director Denis Villeneuve (Prisoners, Enemy, Sicario, 2017's Blade Runner sequel) has emerged as one of the hottest film makers around, and for good reason. "Arrival" is a refreshingly suspense take on the alien invasion genre. Less lasers and conflict, and more thoughtful looks at the important questions that might arise. Granted, there has to be a story arc, character studies, and the fictional element that simply adds to the mystique of first contact, but this film is unlike so many that have come before.

Within hours of the arrival of the alien ships, Dr. Banks (Amy Adams) and Dr. Donnelly (Jeremy Renner) are brought to one of the sites in beautiful rural Montana. She is a world renowned linguist and he is an unspecified scientist or mathematician. Together, they are charged with the job of deciphering the alien language to uncover their intentions and purpose. The race against time is amplified by the concurrent attempts by other nations around the world to discover the alien agenda for themselves, and there is always a ticking clock of global competition that adds fuel to this mysterious fire.

Adams delivers a spectacular acting performance, boosted immensely by Forest Whitaker's no-nonsense lieutenant colonel Weber. The narrative is driven forward using the genius guise of the unknown. The rules of alien invasion films are pretty loose, but historically have taken few liberties to acknowledge the more realistic response. It's not all machismo and sending in army guys to face something new with force. There is a more cerebral, scientific approach with this film, and it is extremely captivating. Renner's performance is a bit more vanilla, but that's alright. He is clearly the second banana, and is not only fine with it, he wears it nicely. The deference is refreshing as there is a certain amount of recognition in the sparkle of his eye that he's the part of something fantastic and it's just fine.

As the film moves toward its climax and reveal, there are some remarkable directorial moves, and that's the difference between this film and something more pedestrian or banal. Besides the camerawork and music that fit perfectly with the vision of Villaneuve, the slow zoom of the camera into a innocuous, yet completely bizarre frames present something of an illusion to the eyes. He did this type of work in "Enemy" a couple of years ago, and continues to play with the viewer's mind, but in a good way.

I had high hopes for this film from first hearing about its production. I truly felt that Villaneuve could give an alien invasion film its due better than perhaps any other director on the planet, and I was right. The subtlety and attention to detail is astounding and mesmerizing. The story is just fresh enough that a viewer leaves a tad confused, but can put everything together by the time they're home from their drive. That's the mark of a solid film beyond the objective beauty that so many critics can easily identify and define. I appreciate a smart and bold film more an more the older I get.

"Arrival" isn't the sexiest of alien films, but it makes you wonder and exudes ambition. I am extremely excited to see what Villaneuve has in store for us in next year's "Blade Runner" sequel, and with Harrison Ford and Ryan Gosling starring, it should follow suit with the original and become an instant classic, no doubt. "Arrival" is one of the top ten films of the year thus far, and is worth a second look (think "Inception" or "Interstellar"). It is like a highbrow "Contact" without the bad acting and Carl Sagan mumbo-jumbo. See this if you want to know how a visionary makes a good film. 9/10.

Doctor Strange

A leap of faith is easy when you are the Marvel studios. “Ant-Man” and “Guardians of the Galaxy” don’t sound so absurd now when you look at the former pulling in a global $520 million on a meager $130 million budget, and the latter grossing $773 million at a cost of just $170 million. “Doctor Strange” is a lesser known character that is bringing the dark and otherworldly arts to the MEU and will likely bridge the gap from “Avengers” to the “Infinity Wars”.

Let me preface this review by saying that I’m not familiar with the comic narrative or the origin story. Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is a cocky, brilliant neurosurgeon in New York City with a penchant for expensive things, fast cars, and showing off his superior intellect. His brash demeanor turns off colleagues (and an ex-girlfriend) from the get-go, but his passion for vocational perfection is admirable by all (sound familiar? Tony Stark, cough, cough). After an accident rocks his world, he seeks satisfaction outside of traditional medicine and finds himself in Nepal learning the mystic arts from The Ancient One (Tilda Swinton). From there, he is exposed to the multiverse, both good and bad, that opens up worlds and dimensions of possibilities for the future of the Marvel Extended Universe.

Benedict Cumberbatch may seem an odd choice for a superhero, but just like Robert Downey Jr. as Iron Man, he hits the mark. His snide arrogance gives way to humor, emotion, and even a little action in the way that only an actor with range can make possible. I really was impressed with the depth of the character and the way he was captured by Cumberbatch in more than just a one-dimensional portrayal (Captain America, Thor, Hulk, Ant-Man, etc.). Because he will be an integral part of “Infinity Wars”, I am excited to see where he fits with the old and new Avengers.

Danish crossover star Mads Mikkelsen (“Casino Royale”, “Rogue One”) is the primary antagonist, and he nails the tone of the film. Mostly passive, but clearly capable, he throws an assist toward Cumberbatch and company that really moves the pacing along nicely. His villainy is subtle and understated, deferring to the origin story and character development of Strange. He even has some humorous moments himself that fit perfectly with the storyline.

A star-studded supporting cast of Rachel McAdams, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Tilda Swinton, and Benedict Wong are nicely placed around Cumberbatch, but I feel Ejiofor’s character (Mordo) could have been a bit stronger if he had a little more detail in his introduction. I also question the casting of Swinton as The Ancient One and had heard that there was some whitewashing controversy. The bald head look is pretty cool on her, but wouldn’t it make sense to cast someone who’s more, I don’t know, Asian? There are literally billions of women to choose from, and they played it safe and questionable by casting a recognizable Oscar-winning white woman.

Director Scott Derrickson (“Sinister”, “The Exorcism of Emily Rose”) takes a massive step forward with one of the more ambitious projects of 2016. The effects alone require a visionary that is rare, and he does Marvel complete and total justice. The post-film credits hint toward a sequel, but let’s be honest, it’s a near certainty if the other critics and audiences feel the way I do.
“Doctor Strange” is a mesmerizing psychedelic trip into the metaphysical universe that evokes “Inception”, “2001: A Space Odyssey” and even to some degree, “Harry Potter”. Sorcery and mystic arts prevail, but my only gripe is the overwhelming barrage of visual stimulation. At times it is too much and for too long, like a hallucinogenic trip that starts off mind-bending and beautiful, but quickly becomes nearly incomprehensible and therefore easy to tune out. The film makers pulled out all the stops effects-wise, which is remarkable and impressive.

My only other complaint is with the score. I commented to a friend that I thought I was watching “Star Trek” at times, and after some research, realized that composer Michael Giacchino was in fact responsible for both “Doctor Strange” and “Star Trek”. It was noticeable, Michael. Shame on you.

“Doctor Strange” is well done. Entertaining and fresh, a worthy addition to the Marvel family. I don’t have to tell you to go see it, because let’s be honest, you probably will (if you haven’t already), but take it from me; you won’t be disappointed. 9/10.