‘Fantastic Beasts’ series will lead to epic battle

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“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is the sequel to the prequel of the long-running “Harry Potter” series. Potterheads are celebrating what is now the tenth movie in the most famous wizarding world saga ever. After the eight “Harry Potter” blockbusters, this is now the second of what will be five movies in the “Fantastic Beast” series.

This episode begins in 1927 at the American Ministry of Magic. The filmmakers say this new series will cover the period through 1945, leading up to the epic battle between Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and the evil sorcerer, Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp). Although there was fan backlash for casting Depp in the role, Rowling and director David Yates (“Harry Potter” series) were fully committed, despite Depp’s personal issues.

Eddie Redmayne continues as quirky magizoologist Newt Scamander. He is perpetually surrounded by a gaggle of fantastic beasts. Newt is told, “You never met a monster you couldn’t love.” It was reported that Rowling was inspired by legendary creatures such as the Chinese Zouwu, Scottish Kelpy and French Matagot (whaaat?). It took months of animation to determine the final appearance, behavior and personality of each.

Simple puppets were created for the actors and technicians as stand-ins and then replaced in postproduction. It would seem that at least half the $200 million budget was spent on the abundant CGI critters and litany of special effects magic, which fills almost every scene. We get the idea, but at some point, we ask, to what point and purpose?

Sure, we enjoy these magicians vanishing, transporting, shape-shifting, casting spells and walking through walls, but we prefer Rowling’s good old fashioned storytelling. The plot is a little on the thin side, but in fairness, we’re being introduced to a lot of characters and backstories needed for the final six or seven hours of the series.

Although Newt had been expelled from Hogswarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Ministry of Magic needs him to stop Grindelwald, who has escaped custody by using, well, magic (surprise!). It is explained, “The wizarding and non-wizarding worlds have been at peace for over a century. Grindelwald wants to see that peace destroyed.”

The charismatic Grindelwald holds rallies to urge zealous wizards, “The moment has come to take our rightful place in the world, not to hate lesser beings, but to have other values for them.” Dumbledore explains to Newt, “Muggles are not lesser, not disposable, you’re gonna have to pick a side.” Newt responds, “I don’t do sides.” Dumbledore offers, “Do you know why I admire you, Newt? You do not seek power, you simply ask if a thing is right.”

The production is gorgeous, magical and “Potter-esque.” The strong supporting cast includes Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Zoe Kravitz, Ezra Miller and the peculiar Jacob Kowalski, who offers that plucky comic relief throughout. Callum Turner plays Newt’s older brother but is actually eight years younger than Eddie Redmayne.

This episode does not stand on its own but doesn’t really try. It builds on the original prequel, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” (2016) and is setting the stage for the remaining three sequels of the prequel series, got that? Quite simply, the more you’ve bought into the Potter universe, the more you will enjoy this movie.

“Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald” is 134 minutes and rated PG-13 for some sequences of fantasy action. The movie tagline is “Who will change the future?” We have a pretty good idea, but it’s fun for Potterheads and us Muggles to soak up all the factoids that will eventually provide the base for the original Potter phenomenon.

With all the wizardry wonders, this is not a white-knuckle ride by any means. It’s more of a sit back and passively admire the technological gizmos and gadgets that are the real stars of this feature. Every scene is overdone, so if you were wondering how many wizards in this feature would it take to change a light bulb, we’d guess two, one to hold the bulb and one to rotate the room.

Ron’s Rating: C
Leigh’s Rating: C+