'Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore' Review: A Franchise That Can't Cast The Right Spell
While Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a considerable improvement over its predecessor, this sequel continues to demonstrate that this franchise is in desperate need of some proper magic.
After the events of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Newt (Eddie Redmayne) and his team of allies are recruited by Dumbledore (Jude Law) to help him move against Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen), whose rise to power threatens to put the entire world in jeopardy. If there is truly meant to be five films in this franchise, this third installment fails to make a convincing case that there is enough story to tell to warrant it.
After a lackluster second film, writer Steve Kloves, a Harry Potter alum, came on board to assist J.K. Rowling with the script. Fortunately, his touch was noticed and this third entry is far better for it. Kloves is able to inject the film with far more intrigue and adventure than this franchise was previously given, a notable and refreshing change of pace. In addition, he’s able to properly flesh out the core relationship between Grindelwald and Dumbledore. Kloves’ writing, paired with Law’s and Mikkelsen’s performances, help provide this franchise with an emotional through-line the audience can finally grab onto.
Mikkelsen, who has replaced Johnny Depp as the main antagonist of the franchise, fairs quite well as the mysterious villain, making him compelling and engrossing in equal measure. The actor is clearly having fun, relishing each scene he can take command of and his chemistry with Law is palpable. As for the rest of the cast, the standout yet again is Dan Fogler, reprising his role as Jacob Kowalski, who continues to carry the charm and comedic relief of the series on his capable shoulders. If the rest of the characters were as likable and heartwarming as he is, this franchise would be able to stand toe-to-toe with the wizarding films that came before it.
Once again at the helm is David Yates, who has been aboard the Harry Potter train since Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. While Yates continues to have a firm grip on the world and action set pieces, the latter continuing to be visceral and entertaining, it feels as if it’s time for him to pass the baton to a new director. His muted color palette and poor pacing is hindering this franchise from truly capturing the magic of his earlier work. These films need a new voice and lens through which to see the remaining story, especially in order to breathe life into what remains of this story.
The fundamental problem in the Fantastic Beasts films is the lack of interesting characters. Aside from Dumbledore and Grindelwald, Jacob is the only worthwhile character. Newt, despite Redmayne’s best efforts, continues to be a bland and uninteresting protagonist, his allies not faring much better. The Potter films worked so well because the characters were captivating and fleshed out, especially the core trio. This series doesn’t seem to care much for its central characters and it painfully shows. Even Ezra Miller’s Credence, who began an emotionally intriguing arc in the previous films, is given very little to do here other than wince in pain with his every step and breath. It’s disappointing that after three films, the audience hasn’t learned much about these characters aside from their names and the purpose they serve to the story.
However, the biggest issue the film suffers from is its horrid pacing. For a third installment that clearly has sizable stakes for its main characters, it feels lifeless and stalled. The first half of the film is especially sluggish, setting up the playing field and re-introducing characters the audience is already acquainted with along with some new players without adding any new, fascinating wrinkles. Even when the film builds to its inevitable climactic showdown between Grindelwald and Dumbledore, the magic simply isn’t there. While the showdown is visually dazzling, the adrenaline rush that should be coursing through one’s veins is virtually absent and faint to the touch.
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a considerable step up from its mediocre predecessor, but this series continues to prove that it can’t stand on its own two feet and cast its own magic. With two films seemingly left to go, it’s hard to imagine this franchise truly justifying its existence by the time its story comes to its end. Only time will tell, but one has to hope this series has a few more spells up its sleeve.