TL;DR
This sequel to Fantastic Beasts struggles under the weight of an unfocused plot and unmotivated character developments, particularly sidelining fan favorites Jacob and Queenie. While Grindelwald escapes and is pursued, his villainy feels underdeveloped, and the film leans heavily into setting up future installments rather than delivering a compelling story. Despite its narrative issues, the 4K Ultra HD presentation is visually stunning with impressive clarity and excellent sound design. If you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan looking for more lore, there might be something here, but as a standalone film, it's a disorganized disappointment. Dive into the full review to see if the visuals can save this magical misstep.
A detailed synopsis of Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald would be extensive. In brief, Grindelwald, portrayed by Johnny Depp, escapes from magical imprisonment and travels to Europe, pursued by Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). While Grindelwald’s actions are portrayed as malevolent, his on-screen presence lacks substantial criminal activity. The narrative feels burdened by a desire to address questions that are not necessarily compelling to the audience.
A significant issue within Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is the underutilization of Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler) and Queenie (Alison Sudol), two characters that were highlights of the first film. The emotionally resonant scene in the first film where Jacob sacrifices his memory and stands in the rain provided a strong narrative conclusion. The subsequent meeting with Queenie in his store, capped with a subtle smile, offered a perfect ending. In this film, however, Jacob retains his memories, selectively forgetting negative experiences. Queenie’s desire for marriage is met with Jacob’s reluctance, not due to a lack of affection, but because of the prohibition against marriage between magical individuals and Muggles. This leads to her departure and subsequent separation, culminating in her joining Grindelwald’s cause. This plot development feels jarring and unmotivated.
The film’s structure suggests a prolonged setup for a third installment, attempting a darker tone akin to Empire Strikes Back. However, the emotional investment in the characters is insufficient to generate genuine concern for their fates.
Positive aspects do exist, including the endearing Niffler, the return to Hogwarts (albeit digitally rendered), and the exceptional UHD presentation. Despite the narrative shortcomings, the 4K Ultra HD edition provides a visually stunning experience. The clarity and sharpness of the picture are remarkable, as demonstrated in a scene where Queenie walks through the city, showcasing individual raindrops. The contrast between light and dark is expertly handled. The Dolby Atmos sound design is also well-executed, offering a balanced mix of dialogue and effects. The disc includes supplementary material, some of which is promotional, but others, such as the feature on the digital reconstruction of Hogwarts, provide worthwhile insights.
In conclusion, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is a disappointing entry in the series. While the first film had its flaws, it pales in comparison to this sequel. While dedicated Harry Potter fans may find some enjoyment, as a standalone film, it is largely a disorganized and unengaging experience.
