Wednesday, August 27, 2025
  • Lowyat.NET
  • Lipstiq
  • Murai MY
  • Miss Murai
  • Varnam
  • Moviedash
  • Autofreaks
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests
Hype Malaysia
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests
No Result
View All Result
Hype Malaysia
No Result
View All Result
Home Featured

Hype’s Movie Review: #FantasticBeasts Isn’t The Best #HarryPotter Movie, But Will Still Please Longtime Fans

by Justin
November 17, 2016
37
SHARES
Share on FacebookShare on Whatsapp

Long before there was Harry Potter, there was a different young wizard – an awkward and sheepish “magizoologist” who is more at ease with furry and winged creatures than people. Say hello to your unlikely new hero, Newt Scamander.

To echo Erin Whitney, how do you make a successful “Harry Potter” prequel without the wizard himself? J.K. Rowling’s new spinoff, “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them”, captures a dark time in global history e.g. the coming Depression, the age of Fascism. There’s something gloomy and scary lurking nearly around every corner. Still, we’re shown that there’s delight in Rowling’s world, and it comes in ample doses.

Source: Coming Soon
Source: Warner Bros.

The year is 1926 where Newt Scamander arrives in New York City, mostly clueless about the ways of local witches and wizards. What makes Scamander’s situation even more alarming is the fact that he’s carrying a suitcase full of banned magical critters.

These magical beasts are illegal to possess in America for good reason – they’re unpredictable, mischievous, sometimes even life threatening. Yet Scamander reminds us of big ol’ Hagrid, who has the tendency to see the beauty in these creatures. It doesn’t take long before one of those creatures escape and havoc soon ensues.

fantastic_beasts_and_where_to_find_them
Source: Warner Bros.

While chasing down the Niffler inside a bank, Scamander meets Jacob Kowalski, a chubby human (or No-Maj as they call muggles in the US) who gets suck into the world of magic. Due to his unabashed wizardish attitude, Scamander catches Tina Goldstein’s attention, who is an American witch working for MACUSA (the US version of the Ministry of Magic).

Together with Tina’s younger sister, Queenie, the quartet find themselves racing against time when Scamander is held responsible for a presumably invincible monster causing destruction in the streets of the city. But Scamander may be their only hope in facing the deadly threat.

Movie Tea: “Scream 7” Hints At Next Ghostface; Matt Reeves Teases “The Batman - Part II”
fantasticbeasts-creatures
Source: Warner Bros.

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is most enjoyable when the spotlight is on the actual fantastic beasts. Audiences will finally get to see what’s really inside Scamander’s magical suitcase. This particular scene was easily one of the most memorable takeaways from the film.

Each creature here has personality to spare and it’s easy to be charmed by most of them, as the magizoologist clearly has. As Eric Kohn points out, these creations come equipped with Rowling’s usual inventive language, from the Nundu (a reptilian lion) to the hulking, rhino-like Erumpent and the majestic avian Thunderbird. But no beast steals the show more than Niffler, who can’t seem to quit stealing shiny items.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Source: Warner Bros.

One of the other highlights viewers will get to experience is seeing this new discovery through the eyes of Jacob Kowalski. As an outsider, we share his wonder at all of Scamander’s magical creatures. He doesn’t look at these strange beasts with loathing and fear; he may be shocked but he isn’t disgusted.

It helps that he also provides the movie with a much needed comic relief with his sense of enthusiasm and endearing attitude. Such is the case when he falls head over heels for Queenie Goldstein. Although the witch can read whatever he’s thinking, he’s totally into her. Their chemistry is believable and we’re totally shipping this couple!

Source: Entertainment Weekly
Source: Entertainment Weekly

Meanwhile, we see troubled young man Credence being goaded by head auror Percival Graves to track down a young wizard who may be responsible for unleashing a dark magical force upon the city. We don’t really see the full nature of their relationship until towards the end of the film.

Movie Tea: “Scream 7” Hints At Next Ghostface; Matt Reeves Teases “The Batman - Part II”

The movie also makes it a point to highlight that there is a looming threat of the Dark Wizard that suggests that the franchise will explore the origin story of Gellert Grindelwald. Even though we’re excited at the prospect of getting to know Grindelwald’s relationship with a young Dumbledore, we can’t help but wonder if “Fantastic Beasts” is about Scamander and his beasts, or a decoy for the franchise to progress into Grindelwald’s backstory.

FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Source: Warner Bros.

Another drawback is the fact that “Fantastic Beasts” lacks a strong central protagonist like Harry Potter. Scamander’s awkwardness, although done intentionally, is hard to warm up to. The wizard himself admits that people don’t really like him that much. It’s only when he’s interacting with the animals that he opens up and becomes likeable.

There’s nothing bad with Eddie Redmayne’s performance per se. It’s just that the movie tries to cover so much ground with subplot after subplot that Scamander gets the short end of the stick. Even so, his performance has more than earned our trust and we look forward to see more of Scamander in the future.

Warner Bros. Harry Potter F PRNewsFoto/IMAX Corporation)
Source: Warner Bros.

The magic in “Fantastic Beasts” is more grown up – that’s to be expected, given that the wizards here are not kids – but still playful and creative.

So is “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” the best movie in the “Harry Potter” franchise? Of course not. But if you’ve been a fan of the “Harry Potter” books and films, then revisiting this magical world is going to be a wonderful treat for sure 😉

Before you watch “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” in cinemas, get to know the wizard, witches, and No-Majs in our movie fun facts.

Movie Tea: “Scream 7” Hints At Next Ghostface; Matt Reeves Teases “The Batman - Part II”
Source: Fantastic Beast's Facebook
Source: Fantastic Beast’s Facebook

“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is currently out in Malaysian theatres.

Hit up the movie’s official website or Facebook page for more information.

#EddieRedmayne#EzraMiller#FantasticBeasts#FantasticBeasts 2016#HarryPotterAlison SudolCarmen EjogoColin FarrellCredence BareboneCredence Barebone Fantastic BeastCredence Barebone originDan FoglerDavid YatesDeathly HallowsEddie RedmayneEddie Redmayne as Newt ScamanderEddie Redmayne Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemEzra Mille's character first lookEzra MillerEzra Miller as Credence BareboneEzra Miller as Credence Barebone in Fantastic BeastsEzra Miller Credence BareboneFantastic BeastsFantastic Beasts & Where To Find ThemFantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2016Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them castFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Fun FactsFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them J.K. RowlingFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Movie AdaptationFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Movie ReviewFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them PlotFantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them ProductionFantastic Beasts BowtruckleFantastic Beasts CastFantastic Beasts Deathly HallowsFantastic Beasts FilmFantastic Beasts Final TrailerFantastic Beasts Fun FactsFantastic Beasts Harry PotterFantastic Beasts JK RowlingFantastic Beasts Magical CreatureFantastic Beasts Magical CreaturesFantastic Beasts Meet The CreaturesFantastic Beasts Meet The Magical CreaturesFantastic Beasts MovieFantastic Beasts Movie ReviewFantastic Beasts ProductionFantastic Beasts Release DateFantastic Beasts ReviewFantastic Beasts TrailerFantastic Beasts Wizards Witches & Mugglesfirst look at Credence BareboneGnarlakHarry Potter Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find ThemHarry Potter Spin-offHarry Potter Spin-Off FilmJacob KowalskiKatherine WaterstonMary Lou BareboneNewt ScamanderNewt Scamander Fun FactsPercival GravesQueenie GoldsteinRon PerlmanSamantha MortonSeraphina PicqueryTina Goldstein
https://lomp.at/q2tin
Share15SendTweet9Share

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news. 

FOLLOW THE HYPE

K-pop

Most-Watched Movie On Netflix! “K-pop Demon Hunters” Cast React To Latest Milestone

by Afiq Amin
August 27, 2025

Netflix’s "K-pop Demon Hunters" has once again shown that the hype is far from fading. A special Sing-Along version of...

Read more
Movies

No.1 Anime Movie In Malaysia! “Demon Slayer” Celebrates Milestone With TS Law Tower Display

The newly released "Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - Infinity Castle" has left Malaysian fans in tears and eagerly awaiting...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
August 27, 2025
Movies

“K-Pop Demon Hunters” Turns Up The Volume With Record Wins & A Sing-Along Release

Since its 20th June release, "K-Pop Demon Hunters" has soared to the top as the most popular Netflix original animated...

Read more
by Dean Zaini
August 26, 2025
SOURCES: INSTAGRAM (@michelleyeoh_official) & TWITTER (@dramapotatoe)
Movies

“Miss Rubik’s Cube”: What We Know About Michelle Yeoh’s Return To Chinese Film Scene

In recent years, our very own Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Michelle Yeoh (杨紫琼) has been starring in many Hollywood productions,...

Read more
by Adleena
August 15, 2025
Contests

Contest: Win Tickets To Watch Romantic Drama “Materialists”

There have been plenty of romantic films released this year, but one of the most highly anticipated is "Materialists", starring...

Read more
by Afiq Amin
August 15, 2025
Movies

Wait Is Over: Malaysia-Set Hollywood Movie “Worth The Wait” Opens In Cinemas Nationwide

It was definitely worth the wait. The highly-anticipated romantic comedy Worth The Wait opened in more than 30 cinemas nationwide over...

Read more
by Features Desk
August 12, 2025
Sources: Facebook (@Destiny's Child), Netflix
K-pop

HUNTR/X Becomes First Girl Group To Hit #1 On Billboard Hot 100 Since Destiny’s Child

"K-pop Demon Hunters" is still fresh in many people's minds—and so is its music. Nearly two months after release, the...

Read more
by Hype Desk
August 12, 2025
Movie Feature

5 Best Body Swap Movies to Watch After ‘Freakier Friday’

Body swaps never go out of style. Whether used for laughs, horror, or heart, there’s something timeless (and chaotic) about...

Read more
by Johanan Prime
August 11, 2025
Load More


TOP STORIES TODAY

  1. 1

    KLIA Airspace To Close This Week For Merdeka Celebrations; MAS Flights Retimed

  2. 2

    Local Content Creator Huan Ooi Apologises For Inappropriate Behaviour Towards Women

  3. 3

    TWICE To Hold Concert In Malaysia Soon? Organiser Teases Fans

  4. 4

    (Video) Zarina Anjoulie Sparks Criticism For Hanging Out With Controversial Figure Hot Daddy

  5. 5

    (Videos) Meet The 14 Contestants Of The 2025 Miss HK Beauty Pageant

Malaysia’s live-wire for the latest news, trends, and entertainment is finally here. We are your calendar, your grapevine, your comic relief, your post-event coverage, and your celebrity stalker. Did we also mention that we are also your gateway to the world?



Contact us: newsdesk@hype.my



  • About
  • Advertise
  • Jobs
  • Terms
  • Privacy Policy

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Hype Picks
    • Go
    • Eats
    • Style
    • Streams
    • Concerts
  • Celebs
    • K-pop
  • Music
    • Reviews
    • Interviews & Features
  • Movies & TV
    • Movies
    • TV
    • Features
  • Lifestyle
    • Tech
    • Travels
    • News
  • Giveaways
    • Contests

©2025 Vijandren Ramadass. All Rights Reserved.