Gradebook: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Gradebook is the ratings of newly released films by the contributors and fans of We Live Film and We Live Entertainment. If you are interested in participating, join the We Live Film Fan Chat Page on Facebook and look for the weekly posts of new releases.
Nick Casaletto: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (7.5/10)
A magical, yet sometimes inconsistent beginning to what looks to be a great addition to the wizarding world from J.K Rowling. Eddie Redmayne is charming as Newt Scamander, bringing his oddball like nature to the role with ease. The supporting cast bounce off of each other well enough, even if it’s not the sudden chemistry between the original “Harry Potter” leads. Tone wise, the film was a bit choppy, going from family friendly fantasy to dark and dire faster than you can say “muggle.” Regardless, this is one of the more fun and enchanting blockbusters to come out in 2016, and I can’t wait to see the next chapter in the Fantastic Beasts franchise.
Ashley Menzel: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (8/10)
Eddie Redmayne is a wonderful Newt. He is awkward and funny while being very kind and caring. It was the perfect casting choice for Newt. The film is mystical and magical with a touch of wonder. It brings you back to the world where wizards are real and magical creatures live among us, and I couldn’t be more excited.
Daniel Rester: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (7.7/10)
J.K. Rowling and David Yates give us a welcome return to the cinematic wizarding world they made famous with the “Harry Potter” films. The cast is, well, fantastic, with Eddie Redmayne and Katherine Waterston proving once again why they are two of the fastest rising stars in Hollywood. The characters and visuals (despite some hit-and-miss CGI) really shine here, though the story (so far) feels rather weightless compared to that of the “Potter” films. Still, this is a fun and fast-paced first chapter in the new franchise.
Scott Menzel: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (7.5/10)
Fantastic Beasts is a delightful first entry in a promising new franchise. J.K. Rowling has managed to create a new series of interesting characters and creatures for the world to love. I admire that the film takes place in a similar world but its primary focus is on all new characters rather than characters simply plucked out of from her previous series. Eddie Redmayne is charming as Newt and Dan Fogler is surprisingly very likable and fun as Kowalski. I love seeing blockbusters that seem unique and different. With so many films seemingly so similar, it’s nice to see a big budget family franchise with magic and wizards. Sign me up for the sequels.
Average We Live Film Gradebook Score for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: 7.7/10
*Keep checking back as more We Live Film fans see and review this film, we will be updating.
