MovieChat Forums > Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2016) Discussion > Why Did You Like/Dislike Fantastic Beast...

Why Did You Like/Dislike Fantastic Beasts?

posted 8 years ago by wainot
24 replies | jump to latest

I came into this with an open mind, and (believe it or not) having never read or seen any of the HP books/movies. I also viewed it with my wife and young son, who both liked it better than I did. My wife didn't think the plot was very coherent, but still gave it a 7.5 out of 10. My son - who is usually a generous "critic" - scored it a 7. I would give it about a 4.5.

For me, it was a chore to watch: dim, dark, and devoid of any magic -- in the broader sense of the term. The characters were mostly unlikable or uninvolving, except for Kowalski, and Queenie, who at least brought some life to the proceedings. The lead, Redmayne, kind of sleepwalked and mumbled his way through it all (except for whatever he was doing with the rhino?), and Tina tried, but there was nothing interesting about her.

So, I'm wondering what people saw in this film, as I seem to be in the minority - which is okay. To me, it was dull, pretentious, silly and unpleasant, and even the beasts held no allure or charm.

What say you?

[–] wainot 8 years ago

Simple Question: just giving it one bump.

[–] themodmazza 8 years ago

My wife didn't think the plot was very coherent,

I had the same criticism as your wife, but also thought the twist/reveal was poorly executed. The two plot lines, while independently intriguing, did not mesh well together. To me, the film worked better as a standalone story.

What I did love was the costume and set designs. Everything looked was so sleek and detailed. While, I also enjoyed Queenie, Jacob, and Graves. As their actors were the most dynamic. Although, Newt did have his charming moments, while interacting with Jacob.

[–] LittleNiniel 8 years ago

As someone who used to like Harry Potter, but grew tired of the whole thing midway I didn't even have any expectations for it. I knew I'd see it at some point, but otherwise I went to it just having seen one trailer or something.
And I ended up loving it a ton more than Harry Potter. I worried it would be something childish like Harry Potter, but it more suited for a more grown audience with adult characters and setting. The creatures were lovely, the characters charming and I for one found Newt very likeable. Relatable to some extent which rarely happens for me with the main character. It wasn't without flaws, like I didn't care much at all for the Credence part of the story. But no I loved it.

[–] jinkerTsun 7 years ago

All the mumbling is a good start.

[–] louiseculmer 7 years ago

i liked the beasts, but was bored by all the stuff aboyt credence and the witch hunter etc. and there wasn't enough humour. and as you say, not enough magic. i didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped. i would give it 4/10.

[–] 7 years ago

[deleted]

[–] deepakyadavhp 7 years ago

I liked everything except... the reveal in the end not the actor who revealed but the way it was revealed and that's it. I didn't have any problem with Newt Mumbling because I watched the movie with subtitles and understood everything that was happening on the screen but still I give this movie 7.6 out of 10 (8 on Imdb).

[–] 7 years ago

[deleted]