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?

[–] DracTarashV2 (4480) 6 years ago

Looks like this movie for sure has its audience here! :P

Me? Like. Why? Because — wondrous, well-made, and I downright love its 1920’s New York setting and performances. It might have its issues (none that bother me to the extent of its haters), but altogether I find it extremely satisfying.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Then you're WEIRD.

[–] [deleted] 6 years ago

Saying it was a chore kind of hits the mark with me as well. I liked the HP books and movies but this one just kinda dragged and felt forced. Not really planning on checking out the sequel but if I'm bored who knows.

[–] Otter (24464) 6 years ago

I wanted to like it, I really did, but...

The two leading characters weren't appealing, for a start. Newt was given a one-note performance by a very limited actor, and wasn't likeable or funny, and that girl whatshername was extremely irritating. Now I liked Queenie and Kowalski, Graves and the witch-hunting family, but if your two leading characters fail to win the audience over there's a huge problem right in the center of the film.

The Fantastic Beasts themselves weren't believable, or well integrated into the plot. They were, and felt like, CGI stunts.

The scene where whatshername is sentenced to death on the spot didn't seem believable, and seemed jarringly out of place in a light-hearted kiddy film.

Everyone in the audience groaned with Grindlewald finally appeared.

Shall I go on? I mean, I really did want to like this film, but I just couldn't.