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Early Reactions Praise Magical Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald

An advanced screening for director David Yates and writer J.K. Rowlings’ Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald took place at Universal Studios Hollywood, which means the first reactions for the film are in. While the full reviews for the film won’t drop until closer to the November 16 release date, these early takes—which are hugely positive—give us quite a bit of hope that Grindelwald is a step in the right direction for the follow-up franchise to the world-beating Harry Potter phenomenon. We already know how good it looks, and how adorable some of the new beasts are, but this is the first time we’re hearing actual reactions to the movie itself.

Here’s a quick tour of some of the buzz surrounding The Crimes of Grindelwald:

Here’s Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald‘s official synopsis:

At the end of the first film, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) was captured by MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), with the help of Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escaped custody and has set about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings.

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) enlists his former student Newt Scamander, who agrees to help, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

The film features an ensemble cast led by Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Zoë Kravitz, Callum Turner, Claudia Kim, William Nadylam, Kevin Guthrie, Carmen Ejogo, Poppy Corby-Tuech, with Jude Law and Johnny Depp

Featured image: Caption: EDDIE REDMAYNE as Newt Scamander in Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy adventure “FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE CRIMES OF GRINDELWALD,” a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Jaap Buitendijk

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Bryan Abrams

Bryan Abrams is the Editor-in-chief of The Credits. He's run the site since its launch in 2012. He lives in New York.

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