THE (UNDEVELOPED) SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE
Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is an adventure fantasy directed by David Yates in 2022. The screenplay for the movie is written by J. K. Rowling and Steve Kloves. It is the third instalment in the Fantastic Beasts spinoff movie franchise. The film involves some star actors and actresses, including Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Callum Turner, Jessica Williams, Katherine Waterston, and Mads Mikkelsen.[1] According to BoxOfficeMojo[2], Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore has grossed $86 million domestic, $287 thousand in Croatia, for a worldwide total of $363.7 million against a budget of $200 million, becoming the 6th highest-grossing film in 2022 so far[3].
The story takes place several years after the events of its predecessor, continuing the everlasting altercation between Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) and Gellert Grindelwald (Mads Mikkelsen), the dark wizard wanting to seize control over the wizarding world and eradicate the non-wizarding one. Due to a blood troth, Dumbledore is unable to counteract Grindelwald, which causes him to entrust the Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead a courageous team of wizards, witches and the intrepid Muggle baker on a treacherous mission of confronting Grindelwald’s proponents, as well as encountering some fantastic beasts.[4]
In comparison to the previous two instalments, this movie is superior to the Crimes of Grindelwald, but inferior to the Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them. The movie abounds with characters who, unfortunately, remain undeveloped. It also lacks magical creatures and magic itself. However, we do see the ever-resourceful Pickett, as well as the hilarious Teddy who always contributes to the comedic elements of the movie. The scorpion-like creatures’ and Newt’s dance sequence is one of the funniest scenes in the movie. When it comes to the visuals, they are well done, but aren’t as breath-taking as in the Fantastic Beast and Where to Find Them where we are astonished by the beauty of Scamander’s suitcase world and the spectacular beasts. However, I really like the setting where the battle plan is elaborated, i.e. the train, as well as Bhutan, the place where the election is held. The sound effects mainly contribute to the overall suspense. I especially like the piece of Hedwig’s Theme as the game of Quidditch is played.
In conclusion, this movie is good! I might have had big expectations, but it is not a disappointment at all and is certainly worth watching. The film manages to answer some of the questions, such as Credence’s origin, Dumbledore’s and Grindelwald’s connection, but also has potential for further plot and character development. Grindelwald’s character has been played by three different actors – Colin Farrell (disguised as Graves), Johnny Depp and finally Mads Mikkelsen, which all have shown great success and talent. Although Depp is a brilliant artist, Mikkelsen is rather convincing in his performance. All in all, I am looking forward to new releases, Mikkelsen’s performances, and, of course, some new fantastic beasts!
[1] https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4123432/?ref_=tt_urv
[2] https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl842826497/weekend/?sort=date&ref_=bo_rl__resort#table
[3] https://www.boxofficemojo.com/year/2022/
[4] https://www.wizardingworld.com/collections/fantastic-beasts-the-secrets-of-dumbledore