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Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Release

Warner Bros.

In November the latest movie based in the Harry Potter world was finally released: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. This movie was different, as the script was written by author J. K. Rowling herself. Also, since it was never published as a book, the plot was a complete surprise.

The hero of the film, Newt Scamander, is a shy misfit who went to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry (but didn’t graduate). He is more comfortable in the company of animals than humans, making him a very unusual hero. We first see him as he arrives in New York by boat, with his blue coat, his too-short trousers, and of course, his magical briefcase.

Newt makes three friends upon arriving in New York who are all also misfits in some way. Tina is skilled at her job but lacks confidence, Queenie, Tina’s younger sister, can read minds, and Jacob, a “No-Maj” (someone who isn’t magical), dreams of being a baker. Together they track down some magical beasts as well as something a little more dangerous, which has been destroying New York City. The casting for these four characters couldn’t be better – their chemistry shines through in every scene. Newt is played by Eddie Redmayne, who is, like Newt, compassionate and maybe a little bit awkward at times. Tina and Queenie are played by Katherine Waterston and Alison Sudol, who have risen to fame in this film with their brilliant acting. Dan Fogler, who is a comedian as well as an actor, plays Jacob. For him as well this was a breakout role.

Throughout the film, 1920s New York comes to life with amazing sets of cobblestone streets, old-fashioned cars, department stores, a subway station, and even a wizard bar. There are some beautiful costumes as well, showing a mix of 1920s era No-Maj clothing and wizarding fashions. The story also takes us into Newt’s briefcase, in which he keeps many magical beasts that he has rescued. Rowling’s imagination did not let us down. Newt has created bamboo forests, green hills, sunny deserts, and snowy landscapes for the beasts.

As Rowling announced in October, Fantastic Beasts is the first of five movies, so fans have a lot to look forward to.

The Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them Final Trailer:

KEY WORDS

  • latest: adj. newest, most recent

  • script: n. the text, the lines

  • plot: n. the story

  • misfit: n. someone who is different from others and doesn’t fit in

  • trousers: n. another word for pants

  • briefcase: n. a thin case that workers carry papers in

  • upon: prep. at the time of

  • skilled: adj. good at

  • to lackv. to not have

  • to track downv. to look for and find something

  • casting: n. the choosing of actors to play characters

  • chemistry: n. bond, relationship

  • to shine through: v. to show clearly

  • to playv. to act as a character

  • compassionate: adj. caring, kind

  • to rise to fame: v. to become famous

  • brilliant: adj. excellent

  • breakout role: n. a performance by an actor that makes him or her famous

  • set: n. scenery, buildings, and furniture used to make a movie

  • cobblestonen. stones used to make a street

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