Jude Law reminds us why Albus Dumbledore is the greatest sorcerer in the world.
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Exhilaro, wizards and witches! Magic has returned to the big screen once again. It felt like a forever wait since Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald (2018) but the Wizarding World has finally returned with Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.
Years after the events of Crimes of Grindelwald, the third instalment in the Fantastic Beasts series follows Professor Albus Dumbledore (Jude Law) as he knows the powerful Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald (the perfect replacement Mads Mikkelsen) is moving to seize control of the wizarding world. Unable to stop him alone, he entrusts Magizoologist Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) to lead an intrepid team of wizards (Callum Turner’s Theseus Scamander and William Nadylam’s Yusuf Kama), witches (Victoria Yeates’ Bunty and Jessica Williams’ Professor Hicks) and one brave Muggle baker (Dan Fogler’s lovable Jacob Kowalski) on a dangerous mission, where they encounter old and new beasts and clash with Grindelwald’s growing legion of followers. But with the stakes so high, how long can Dumbledore remain on the sidelines?
Dumbledore’s picks for his First Army may look like a questionable mixed bag to the untrained eye but the man sure knows better.
It is clear the Fantastic Beasts franchise is on track towards a darker path, emulating the flow of the Harry Potter franchise. Despite it lacking the abundance of lighthearted fun that was present in the first instalment, with its more coherent plot and good pacing, Secrets of Dumbledore is more entertaining and superior to its direct predecessor.
There is, however, a clear shift in focus from endearing Newt to distinguished Dumbledore that is no doubt setting the tone for future films. With the way Law commands the screen as the Professor, we have no qualms about it. He was merely a hot young Albus when first introduced in Crimes of Grindelwald but now, he is a hot young Albus with the grace and eminence that reminds us why he is hailed as the greatest of his time.
Unmatched of course is the illustrious Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald, a role that was once held by Johnny Depp but is clearly more fitting for the former. To call Mikkelsen the perfect replacement is an understatement. He delivers a more chilling and sinister version of the Dark Wizard, albeit more subtle compared to Depp’s version but a version more suited for Law’s Dumbledore and the franchise. The tension and chemistry between Law and Mikkelsen are some of the best parts.
Worth mentioning is of course the fantastic beasts present in the film, both old and new. There’s the wizarding world’s most revered magical beast – the Qilin – who plays a substantial role in the film’s plot, the Wyvern – a dodo-like dragon who only gets less than minute’s screen time but enough to wow audiences, baby Manticores who lent to the funniest scene of the film, and last but definitely not least – the return of Newt’s closest and dearest – the beloved Pickett the Bowtruckle and Teddy the Niffler.
It’s a shame Katherine Waterson’s Tina takes a backseat here but Williams’ Hicks is admittedly a more refreshing and charming inclusion that adds to the excitement of the film, making us almost forget we miss the awkward dynamic Tina has with Newt.
As a Potterhead, finally hearing Dumbledore openly professing his love for Grindelwald and admitting that Ariana was an Obscural turned this viewer into mush. The throwback to more familiar grounds – Hogwarts, Quidditch, the original score – added sentimental value to the film that fans will definitely appreciate.
The Secrets of Dumbledore is not short of a skilful and powerful display of magic from both ends. It may not hold up to the hype of the Harry Potter franchise but it definitely gives the Fantastic Beasts franchise a fighting chance. With its beautiful score and faultless set and costume designs, it feels good to lose oneself in the Wizarding World again.
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