Though Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is arriving in cinemas amidst a fair amount of controversy, it’s clear that a lot of people are going to show up to see this Harry Potter spinoff, and if these early reactions are anything to go by, most filmgoers will be pretty satisfied with this latest journey into the Wizarding World.
One particular point of debate around the sequel to 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the continuing presence of Johnny Depp in the series despite the allegations of domestic abuse leveled at the actor by his ex-wife Amber Heard.
But while this will likely be a continuing concern among certain Potterheads, a couple of critics have already heaped heavy praise on Depp’s turn in the title role. Beyond this, viewers have also commented on the film’s unpredictability and shocking ending – suggesting that Eddie Redmayne wasn’t kidding when he talked about the feature packing a major twist – and generally given the movie enough positive quotes for the franchise’s official Twitter account to fill up a poster.
Saw #CrimesOfGrindelwald Thursday. Johnny Depp turns out an outstanding performance in a showstopping turn as Grindelwald. Whether you’re new to the Wizarding World or a hardcore fan, it’s hard to resist the stunning visuals, flawless action and riveting performances. Fantastic. pic.twitter.com/3X9Dml7j3t
— Simon Thompson (@ShowbizSimon) November 3, 2018
Fantastic Beasts and The Crimes of Grindelwald is a magical must-see! It builds upon the original & is sure to delight Harry Potter fans. Remarkable visuals, engaging story, & an ending that will leave you speechless. Johnny Depp as Grindelwald is perfection. #CrimesOfGrindewald pic.twitter.com/A0LOjUc6Nn
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) November 3, 2018
I watched the new #FantasticBeasts film for the second time already. It’s seriously SO GOOD!!!!! Lots of unexpected moments 😱
— Lana (@HelloImLana) November 3, 2018
Less than two weeks to go! #ProtectTheSecrets and see #FantasticBeasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald in theaters November 16. Get tickets: https://t.co/JDjIHC6MsJ pic.twitter.com/zcL1TC6zWO
— Fantastic Beasts (@FantasticBeasts) November 3, 2018
Of course, just as the first film had its share of detractors, this new one hasn’t pleased all of its early viewers, with one critic describing the flick as an “overstuffed mess” that looks to have been butchered in the editing room.
#FantasticBeasts2 has all the tell tale signs of a butcher job in editing. We enter scenes too late and exit too early, sucking any sense of pace right out of the movie. Clumsily juggling half a dozen plotlines, this isn't surprising.
— Brendan Hodges (@metaplexmovies) November 3, 2018
It won’t be long now before you can decide for yourself whether Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is worth all the hype, as the film hits theaters on November 16th. But regardless of where you stand on the movie and the issues surrounding it, the third installment is already scheduled for release on November 20th, 2020, and it looks like Depp has every intention of staying in this franchise.
