That the pic remains enticing despite its evolving, still-pallid hero speaks to Rowling’s storytelling strengths. He dials down the coy look this time, but for most of the film, we have to take Dumbledore’s word for it when he says Newt is a powerful, talented wizard. Redmayne still tucks in his chin and peers out from under the lock of hair that is perpetually falling over his forehead. Newt has never been the most charismatic guy onscreen. The cute ducklike Niffler, who pilfers shiny objects, contributes an important theft to the plot. The loyal, green mantislike Pickett still lives in Newt’s jacket pocket. But in its best moments, the film gives the creatures personalities and uses the beasts to enhance the story instead of just turning up and looking weird. A fierce, lionlike Zouwu with a long, red, feathery tail looks like a puppet at a Chinese New Year’s parade. For a high-tech film, the beasts can seem defiantly low-tech. Inside, it expands to include a zoo and even an entry to the open sea. Instead, Newt returns to an apartment that is very much like his suitcase. Law’s role here is relatively small, but his scenes are highlights of the film, and effectively set up bigger things to come.ĭumbledore asks Newt to do what, for mysterious reasons, Dumbledore himself cannot: Go to Paris to capture Grindelwald. Instead, he gives the character the calm, warmth and understanding that has made him such a beloved figure.

Wisely, Law doesn’t try to channel Michael Gambon or Richard Harris, who have played the aged Dumbledore. In early middle age, this Dumbledore is tweedy, super-smart and kind, his eyes suggesting the many secrets he is guarding. In the most tantalizing sequence, on a bridge in the London fog, Newt meets with his former teacher, Albus Dumbledore, played to perfection by Jude Law.

The crimes of grindelwald full movie