fantastic beasts and where to find them
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKMovie fans call for Colin Farrell to replace Johnny Depp in Fantastic Beasts franchise
Movie fans want Colin Farrell to play Gellert Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts following Johnny Depp's resignation
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKEddie Redmayne says 'vitriol' aimed at J.K. Rowling's transgender comments is 'disgusting'
Eddie Redmayne has said that the targetting of J.K. Rowling over her comments on transgender issues has 'absolutely disgusting'.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKWarner Bros sets up whistle-blower system for reporting coronavirus rule-breaking on movie sets
The Warner Bros studio has set up an anonymous system to allow cast and crew-members on movie sets to report instances where coronavirus safety precautions are not being adhered to.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKThe best films on TV today: Monday, 15 June
Magical monsters, theological satire and breathtaking psychological thrills.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKThe best films on TV today: Sunday, 31 May
There’s something for everyone this sunny Sunday.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UK'Fantastic Beasts' star Ezra Miller says he was plied with wine by director when he was underage
Ezra Miller has revealed that he was plied with wine when he was an underage actor by a director and a producer, who also made suggestive comments to him.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKHarry Potter fans spot cool Easter egg on Fantastic Beasts sequel title treatment
On the surface, the new poster for Harry Potter spin-off sequel Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald seems innocuous enough, with its spooky font and such.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKWands at the ready: first teaser image and release date for Fantastic Beasts 2
The second film in JK Rowling and David Yates' Harry Potter prequel series due to arrive 16 November 2018.
NewsYahoo Movies UKShooting begins on Fantastic Beasts 2 as first plot details and cast emerge
The wizarding world is up and running once again, with principal photography beginning on the sequel to 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' this morning in Burbank, California.
EntertainmentYahoo Movies UKFantastic Beasts 2 reveals open casting call for young Newt
If you look like a young Newt Scamander or Albus Dumbledore, you might want to read this...
NewsYahoo Movies UKJude Law cast as young Dumbledore in Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them 2
Oscar-nominated British actor cast as the Hogwarts headmaster in his younger days in second movie from JK Rowling's Potter prequel series.
NewsYahoo Movies UKThe Harry Potter films just won their first ever Oscar
When veteran costume designer Coleen Atwood took to the stage last night to collect the Oscar for her team’s work on ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’, it was something of a landmark. As hard as it might be to fathom, it was the first Oscar ever for a movie in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter cinematic universe. Atwood herself has won four times – the others being for ‘Chicago’ in 2002′, ‘Memoirs of of a Geisha’ in 2005 and ‘Alice In Wonderland’ in 2010 – but Rowling’s movie adaptations have sadly always been the bridesmaid, never the bride.
NewsMike P WilliamsFans divided over Johnny Depp’s Fantastic Beasts cameo
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is in UK cinemas this week but while fans generally seem to be on board with the film, opinion remains over one of its newest additions. It’s been confirmed that Depp will have a bigger part to play in the sequel (and possibly beyond) but after his very public marital exploits with Amber Heard and the accusations that he is domestically abusive, opinion on the actor is now split. The film’s producer David Heyman is delighted with Depp’s addition to the extended universe, as is ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Fantastic Beasts’ screenwriter J.K. Rowling.
NewsMarcus GohReview: 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' has a more interesting hero than Harry Potter
Secret ending? No.Running time: 133 minutes (~2.25 hours)“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a British fantasy film that’s a spin-off of the “Harry Potter” franchise, and the first in a planned series of “Fantastic Beasts” films. When Newt Scamander, an eccentric magical creature expert, comes to New York, he finds himself caught in the middle of a magical crisis that only his expertise can resolve. It stars Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander), Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein), Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski), Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein), Colin Farrell (Percival Graves), Carmen Ejogo (President Seraphina Picquery), Samantha Morton (Mary Lou Barebone), Ezra Miller (Credence Barebone), Jon Voight (Henry Shaw, Sr), with cameos by Ron Perlman (voice of Gnarlack) and Johnny Depp (Gellert Grindelwald). It is rated PG.It’s very strange to watch a “Harry Potter” film without having read the book beforehand, which is the case for “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” since the plot of the movie is not based on the book. You’re not going into the film knowing what the story will be, neither are you constantly on the lookout for Easter eggs and sly nods to your favourite elements in the book. It’s a refreshing experience, and just the sort of invigoration that the franchise needs to jumpstart its prequel series. HighlightsNewt Scamander is weird but intriguing Before you ask — no, Newt Scamander is not some sort of magical Pokemon trainer, nor is he inspired by that other franchise. The trailers depict him as an oddball, but he’s rather likeable in the actual film itself, with just a smidgen of strangeness. His greatest strength is his compassion (as corny as that might sound), which comes full circle because it is what propels him to New York and is essential for resolving the final conflict. Yet the film doesn’t give away everything about Newt — there’s a hint of his tormented past, which will definitely be explored in future films. Most importantly, he’s a much more interesting character than Harry Potter was.Same same but different“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” has all the familiarity of an old friend, giving us the same magical world that we’ve seen in the previous eight movies, and a British protagonist. But it jazzes things up by showing us the distinctly different world view of the magical Americans. Just like in the “Harry Potter” series, there’s a magical bureaucracy that’s high-handed and short-sighted, but their system is different enough that we sit up and take notice. Their liberal use of Apparition also noticeably stylises their magic. Same enough that we feel comfortable, different enough to keep us coming back for more.New York in the 20’sThe establishing scenes already set 20’s New York apart from Hogwarts, with tall skyscrapers (figuratively) greeting Newt upon his arrival, and the inclusion of magical bigotry is an apt nod to the circumstances of today.��There’s a strong sense of entrepreneurship and possibility, with No-Maj Jacob (Dan Fogler) himself being an aspiring business owner. And the magical architecture has a strong steampunk influence — perfect for an Industrial Age analogy.LetdownsMuch more exposition required“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” takes place in a fairly complicated universe that requires a lot of explanation, especially since magical creatures abound. There’s plenty of space and text to provide the requisite explanation in a book, but on screen, just describing it just once does not suffice. It’s difficult to remember and keep track of each creature since we only hear how their name is pronounced, and not how it’s written. So while the visuals are fantastic, your grasp of what’s happening can be compromised by the lack of exposition.Contrived setup The structure works pretty well after Act One, but how the four characters come together is horribly clunky. They have the flimsiest of reasons to continue staying together, which is effectively summed up as “because I like you”. These are strangers, mind you, and one of them is even a suspected criminal. You can almost see the author’s hand forcing them to stay together until events unfold and mandate that they continue staying together to save the day.“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is a fun return to the world of “Harry Potter” with a protagonist that’s more intriguing than the eponymous hero of the series.Should you watch this at weekend movie ticket prices? Yes, unless you really dislike the Harry Potter series.Should you watch this more than once? No, though you should Wiki it.Score: 3.9/5“Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” opens in cinemas:- 17 November 2016 (Singapore)- 17 November 2016 (Malaysia)- 17 November 2016 (Philippines) Marcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes at marcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own.
NewsGregory WakemanJK Rowling: Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them was an ‘accident’
JK Rowling has described the ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’ as a “bit of an accident,” admitting that she never aspired for the spin-off to reach the big-screen. Rowling, who makes her screenwriting debut with ‘Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them’, told the BBC at the premiere for the film, ”This is unbelievable, but what’s weird about this, is that I never aspired to this. After originally being pursued by Warner Bros. about a cinematic tale for Newt Scamander, the protagonist of her 2001 book of the same name, Rowling started writing down notes about the character because she “knew a lot about” him.
NewsRyan LestonFantastic Beasts heading for $200 million global debut
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is expecting a huge opening weekend. The upcoming ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off is tracking a $200 million worldwide debut, which would be a great start for the first film in the new franchise. It’s been five years since the ‘Harry Potter’ saga came to an emotional end with ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2’… and a lot has changed.
NewsMike P WilliamsFantastic Beasts reviews are in as critics hail Harry Potter spin-off
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is arguably one of the most anticipated movies of 2016, and just a few days before release the first reviews are in. Fans have been getting pretty worked up for the ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off, especially since J.K. Rowling has written the screenplay (for the first time, no less). David Yates, helmer of several previous Potter adventures, is on directing duties and has just been confirmed to be in charge of all five movies in the new franchise.
NewsBen BusseyDavid Yates will direct all the Fantastic Beasts movies
David Yates has confirmed he’ll be captain on the good ship ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them’ for the duration of the voyage. The 52-year old British director was a seasoned veteran of short films and television (notably BBC series ‘State of Play’) when he made his feature debut on ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,’ then returned for the final three films of the series, making him the most prolific Harry Potter director. As such, it was no great surprise that he would helm the upcoming Potter prequel, for which four sequels are planned – and now, Yates confirms that he plans to direct them all.
NewsRyan LestonJohnny Depp confirmed as Grindelwald in Fantastic Beasts sequel
It’s official - Johnny Depp is Grindelwald in ‘Fantastic Beasts 2’. During an interview with The Leaky Cauldron, director David Yates confirmed that the rumours are correct - Johnny Depp is Grindelwald in the upcoming ‘Fantastic Beasts’ sequel. Of course, it was recently announced that Johnny Depp would be joining the ‘Fantastic Beasts’ sequel, and would even have a cameo in the first movie.
NewsMike P WilliamsEddie Redmayne was terrified of screwing up Fantastic Beasts
With ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ in cinemas this month, the anticipation for the ‘Harry Potter’ spin-off couldn’t be higher. Naturally its star, Oscar-winner Eddie Redmayne, felt the pressure to make a great film after the enormous success of the Potter franchise but was always likely to rise to the occasion. It’s an interesting response that not only tries to take the focus off him but also brings characters Porpentina Goldstein, Queenie Goldstein, and Jacob Kowalski into the picture.
NewsMike P WilliamsFantastic Beasts 2 will be set in Paris
‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’ is coming to cinemas this month and already there’s plenty of talk surrounding its sequel. This month’s Empire is dedicated to the J.K. Rowling-written movie and reveals some interesting detailed about what fans could see in the second film. “What we do know is that the already-underway sequel will travel to Paris,” it states.
NewsVarietyJohnny Depp to Star in J.K. Rowling's 'Fantastic Beasts' Sequel
Johnny Depp will star in the sequel to upcoming Harry Potter spinoff Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.
NewsBen SkipperEzra Miller reveals a major link between Fantastic Beasts and Harry Potter
Warner Bros has published a video revealing the major event that will link the ‘Harry Potter’ series with the forthcoming 'Fantastic Beasts’ prequels. In the video Ezra Miller, one of the film’s stars, reveals that a major event from the 'Potter’ lore ties into the new story, and to us it sounds like a spoiler. As Miller says, Grindewald started a series of attacks in Europe around the same time Eddie Redmayne’s Newt Scamander arrives in 1926 New York at the start of the new film.
NewsMarcus GohMovies coming to you in November: Lulu the Movie, Death Note: Light Up the New World, Your Name and more
Every month, we’ll tell you what upcoming movies are screening in cinemas islandwide, and which are the ones that you must watch.Overview of November’s releasesWith Halloween just around the corner, November sees a good number of horror films popping up across different languages, with almost one new horror film a week. “Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them” and “Death Note: Light Up the New World” also debut this month, showing us that good franchises always find a way to come back. There are two other animes to catch for otakus, “Your Name” and “Pokemon: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel”, and the end of November sees the beginning of the Christmas movie avalanche - “Bad Santa 2”.Highlights for NovemberYour Name (3 November)Taki wakes from what seemed like a very important dream. But in an unfamiliar room and not in his body…but that of a girl! On the other hand, Mitsuha, a teen girl, is tired of living in a mountain village. She pleads to God “Please, let me be a handsome Tokyo boy in my next life!” The next morning, Mitsuha awakens as a high school male. Based on information around her, she learns whose body she inhabits. His name is Taki. The two have switched places! When they wake up again, they’ve returned to their former selves. But sleep brings the body swap again and again. Mysteriously, the pattern continues daily. The two fumble about, unaccustomed to each other’s bodies, but start communicating by memo. As they awkwardly overcome one challenge after another, a bond develops between the two- one that evolves into something more romantic.However, there’s something they still don’t know… The unexpected is about to be revealed.“Your Name” is a beautiful romantic drama that delights in the beauty of everyday things, rather than death defying acts of love. Although it sounds like it has a complicated science fiction conceit, the film focuses on the unspoken thoughts and the telling actions of the character. The contrast between a shy girl from a rural town and a brash boy from the big city also shows us how opposites attract across time and space.Death Note: Light Up the New World (1o November)10 years has passed since the confrontation between Kira and L. Again, Shinigami sends Death Notes to the ground, and due to this, the world soon falls into chaos. Mishima (Masahiro Higashide) is a member of the Death Note special task force with 6 other investigators including Matsuda who was involved in the Kira case 10 years ago.Mass murders caused by the Death Notes take place in the U.S., Japan and other countries around the world. World famous private investigator Ryuzaki (Sosuke Ikematsu), who is the rightful successor of L, joins in the investigation. They discover that 6 Death Notes currently exist in the world. A computer virus called Kira soon spreads throughout the world.A message in the Kira virus says to turn in 6 Death Notes.Yes, it’s been almost a decade since we last saw the Death Note (in “L: Change the World”) and while both main characters have succumbed to death, their legacy lives on through three young men who want the Death Notes for various purposes. Now there 6 Death Notes, and a whole lot more Shinigami to deal with. Who will succeed? Which characters from the original will return for this film? And does Ryuk still like apples?Lulu the Movie (24 November)This is a story of a sweet PRC girl who comes to Singapore to meet her online lover but ends up having to deal with more than she bargained for.Come follow Lulu’s (mis)adventures, from trying to get a job at the KTV to travelling around the world as a bona fide fashionista.Although Lulu’s tumultuous journey is filled with mockery, discrimination and tough times, Lulu refuses to give up or compromise (particularly on wearing leopard print), because as Lulu says, “dying is easy, but staying true to oneself is hard”.To be honest I’d much rather see “Leticia the Movie” but who’s to say she doesn’t make a cameo in this film? “Lulu the Movie” is a proud celebration of a homegrown character that we’ve grown to love, and she’s risen past her humble beginnings in the parking lots of Mediacorp to becoming a leading lady on the silver screen. Will Lulu find what she wants or will she realise that she’s had it inside her all along? Actually it doesn’t matter, we just want to hear her make her crude but honest comments about Singapore again!3 NovemberYour Name Genre: Animated romance Cast: Ryunosuke Kamiki, Mone Kamishiraishi, Ryo Narita, Aoi Yuki, Nobunaga ShimazakiOuija: Origin of Evil Genre: Horror Cast: Doug Jones, Lulu Wilson, Henry Thomas, Elizabeth Reaser, Annalise BassoThe Beatles: Eight Days A Week - The Touring Years Genre: Documentary Cast: Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George HarrisonTrolls Genre: Animated adventure comedy Cast: Anna Kendrick, Justin Timberlake, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Russell Brand, Zooey Deschanel, Jeffrey Tambor, Christine Baranski, James Corden, Kunal Nayyar, Ron Funches, Icona Pop, Quvenzhané Wallis, John Cleese, Gwen StefaniNessun Dorma (凶手还未睡) Genre: Horror thriller Cast: Gordon Lam, Andy Hui, Janice Man, Jacky Cai, Wilfred Lau, Coco Chan, Steve Chan, Candice YuArmy of One Genre: Comedy Cast: Nicolas Cage, Russell Brand, Wendi McLendon-CoveyMasterminds Genre: Crime action comedy Cast: Kristen Wiig, Zach Galifianakis, Owen Wilson, Jason Sudeikis, Leslie Jones, Kate McKinnon10 NovemberDeath Note: Light Up The New World Genre: Action adventure Cast: Masahiro Higashide, Sosuke Ikematsu, Masaki Suda, Erika Toda, Rina Kawaei, Eiichiro Funakoshi, Sota Aoyama, Mina Fujii, Ryosuke TakeiThe Menu (导火新闻线) Genre: Drama Cast: Gregory Wong, Catherine Chau, Kate Yeung, Richard NgSoulmate (七月与安生) Genre: Drama Cast: Zhou Dongyu, Ma Sichun, Toby Lee, Li ChengshanFallen Genre: Drama Cast: Lola Kirke, Joely Richardson, Jeremy Irvine, Harrison Gilbertson, Joely Richardson, Juliet Aubrey, Addison TimlinThe Monster Genre: Horror Cast: Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine, Scott SpeedmanBilly Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk Genre: Dramedy Cast: Vin Diesel, Kristen Stewart, Garrett Hedlund, Steve Martin, Chris Tucker, Joe Alwyn, Ben Platt11 NovemberRock On 2 Genre: Musical drama Cast: Farhan Akhtar, Shraddha Kapoor, Arjun Rampal, Purab Kohli, Prachi Desai, Shashank Arora17 NovemberFantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them Genre: Fantasy adventure Cast: Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Colin Farrell, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Jon Voight, Ron PerimanShut In Genre: Horror Cast: Naomi Watts, Jacob Tremblay, Oliver Platt, Charlie HeatonI Am Not Madame Bovary (我不是潘金蓮) Genre: Comedy Cast: Fan Bingbing, Dong Chengpeng, Wei Fan, Zhang Jiayi, Yu HeweiDenial Genre: Biographical historical drama Cast: Rachel Weisz, Andrew Scott, Timothy Spall, Tom WilkinsonHappy Dorm (极乐宿舍) Genre: Comedy Cast: Chih Tian Shih, Fion Hong, Toby Lee, Awayne Liu, Eason, Claire Lee18 NovemberHunt for The Wilderpeople Genre: Drama Cast: Sam Neill, Julian Dennison, Rima Te Wiata24 NovemberPokemon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel Genre: Animated adventure Cast: Rica Matsumoto, Yuki Kaji, Mariya Ise, Mayuki MakiguchiLulu the Movie Genre: Comedy Cast: Michelle Chong, Chen Tianwen, Leon Jay WilliamsAllied Genre: War romantic drama Cast: Brad Pitt, Marion Cotillard, Lizzy Caplan, Jared Harris, Matthew GoodeMoana Genre: Animated adventure Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Auli'i Cravalho, Tommy Lee Jones, Alan TudykLion Genre: Drama Cast: Dev Patel, Rooney Mara, Nicole Kidman, David WenhamThe Whole Truth Genre: Thriller drama Cast: Keanu Reeves, Renée Zellweger, James Bleushi, Gabriel Basso, Gugu Mbatha-RawBad Santa 2 Genre: Comedy Cast: Billy Bob Thornton, Christina Hendricks, Bretty Kelly, Kathy Bates, Tony CoxMarcus Goh is a Singapore television scriptwriter. He’s also a Transformers enthusiast and avid pop culture scholar. He Tweets/Instagrams at Optimarcus and writes at marcusgohmarcusgoh.com. The views expressed are his own.
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