Review: Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald by J.K. Rowling

Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald Original Screenplay
by J.K. Rowling
Published by Little Brown
Screenplay, fantasy

At the end of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the powerful Dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald was captured in New York with the help of Newt Scamander. But, making good on his threat, Grindelwald escapes custody and sets about gathering followers, most unsuspecting of his true agenda: to raise pure-blood wizards up to rule over all non-magical beings. 

In an effort to thwart Grindelwald’s plans, Albus Dumbledore enlists Newt, his former Hogwarts student, who agrees to help once again, unaware of the dangers that lie ahead. Lines are drawn as love and loyalty are tested, even among the truest friends and family, in an increasingly divided wizarding world.

Once again the illustrations and the cover are absolutely gorgeous! I spend way too much time just staring at them.

The Crimes of Grindelwald was fast paced with dramatic action scenes, and I loved to once again be back at this world and meet the characters, old and new. The best parts were definitely the moments back in Hogwarts, both present day and flashbacks. I also liked every scene where Dumbledore was, which was a bit surprising for me. Dumbledore has never been one of my favourite characters, but I found him intriguing here and I wish he'll have bigger role in the upcoming movies. And more Grindelwald, because he's nothing if not deadly charming. Naturally, Newt continued to be one of my favourites, he's just so adorable!

I still want a Niffler of my own, definitely the best creature ever.

I already saw the movie, right after I finished reading the screenplay, and I enjoyed it immensely. Being back at Hogwarts, however briefly, was the best feeling. I can't wait for the next one!

5 of 5 stars

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Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (Harry Potter, #8)
by J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne
Published by Little Brown UK
Hardcover (purchased)
Script/Play, fantasy

The Eighth Story. Nineteen Years Later.

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

I had mixed feelings when I went into this because while I was truly excited to have one more Harry Potter story, I was also extremely nervous whether I'd like it or not - especially since the Deathly Hallows and its epilogue were not favourite of mine ever. I did have some problems with Cursed Child, but overall I was very pleased with the story. For one, I loved the script format! I believe it would look amazing on stage but even the written script was good and something I don't read often.

I'm mostly pleased about how much the Malfoys were included in the story. I felt like both Scorpius and Draco got a nicely sized roles and I was so happy to see that for once the Malfoys were not viewed as evil wizards. Scorpius, especially, stole my heart because he was so adorable. Scorpius was the best thing in the story, Draco coming right after him. I also loved the family dynamics within the Malfoys. However, the Potter family is an another story. I liked Albus, and especially his friendship with Scorpius and his Hogwarts house were something I really liked. But everything else in that family felt like something that wouldn't really happen - especially Harry disappointed me. Harry said one thing that I believe he would never say, not in canon, and it made me like the story less because it made it seem unbelievable. Harry, who was abused as child, would never treat his own son the way he did in the script.

Also, let it be noted that Rose Granger-Weasley was a character that I disliked greatly. She was basically all of Hermione's and Ron's bad attitudes combined to one person. I really didn't like her, at all.

I liked the plot, although the big revelation at the end was something I couldn't believe. I'm not going too much into it because I don't want to spoil anyone, but the thing was something that would have really happened in the first seven books. Nevertheless, the thing that made me angry about the story was the missed opportunity for bisexual (or homosexual) representation. It was there - the chemistry, the feelings, everything. But once again both of the characters were made heterosexuals. The thing in that that most angers me, is the fact that the heterosexual pairing presented had absolutely no chemistry - it was nothing but doomed crush.

Overall, I liked the script. It had few problems but it was entertaining and I really loved the Malfoys and the dynamic they had. Will I consider this at canon? Maybe. I have not decided yet because the three main problems I had with it are major problems - especially since two of the things are something I consider that wouldn't have ever happened in canon. Still, I liked the Cursed Child and I do recommend it for the Potter fans.

4 of 5 stars.

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