Solid but still doesn't match potential

Rating: 8/10 (18 November 2016)

"Fantastic beasts and where to find them" was, for the most part, a fantastic experience indeed. Bright, colorful, with the magical world probably more fleshed out than in any previous Harry Potter movies. Probably the best film about HP universe since "Prisoner of Azkaban". They really had to deviate from boring Harry (sorry Daniel) and his repetitive confrontations with Voldemort to make the story shine again. Instead of Voldemort we have Grindelwald now. Luckily Johnny Depp didn't lose any charms since his Mad Hatter and Jack Sparrow roles. He is a persuasive antagonist and I am very excited to see him more in future movies. But J.K. Rowling proved us on numerous times (with the first 3 books) that she doesn't need any concrete villain to make the story worth to be told. With Grindelwald having only a cameo appearance, there is still barely a scene in the movie which will make you stay bored. The last battle is spectacular – luckily much better than average Harry Potter and Voldermort fight scenes in the eights movie. Plot holes are present but forgivable.
My only concern is as always: yes, David Yates is still directing the movies. I don't know why producers keep calling him but he certainly does NOT know how to make a good fantasy movie. He neither feels "Harry Potter" nor can add life to the story and make it special. He is not a bad movie director but not a particular talented one as well. Fantasy is just not his genre and his limited directory skills prevented this movie (and all 4 previous ones he directed) from becoming something truly special. We have a talented story told by not quite talented storyteller. But the truth is – spectacular world created by J.K. Rowling deserves so much more. Given that, we stay with enjoyable but unfortunately easily forgettable picture. We have all technical elements (graphics, special effects, plot, acting) on a superb level. But bad directing prevents it all from tying together into something which could ultimately become a new benchmark for any new upcoming movie in fantasy genre.
I cannot help but to remember recent "Miss Peregrine's peculiar children" by Tim Burton. Without any explosions and significant special effects, Tim Burton once again made me believe that magic is real over and over again with every single scene. Not sure what cocktail we would have with mixing Tim Burton (who can also make disappointing movies sometimes - Alice in Wonderland, Mars attacks) and Harry Potter universe, but I do think that director of "Miss Peregrine", "Big Fish" and "Edward Scissorhands" could add charm, magic and heart to "Fantastic Beast" movies – something that this movie lacks.
Despite of another fail from David Yates, pretty much the whole team making this movie did a great job. Special thanks to J.K. Rowling for a wonderful script.
Solid 8 out of 10.