A Discussion of Fantastic Beasts 3

Fantastic Beasts 3 was released a few days ago, and to catch up on the novel's setting, I actually sneaked off to see it on the day of its release.

To avoid spoiling the movie for readers and affecting their viewing experience, I refrained from talking much about it for over a week. But now that the novel is starting to intersect with the movie's plot, I feel the time is about right.

My overall rating for this movie is "mediocre." I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10. I have to say that even someone as knowledgeable as me could watch it, despite some of the more nonsensical parts.

On one hand, there's the director David Yates' involvement; on the other hand, the addition of Steve Croves to the script, instead of Rowling. Rowling writing the entire series, feels like a significant drop in the "Rowling content." (Steve Croves wrote seven of the eight Harry Potter films; I don't know why.)

The addition of a new screenwriter might be related to the fact that the first two films didn't receive great reviews. Warner Bros.. felt that Rowling was better suited to writing novels than screenwriting. However, in my opinion, while the first film's rating was decent, the second film, which generally received low praise from foreign media, is something I really find worth savoring. I watched it three times to understand it, and then again to remember the plot for writing the novel, for a total of four times.

I can say that Rowling's intricate foreshadowing and attention to detail in the second book are very much to my liking. Non-hardcore Harry Potter fans may not appreciate it, but I would definitely give the second book a rating no lower than the first.

However, the third installment seems to have fallen into the trap of typical commercial films. All the highlights are in the trailer, with insufficient build-up, stiff transitions, and stereotypical characters. Apart from the decent special effects, the touching GGAD, and the cuteness of the Winged Bird, Niffler, and Bowtruckle, there are really not many noteworthy aspects.

One theory among fans is that due to the pandemic, filming couldn't take place in Brazil as originally planned, so the director moved the plot of the fourth film to the third, thus causing a disconnect between the second and third films (such as the absence of Tyco Dodonas's Prophecy and Nagini). Otherwise, it's hard to explain why veteran Harry Potter screenwriter Steve Croves would make such a big mistake.

I actually agree with this viewpoint, so this book, <From Kamar-Taj to Hogwarts>, pushes the timeline back, moving the 1932 International Confederation of Wizards election to 1938. This makes it possible for Grindelwald to launch the Wizarding World 'Saints War a few months after being ousted, aligning the timeline (roughly between 1938 and 1939).

I won't spoil too much for either the book or the movie; just enjoy reading it!

Also, thank you all for your support since the book was released. Although the subscription numbers weren't ideal, I'm still very satisfied with the results for my first book.

Special thanks to Trooper1770, Song Sanshaishaishai, Qimeng fans, and book friend 2021512151453550 for their generous donations since the book's release! Thank you to all readers for your monthly tickets and recommendations!