Film: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them

GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure

RATING: PG-13 for fantasy violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 13 minutes

STARRING: Eddie Redmayne (Theory of Everything, Les Miserables)

Katherine Waterston (Steve Jobs), Dan Fogler (Fanboys, KungFu Panda)

DIRECTOR: David Yates (Harry Potter 5-8)

WRITER: J.K. Rowling (Harry Potter novels, first screenplay)

PLOT: Newt Scamander is a wizard trying to re-capture some of his escaped beasts in 1920’s New York. Magic ensues.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Haven’t read the book (or the Potter novels).

STORY STUFF: While there are some fun moments throughout the film, the story wasn’t as compelling as a Harry Potter tale. The re-capturing of the beasts was very well done but the other story centering on Graves (Colin Farrell) and Credence (Ezra Miller) was too cryptic and confusing for me to follow. By the time their motivations are revealed I had lost some interest. Maybe I might enjoy it more with a re-watch.

ACTING STUFF: Redmayne is intriguing with all of Newt idiosyncrasies, but I wouldn’t expect anything less from this Oscar winner. The big scene stealer though is Fogler’s Kowalski. He is simply wonderful as the Muggle (sorry, ‘no-Maj’) who gets messed up with these fantastical people and creatures. His wide eyes and blurting laughs are hysterical. I was not a fan of Waterston as Tina is not given much to do but look concerned all the time. I prefer her sister, Queenie, played with effervescence by Alison Sudol.

ARTISTIC STUFF: Obviously the special effects are top notch with amazing feats of magic and outrageous beasts. My favourite beast would have to be Niffler, a platypus-y creature who is addicted to shiny objects. I hope we get to see more of him in future installments.

VERDICT: Three stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You ‘re a Potter fan or enjoy zoology.
UPCOMING REVIEWS: Allied

Film: Hacksaw Ridge

GENRE: Biography, Drama

RATING: R for grisly war violence
RUNTIME: 2 hours and 11 minutes

STARRING: Andrew Garfield (Amazing Spiderman, Social Network)

Vince Vaughn (Dodgeball, Swingers), Hugo Weaving (Matrix, LOTR)

DIRECTOR: Mel Gibson (Braveheart, Apocalypto, Passion of the Christ)

WRITERS: Robert Schenkkan (All the Way, The Pacific)

Andrew Knight (UK TV shows)

PLOT: A true story about a religious medic who saves numerous lives in the Battle of Okinawa without firing a single bullet.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Didn’t know anything about Desmond Doss.

STORY STUFF: This true story is simply amazing. It is hard not to be inspired by the thoughts and actions of Desmond Doss. I really liked how it wasn't too overly patriotic with American flags and 'we'll save the world' attitude. The movie also bravely does not shy away from the religious aspects of the story. Honestly, this is one of the best films I’ve seen so far this year. Thank you Mel Gibson for directing again (it’s been 10 years). 

ACTING STUFF: Garfield is perfectly cast in this film. He has the cheesy and dopey stuff down pat for the beginning and then pulls you in with his earnestness and commitment. Wow! I also really enjoyed Vaughn’s role as Doss’ sergeant. He did seem a little too soft at times, but I did enjoy the humour and seriousness he brought to the role. Unlike Saving Private Ryan, I did not really feel connected to the rest of Doss’ company. Couldn’t really tell who was who in battle and therefore may have missed out on some great character stuff.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The battle sequences seem to be an homage to Saving Private Ryan’s storming of the beach and most of the fight sequences from Band of Brothers. Not bad company to be in. However, there are some pretty schmaltzy visuals both before the fighting begins (during the love story) and some near the end, much like Michael Bay’s Pearl Harbor. I would almost say that if you changed five of the schmaltziest images (like the water pouring scene), you may have a near-perfect movie. I was impressed.

VERDICT: Four and half stars out of five

SEE IT IF: You want to be inspired and can handle war films

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Fantastic Beasts, Arrival

Film: Doctor Strange

GENRE: Fantasy Adventure

RATING: PG-13 for violence
RUNTIME: 1 hour and 55 minutes

STARRING: Benedict Cumberbatch (Sherlock, The Hobbit)

Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls), Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal)

DIRECTOR: Scott Derrickson (The Exorcism of Emily Rose)

WRITERS: Derrickson & C Robert Cargill (Sinister)

Jon Spaihts (Prometheus)

PLOT: A talented neurosurgeon gets in an accident and learns about mystic arts and multi-universes.

FULL DISCLOSURE: Didn’t know anything about Doctor Strange.

STORY STUFF: It’s a pretty compelling story even though I didn’t understand everything. There’s a lot of mystic speak that lost me, but it was still a fun ride. The movie moves at a nice pace as well.

ACTING STUFF: Cumberbatch is very well cast as is the rest of the actors. He has the right amount of arrogance, humour and seriousness needed for this role. Although his American accent sometimes sounds like Dr. House. Mikkelsen is great as a very focused villain. McAdams is a fun love interest for Strange, such great interactions. Kudos all around.

ARTISTIC STUFF: The visuals alone were worth the admission price; some awesome Inception-type time bending. They make some good use of 3-D. I also love the cape, it reminded me of the carpet from Aladdin.

VERDICT: Three and half out of five
SEE IT IF: You like Inception mixed with your Marvel movies.

UPCOMING REVIEWS: Hacksaw Ridge