Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, 2.5 Stars

I did like this movie but it drags in places. At 132 minutes it could be shorter by 20.  The story is a good one (albeit somewhat ponderous), written by J.K. Rowling and it does play off the Harry Potter franchise in some references, special effects and occasional musical backgrounds. (You don’t have to know the HP stories but it helps.)

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) is excellent and further demonstrates his wide range of talents in this somewhat understated role. Katherine Waterston (who has some facial characteristics of her father Sam {but is new to me}) and Colin Farrell (Saving Mr. Banks) are solid and Alison Sudol (new to me) is appropriately ‘over the top’.

I understand that there are plans to make a mini-franchise of several films (with Jude Law {Sherlock Holmes movies} playing  a young Dumbledore). I think I might rent this one again at some point.

The Zookeeper's Wife, 3 Stars

I liked this movie. It has been criticized (quite rightly) for the simplistic flaws in the story line amidst the horrific impact of war and the Holocaust.

In spite of all that, it is still a good story that flows and basically holds together without many obvious weak spots. The reason to see it is Jessica Chastain (The Help) – her acting is riveting and wide-ranging, and dominates the screen.  Strong performances by Johan Heldenbergh (new to me), Daniel Bruhl (Joyeux Noel) and especially Shira Haas (also new to me) hold the movie together.

There are brutal portions that are difficult to watch (or you have to be quick to close your eyes), and I’m not sure if I would watch it again. But I do recommend it.

Beauty and the Beast, 3.5 Stars

I love Emma Watson (The Perks of Being a Wallflower) and I loved this! The colours and contrasting of lightness and darkness served the film well.

Watson is very good, although her voice is a little light, especially in the opening scene. But the familiar music and story are beautifully done. Kevin Kline (A Fish Called Wanda) and Luke Evans (whom I don’t recall in Robin Hood) are adequate, as were the (mostly computer-generated) supporting cast of Ian McKellen (Lord of the Rings) and Ewan McGregor (Moulin Rouge).

This is a classic story and I’d see it again (and again).