In the sequel to 2016’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, evil wizard Grendel Grindelwald (Johnny Depp) escapes capture before calling on his followers to wreak havoc across the world.
With wizards, witches, and humans under threat, Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), Tina (Katherine Waterston), Jacob (Dan Fogler), and Queenie (Alison Sudol) are tasked with finding Grindelwald as well as Credence Barebone (Ezra Miller).
Along the way, Scamander bumps into former flame Leta Lestrange (Zoe Kravitz), brother Theseus (Callum Turner), Nagini (Claudia Kim), and Yusuf (William Nadylam).
Screenwriter JK Rowling and Director David Yates (responsible for four Harry Potter movies and now two Fantastic Beasts instalments) have major plans to turn this into a five-film franchise.
Sadly, these first two Fantastic Beasts movies have failed to re-capture the magic.
Rowling and Yates struggle to flesh out any of the new or existing characters.
Scamander’s plot-line is filled with random set-pieces, while Jacob is nothing but an average sidekick.
The other main characters are given little time to make an impression.
Jude Law provides some spark as a younger, wittier Dumbledore.
Meanwhile, Depp delivers his best performance in years as the titular antagonist.
The controversial actor plays Grindelwald with restraint, rather than going too far overboard.
Alienating to new viewers and befuddling to established fans, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is one of the year’s biggest disappointments.
The Old Man and the Gun
Directed by David Lowery (Pete’s Dragon), The Old Man and the Gun sees 70-year-old career criminal Forrest Tucker (Robert Redford) committing bank robberies across America, all while casually slipping past the authorities.
Following one particular robbery, lowly detective John Hunt (Casey Affleck) becomes fascinated by Tucker’s style and commitment.
Tucker is forced to make a decision – rob more banks or settle down with Jewel (Sissy Spacek).
Lowery and the cast handle this docudrama/heist flick with grace and a deft touch.
Whereas many heist movies focus on the job and its execution, The Old Man and the Gun remains a character study throughout its 96-minute run-time.
In his final feature film performance, Redford delivers charm in spades.
The movie pays tribute to his career, pausing at one point to showcase footage from his previous movies.
Featuring stellar performances and a warm feel, The Old Man and the Gun gives Redford a perfect send-off.
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