Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them – The Original Screenplay
Written by J.K. Rowling
Published by Scholastic Books on November 18, 2016
280 pages
Fantasy

Synopsis:

A time and place where the actions of a handful of people… and creatures… will determine the fate of the many. Magizoologist, Newt Scamander, newly arrived in town, intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when Newt’s magical case is misplaced and some of his fantastic beasts escape into the city, it spells trouble for everyone…

My Review:

I loved this movie and this book! Now that’s a strong opening line for a review. But I can’t sugar coat it. My family and I saw the movie last weekend and I finished the screenplay shortly thereafter. Fantastic Beasts continues the wonderful story of the magic world. Ms. Rowling’s imagination has no end and I’m very happy about that.

The magical world in the America is a very different world than in England. I think Ms. Rowling’s opinions shined through into her screenplay (which I appreciate). Witches and Wizards can have no contact with No Majs (muggles). There is some very strong discrimination throughout the story which is pretty prevalent in America today. The American magical community is viewed as very closed-minded and isolated. As I was watching and reading Fantastic Beasts, I kept thinking “Newt, please take Tina, Queenie and Jacob back to England with you and lived happily ever after!”

My favorite characters have to be Queenie and Jacob. I loved their sweetness and acceptance of each other. Jacob’s realization that there is a magical world is so funny and brings a lot levity to the story. Queenie’s use of legilimency would make someone feel uncomfortable; but, she is so sweet and empathic it really didn’t seem untoward. I really loved Queenie and Jacob’s budding relationship. I hope it continues and flourishes in the movies to come.

As I was reading the screenplay, I could vividly see the movie playing out in my head. I really like this format; it makes for fun reading. Like the play, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Fantastic Beasts is fast-paced and quick to read. But make sure you see the movie first; it makes the screenplay so much more fun to read.