What do you think?
Rate this book
Fantastic Beasts: The Original Screenplay #1
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
Goodreads Choice Award
Winner for Best Fantasy (2017)J.K. Rowling's screenwriting debut is captured in this exciting hardcover edition of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them screenplay.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.
Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them marks the screenwriting debut of J.K. Rowling, author of the beloved and internationally bestselling Harry Potter books. Featuring a cast of remarkable characters, this is epic, adventure-packed storytelling at its very best.
Whether an existing fan or new to the wizarding world, this is a perfect addition to any reader's bookshelf.
293 pages, Hardcover
First published November 18, 2016
About the author
J.K. Rowling
517 books221k followersSee also: Robert Galbraith
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.
Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.
Although she writes under the pen name J.K. Rowling, pronounced like rolling, her name when her first Harry Potter book was published was simply Joanne Rowling. Anticipating that the target audience of young boys might not want to read a book written by a woman, her publishers demanded that she use two initials, rather than her full name. As she had no middle name, she chose K as the second initial of her pen name, from her paternal grandmother Kathleen Ada Bulgen Rowling. She calls herself Jo and has said, "No one ever called me 'Joanne' when I was young, unless they were angry." Following her marriage, she has sometimes used the name Joanne Murray when conducting personal business. During the Leveson Inquiry she gave evidence under the name of Joanne Kathleen Rowling. In a 2012 interview, Rowling noted that she no longer cared that people pronounced her name incorrectly.
Rowling was born to Peter James Rowling, a Rolls-Royce aircraft engineer, and Anne Rowling (née Volant), on 31 July 1965 in Yate, Gloucestershire, England, 10 miles (16 km) northeast of Bristol. Her mother Anne was half-French and half-Scottish. Her parents first met on a train departing from King's Cross Station bound for Arbroath in 1964. They married on 14 March 1965. Her mother's maternal grandfather, Dugald Campbell, was born in Lamlash on the Isle of Arran. Her mother's paternal grandfather, Louis Volant, was awarded the Croix de Guerre for exceptional bravery in defending the village of Courcelles-le-Comte during the First World War.
Rowling's sister Dianne was born at their home when Rowling was 23 months old. The family moved to the nearby village Winterbourne when Rowling was four. She attended St Michael's Primary School, a school founded by abolitionist William Wilberforce and education reformer Hannah More. Her headmaster at St Michael's, Alfred Dunn, has been suggested as the inspiration for the Harry Potter headmaster Albus Dumbledore.
As a child, Rowling often wrote fantasy stories, which she would usually then read to her sister. She recalls that: "I can still remember me telling her a story in which she fell down a rabbit hole and was fed strawberries by the rabbit family inside it. Certainly the first story I ever wrote down (when I was five or six) was about a rabbit called Rabbit. He got the measles and was visited by his friends, including a giant bee called Miss Bee." At the age of nine, Rowling moved to Church Cottage in the Gloucestershire village of Tutshill, close to Chepstow, Wales. When she was a young teenager, her great aunt, who Rowling said "taught classics and approved of a thirst for knowledge, even of a questionable kind," gave her a very old copy of Jessica Mitford's autobiography, Hons and Rebels. Mitford became Rowling's heroine, and Rowling subsequently read all of her books.
Rowling has said of her teenage years, in an interview with The New Yorker, "I wasn’t particularly happy. I think it’s a dreadful time of life." She had a difficult homelife; her mother was ill and she had a difficult relationship with her father (she is no longer on speaking terms with him). She attended secondary school at Wyedean School and College, where her mother had worked as a technician in the science department. Rowling said of her adolescence, "Hermione [a bookish, know-it-all Harry Potter character] is loosely based on me. She's a caricature of me when I was eleven, which I'm not particularly proud of." Steve Eddy, who taught Rowling English when she first arrived, remembers her as "not exceptional" but "one of a group of girls who were bright, and quite good at English." Sean Harris, her best friend in the Upper Sixth owned a turquoise Ford Anglia, which she says inspired the one in her books.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,380 reviews
October 28, 2018
A New Wizarding World saga precedes Harry Potter's
Fantastic New World
Fantastic Characters;
Beasts-Nerd Hufflepuff Magizoologist
Amazing resourceful Sisters
With a funny
& Power hungry men
And a Suitcase,
Full of Beasts..
FANTASTIC BEASTS
Set Loose in 1920s New York
FIND THEM ALL
In a thrilling Fantastic Cinematic experience, chilling Soundtrack mixing Hedwig theme with Saw’s Hello Zepp, comes this Fantastic Story
Written by the Queen of Magic, expanding the Huge World she created, that's hidden among us.
Wizarding World.
With its Fantastic Beasts.. and Where to Find Them.
“they’re currently in alien terrain, surrounded by millions of the most vicious creatures on the planet.
Humans.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
The Story & Setting
The Story “the Plot of the Movie” is a bit simple, even more than Harry Potter's first book.
I was expecting some Prisoner of Azkaban mystery and multi-layers twists.. but here is way simpler plot.. Rich World, yes..but not strong plot.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVED IT, It's more mature, adult characters now in the leading role, huger world.. and it's still rich enough and entertaining.
But the more I think of it, it felt like mostly grabbed its richness of the World we already know, and the history of it which we already get a glimpse before.
Yet, it is here more detailed and it's still amazingly "Fantastically" entertaining and magical in itself.
Stretching the Wizarding World History both in location and Time..
New York, the 1920s, after the Great War, in the fast changing city, with its new inventions, the prohibited gigglewaters, speakeasy raids..
And where even the Magical Laws of secrecy in its worst, not even allowing to befriend the No-Maj .. and the No-Maj suspicious and hater of Wizarding World at its peak.
All Because of one Notorious Dark Wizard who terrorizing the both worlds..and has as much followers around the world who just helping his cause..
Grindelwald.
But since he's mostly -may be- not a major here, let's focus on Newt Scamander and the rest of..
The Characters
He's this young Magizoologist, the Fantastic Beasts Nerd, comes from England to New York for a certain Beasts-Related mission... in New York where they have no tolerance for Magical "Fantastic" Beasts allowed, they even can kill them to rid of them once and for all..
I just adore how he's so "dorky" in a way, his love for his beasts really remarkable.
NEWT
I’ve just completed a year in the field. I’m writing a book about magical creatures.
TINA
Like—an extermination guide?
NEWT
No. A guide to help people understand why we should be protecting these creatures instead of killing them.”
But his insignificant misfortune encounter with a very funny, average poor
Did I tell you that Wizarding world in America doesn't at all collaborations with No-Maj? But come on, you can't easily have enough of this very fun man. and so glad that the story involve a Muggle in a big role this time.
And there's this misfortune Auror, Tina who tries to investigate his mysterious Case of Beasts.
But find herself and her extraordinary beautiful charming mind reader sister Queenie getting involved into this huge mess. Finding the Fantastic Beasts..
Okay, she's my best character here... I love her so much, and The whole movie I been wondering -will they stay together till the end of series? specially Queenie and Jacob "the no-maj" - which heavily reminded me with Strike and Robin relation in a way. I mean, it's like He is her Fantastic Beast in a way, and so She is his Fantastic Beast too.
All that while in the background, the hatred between some Witch hunters ..Those who hate the others just because they're different..
..those who beside that felt oppressed, hated and looked at lowly..
And, on the other side.. Wizards who make stern laws...
and those who save the law by looking for dark powers..
..Dark powers that rising in a dangerous deathly political game effects both our World and the Wizarding World.
It's diversity of characters, with depth analysis of evil nature, prejudices, oppression and locking oneself in a closet while forcing others do as well..
And, my God can't say more.. the characters are awesome, more than awesome. Rowling really mastering that.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Book
It's not the first time to read a Screenplay, yet it's the first time to read it in this elegant book format..
Clear, with fine arts sometimes, perfect spacing..
And the notes between the lines, how Rowling's Novel's Writing Magic on describing the characters...
“ Blonde Queenie, the most beautiful girl ever to don witches' robes, is standing in a silk slip, supervising the mending of a dress on a dressmaker's dummy. Jacob is thunderstruck. ”and even the little extra describing of the story..
“ A beat as Queenie drinks the whole story out of Newt's head. She looks both intrigued and saddened. Newt continues to work, trying hard to pretend Queenie isn't reading his mind. ”
I know it's not like reading a novel... it's just a different experience.
And of course because we all want every story of the Wizarding World in the forum of a book.
Yet I felt bit disappointed that I needed to read the Deleted Scenes including in the script.. but the book only hold the original film script.
And , amazingly helpful, If you wish to know the technique of writing a Screenplay, this book is really a gem... it includes the glossary of terms used in writing one...
So yeah, go Watch the movie, and Read the Screenplay as well.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Verdict
The Screenplay is Fantastic, magically written, even if I see the story simple this first round, -I'm sure that'd change later- yet reading it now... just wow, marvelous.
Rich World, Rich Characters, good -not huge or great- Conflict, and Fantastically paced for me.
The thing here is that, unlike Harry Potter movies. Where its original stories suffer injustice simplification in the process of foreign screenwriters. This time the story fit and complete. this time it's totally J.K.Rowling, the best who can write about this magical world..
And the same those who made the Potter series Magical Cinematic experience visually, they're here too to make this series Fantastic Cinematic too.
Thanks A Million for Amazon.co.uk for sending the book in Priority Shipping,though I didn't pay for that. Thank you.
And remember, it's the first part of the 5 parts Prequel to the Saga of the Boy Who Lived.
We Still have Huger for this Story of the Wizarding World...
Mohammed Arabey
Pre-Ordered 27 April 2016
Pre-Reviewed 4 May 2016
Movie Review 17 Nov. 2016
April 1, 2019
4/5 Stars ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
This is not actually a "book" so I can't really write a review about it but I'll say a few words.
This is a beautifully crafted book with amazing illustrations and a fantastic cover. As a graphic designer student, I always appreciate beautiful artwork throughout books. And I also appreciated the credit that was given to the artists in the back of the book. Even the fonts were mentioned... they might come in handy... hm...
Apart from the looks, this is a screenplay. It's exactly what the movie is. I'm a Harry Potter fanatic, fangirl, geek, nerd, I breath it, it's me, YES I AM HARRY POTTER and I always try to CONSUME anything concerning it. So, naturally, I have watched the FBAWTFT movie many times. Naturally. Along with the lines and descriptions of the book I could picture the scenes in my head perfectly. Not because I have watched the movie many times, oh no, because the book was good at describing them, obviously. Obviously.
I also adored how we got to see some more hidden thoughts from the characters (THE SHIPS GUYS THE SHIPS) and some more details from the movie. Furthermore, it contained some deleted scenes I didn't expect to see. Nice touch there.
In conclusion, this was a little book, I started it 3 hours ago and I just finished and it was a great HP break. I'm considering watching the movie again after this... maybe... hm... And again, till the next one K BYE!
“Newt Scamander : "My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”
― J.K. Rowling, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay
This is not actually a "book" so I can't really write a review about it but I'll say a few words.
This is a beautifully crafted book with amazing illustrations and a fantastic cover. As a graphic designer student, I always appreciate beautiful artwork throughout books. And I also appreciated the credit that was given to the artists in the back of the book. Even the fonts were mentioned... they might come in handy... hm...
Apart from the looks, this is a screenplay. It's exactly what the movie is. I'm a Harry Potter fanatic, fangirl, geek, nerd, I breath it, it's me, YES I AM HARRY POTTER and I always try to CONSUME anything concerning it. So, naturally, I have watched the FBAWTFT movie many times. Naturally. Along with the lines and descriptions of the book I could picture the scenes in my head perfectly. Not because I have watched the movie many times, oh no, because the book was good at describing them, obviously. Obviously.
I also adored how we got to see some more hidden thoughts from the characters (THE SHIPS GUYS THE SHIPS) and some more details from the movie. Furthermore, it contained some deleted scenes I didn't expect to see. Nice touch there.
In conclusion, this was a little book, I started it 3 hours ago and I just finished and it was a great HP break. I'm considering watching the movie again after this... maybe... hm... And again, till the next one K BYE!
November 22, 2016
After the travesty known as Harry Potter and The Cursed Child, I really needed this adventure.
So here are some reasons why it succeeded where The Cursed Child failed:
1. It’s actually fun
The Cursed Child is all so very serious. Granted, Harry’s life has some pretty dark moments, though it always foregrounded by this idea of friendship and love. The Cursed child just felt depressing. This carries with it all the whimsical humour of the earlier Harry Potter books before things became dark and serious. The plot relayed all the clumsiness members of the wizarding world seem to possess. It made me laugh.
2. A great new character
Newt Scamander feels like he belongs in this world. He has all the characteristics of the Hufflepuff house, such as dedication and loyalty which are shown in his devotion to his animals. This seems like an obvious things to say, but when considering the fact that half the characters in The Cursed Child felt out of place, it becomes a necessity. He’s also played by one of my favourite actors in the movie; he seems like a perfect cast for the role.
3. Lack of dependency
This could exist on its own. It's a new story in the normal world. If you’re one of those strange people who have not yet read or watched the Harry Potter series, you’d still easily enjoy this. It does draw on some aspects of the already established universe, but not so much that they define the plot. This felt independent and new. Returning readers will also enjoy the references, but at the same time still be able to enjoy its separateness.
So this was rather good even in this form. It would have been nice to see it novelised but I suppose the movie is the real thing in question, this is just a fortunate by-product.
So here are some reasons why it succeeded where The Cursed Child failed:
1. It’s actually fun
The Cursed Child is all so very serious. Granted, Harry’s life has some pretty dark moments, though it always foregrounded by this idea of friendship and love. The Cursed child just felt depressing. This carries with it all the whimsical humour of the earlier Harry Potter books before things became dark and serious. The plot relayed all the clumsiness members of the wizarding world seem to possess. It made me laugh.
2. A great new character
Newt Scamander feels like he belongs in this world. He has all the characteristics of the Hufflepuff house, such as dedication and loyalty which are shown in his devotion to his animals. This seems like an obvious things to say, but when considering the fact that half the characters in The Cursed Child felt out of place, it becomes a necessity. He’s also played by one of my favourite actors in the movie; he seems like a perfect cast for the role.
3. Lack of dependency
This could exist on its own. It's a new story in the normal world. If you’re one of those strange people who have not yet read or watched the Harry Potter series, you’d still easily enjoy this. It does draw on some aspects of the already established universe, but not so much that they define the plot. This felt independent and new. Returning readers will also enjoy the references, but at the same time still be able to enjoy its separateness.
So this was rather good even in this form. It would have been nice to see it novelised but I suppose the movie is the real thing in question, this is just a fortunate by-product.
April 1, 2017
I loved this so much <3 And the book itself was one big work of art! Any word on if the next movie scripts will be released as a book as well?
The hardcover is a bit on the expensive side, but Book Depository has it going for 50% off right now in some countries!
The hardcover is a bit on the expensive side, but Book Depository has it going for 50% off right now in some countries!
November 23, 2016
The magic is still there <3
My video review is now up!: https://youtu.be/m-keJpzfFxE
My video review is now up!: https://youtu.be/m-keJpzfFxE
January 21, 2021
قل عنه سيناريو بسيط
قل أنه استغلال تجاري للفيلم
قل عنه ما شئت
عن نفسي، استمتعت تماما بهذا العمل الأظرف من الظرف
وبالكتاب بطباعته المختلفة والمميزة
وبقلم رولينج التي لا تنفك عن اختراع شخصيات تتملكك وتدخل قلبك دون استئذان
شكرا لله على اختراع شخصية نيوت سكاماندر
وعلى وجود إيدي ريدماين في الحياة ليجسدها
بكل ظرفه وسحره الصبياني
وكل هذا الشغف الذي مس أرواحنا
وعلى قدرتنا كبشر على الاستمتاع بفانتازيا السحر وأعاجييبه في هذا العصر المادي العملي العقلاني الممل
مهما كتبت لن أتمكن من وصف مقدار استمتاعي بالفيلم فعلا
وفرحتي لما وجدت هذا الكتاب بالصدفة
بكل مخلوقاته الضخمة المهيبة
والضئيلة الظريفة
وشخصياته الطيبة
وعالمه الخرافي الساحر
*****
عندما كنا نقرأ في سلسلة هاري بوتر عن ماضي دمبلدور وعالمه السحري القديم
كنا نتحرق شوقا لمعرفة المزيد
لمشاهدة المبارزة الأشهر بين دمبلدور وجرينوالد
لمعرفة المزيد عن ماضي الساحر الأعظم ذي الشعر الفضي والنظارات الهلالية
وتحققت بالفيلم الأمنية
في الفيلم القادم سنشهد هذا بالفعل
سنشاهد هذا العالم عن كثب
بتفاصيله وخباياه التي لا نعرف عنها شيئا حتى الآن
والمكافأة الإضافية أننا سنشهد هذا في حضرة ألطف مخلوق صنعته رولينج
نيوت سكاماندر
غريب الأطوار الذي يحمل وحوشه في حقيبته
ويالها من حقيبة
وكويني
قارءة الأفكار الألطف في التاريخ
والطاهية الأبرع التي قد تنافس مولي ويزلي حتى :D
وطبعا جاكوب كولاسكي
الخباز الماهر والصديق الطيب
وأحد أظرف الشخصيات التي ظهرت على شاشة السينما في رأيي
ملخص شعوري بالفيلم والكتاب هو الامتنان فعلا
هناك أشياء في هذا العالم تستحق أن نحيا للاستمتاع بها
وهذا العمل واحد منها
----------
الكتاب متوفر في الأزبكية بسعر لا يتعدى 30 ج.م
لمن يحب اقتنائه
...
December 5, 2016
Magical Experience!
This is the screenplay of the film of the same title, don’t confuse with the previously published reference book sharing the same title, and also by J.K. Rowling.
A NEW(T) HERO IN THE WIZARDING WORLD
If I am dreaming, please don’t wake me! Two new books by J.K. Rowling (this one and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) plus three digital short stories, expanding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the same year! Oh, yeah! Wicked! I couldn’t ask for something better!
The Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling comes to the Americas finally, using New York City as the scenario of the adventure at hand,…
…and I guess that it was something to be happen, sooner or later, but reading in the web about the intentions of using Paris as the next location in this new prequel series, it seems that Harry Potter Magical Universe isn’t only coming to USA, but it will reach eventually the whole world!
But, meanwhile, let me tell you about the adventure of this book…
…set in 1926, about 70 years before the beginning of the events of the original Harry Potter literary saga.
Harry Potter was the central character of the previous book series,…
…but now the new central character is Newt Scamander , a young adult British Magizoologist (a wizard with a specialization handling magical creatures), who has been traveling around the whole world, saving magical beasts and keeping them with him, thanks to a magical suitcase (who it's bigger on the inside… British pop culture pun intended!), that it could use better locks…
…since soon enough, some of Newt’s magical animals escape into the big city of New York and mayhem will happen…
…but there is a secret darkness already in New York, an evil force looking for a powerful being to weaponize it against the whole wizarding community!
MUGGLE V. NO-MAJ: DAWN OF NON-MAGIC PEOPLE
In this magical adventure, Newt Scamander will find some allies, a couple of witch sisters and…
…a muggle!!! Sorry, a No-Maj (well, at least that’s how the American wizards call to the non-magical people there).
I think that it’s wonderful to have a Muggle (sorry, habits die hard) as one of the main characters since in the original Harry Potter series, all the main characters were wizards (in the worse case, Squibs (people without magic but still born from wizards)) and the non-magical people were basically tertiary characters with hardly any relevance or dialogues, but here you have…
…Jacob Kowalski, potential baker! Oh, yeah!
About the witch sisters, the Goldstein sisters, Porpentina aka “Tina”, demoted Auror in MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), and Queenie, who is a Legilimens (a witch able to read minds).
This unlikely quartet is the best chance for New York against dark menaces from different angles, colliding at the same time, in the city that never sleeps…
…but a deathly power is awakens…
…and nobody will be safe, wizards and mug…mmh…no-majs alike!
The Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling just got larger!
And we are only just beginning!
This is the screenplay of the film of the same title, don’t confuse with the previously published reference book sharing the same title, and also by J.K. Rowling.
A NEW(T) HERO IN THE WIZARDING WORLD
If I am dreaming, please don’t wake me! Two new books by J.K. Rowling (this one and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) plus three digital short stories, expanding the Wizarding World of Harry Potter in the same year! Oh, yeah! Wicked! I couldn’t ask for something better!
The Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling comes to the Americas finally, using New York City as the scenario of the adventure at hand,…
…and I guess that it was something to be happen, sooner or later, but reading in the web about the intentions of using Paris as the next location in this new prequel series, it seems that Harry Potter Magical Universe isn’t only coming to USA, but it will reach eventually the whole world!
But, meanwhile, let me tell you about the adventure of this book…
…set in 1926, about 70 years before the beginning of the events of the original Harry Potter literary saga.
Harry Potter was the central character of the previous book series,…
…but now the new central character is Newt Scamander , a young adult British Magizoologist (a wizard with a specialization handling magical creatures), who has been traveling around the whole world, saving magical beasts and keeping them with him, thanks to a magical suitcase (who it's bigger on the inside… British pop culture pun intended!), that it could use better locks…
…since soon enough, some of Newt’s magical animals escape into the big city of New York and mayhem will happen…
…but there is a secret darkness already in New York, an evil force looking for a powerful being to weaponize it against the whole wizarding community!
MUGGLE V. NO-MAJ: DAWN OF NON-MAGIC PEOPLE
In this magical adventure, Newt Scamander will find some allies, a couple of witch sisters and…
…a muggle!!! Sorry, a No-Maj (well, at least that’s how the American wizards call to the non-magical people there).
I think that it’s wonderful to have a Muggle (sorry, habits die hard) as one of the main characters since in the original Harry Potter series, all the main characters were wizards (in the worse case, Squibs (people without magic but still born from wizards)) and the non-magical people were basically tertiary characters with hardly any relevance or dialogues, but here you have…
…Jacob Kowalski, potential baker! Oh, yeah!
About the witch sisters, the Goldstein sisters, Porpentina aka “Tina”, demoted Auror in MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America), and Queenie, who is a Legilimens (a witch able to read minds).
This unlikely quartet is the best chance for New York against dark menaces from different angles, colliding at the same time, in the city that never sleeps…
…but a deathly power is awakens…
…and nobody will be safe, wizards and mug…mmh…no-majs alike!
The Wizarding World of J.K. Rowling just got larger!
And we are only just beginning!
November 19, 2016
Newt is obviously meant to be my husband and I'm kind of obsessed with him and everything about this movie/screenplay.
January 22, 2018
Can you IMAGINE being so mind-numbingly in demand that you're offered money to publish a screenplay you were already paid to write, the screenplay for a movie off which you will still profit, a movie which is inspired by a book you already wrote, a book which is actually just a textbook you mentioned in a series that you already completed, a series that has sold hundreds of millions of copies and spawned its own billion-dollar world of movies?
There is straight up no reason for JK Rowling to not be the richest person in this world. Clearly she doesn't have standards preventing her from publishing anything that will make her money - this book is out in the world, after all.
It's not even a book, for god's sake.
There is straight up no reason for JK Rowling to not be the richest person in this world. Clearly she doesn't have standards preventing her from publishing anything that will make her money - this book is out in the world, after all.
It's not even a book, for god's sake.
November 22, 2017
I slept on it. I didn't want to write my review right away because I wanted to see if my feelings would calm down. And they did. A little. Otherwise I still feel a longing for more, some kind of happy sadness (yes, I've gone completely insane).
About 15 minutes after finishing the screenplay, still struggling to control myself, I went to my husband and told him that I really need a physical copy. And not only do I need it, but I want it. And it has to be in English because I don't want any altering to it.
I strongly recommend that you see the movie first. If by some chance you don't like it (what's wrong with you?), you're not going to like this either. Reading the screenplay feels like rewatching the film in slow motion (because of my reading speed). Also, the cinematic version has exquisite effects that will definitely improve on your imagination. The beast are both adorable and majestic.
I saw some reviews of people disappointed that this was not a Harry Potter movie. And to that I am speechless. There is no HP in the title and the plot is set way before he was born. So I don't see a connection. What I do see is an amazing movie (with a wonderful screenplay) that stands on its own. Take away all you know about HP and this is still a great movie.
My absolute favorite character is Jacob, the No-Maj (or Muggle, if you prefer). He's the comic relief, but he's more than a silly character. He's got courage and compassion, and I'm proud that our kind got him depicting us. Jacob brought tears to my eyes, and I love him dearly.
So, to sum up, go see the movie and get the screenplay. They are both worth it.
***********************************************
✔ Read Newt Scamander's book.
✔ See amazing movie.
✔ Read movie screenplay.
About 15 minutes after finishing the screenplay, still struggling to control myself, I went to my husband and told him that I really need a physical copy. And not only do I need it, but I want it. And it has to be in English because I don't want any altering to it.
I strongly recommend that you see the movie first. If by some chance you don't like it (what's wrong with you?), you're not going to like this either. Reading the screenplay feels like rewatching the film in slow motion (because of my reading speed). Also, the cinematic version has exquisite effects that will definitely improve on your imagination. The beast are both adorable and majestic.
I saw some reviews of people disappointed that this was not a Harry Potter movie. And to that I am speechless. There is no HP in the title and the plot is set way before he was born. So I don't see a connection. What I do see is an amazing movie (with a wonderful screenplay) that stands on its own. Take away all you know about HP and this is still a great movie.
My absolute favorite character is Jacob, the No-Maj (or Muggle, if you prefer). He's the comic relief, but he's more than a silly character. He's got courage and compassion, and I'm proud that our kind got him depicting us. Jacob brought tears to my eyes, and I love him dearly.
So, to sum up, go see the movie and get the screenplay. They are both worth it.
***********************************************
✔ Read Newt Scamander's book.
✔ See amazing movie.
✔ Read movie screenplay.
November 24, 2016
"Because I like you. Because you’re my friend and I���ll never forget how you helped me, Jacob."
First of all, I really loved the design of this book, especially when you just finished those chapters and saw the pictures of each fantastic beast. I couldn't stop myself from rubbing the cover all the time when I held this book in my hands, it was gorgeous and shining as if I was staring at a piece of art, not a book.
Tell me—has anyone ever believed you when you told them not to worry?
This is definitely a Rowling's work; it's funny, charming and full of magic. I got goosebumps since I heard Hedwig's theme and the logo of this movie filled the screen. The first page of this book was very spectacular, too.
Let's move to the story. The book started off with the great potential, which gave me the great vibes of old New York. Newt comes to the city for his secret reason, but he lets his magical creatures escape from his case, that's where things get messy.
Although everything in Fantastic Beasts didn't cause me to have Harry Potter nostalgia, it still captivated me with the world building and magic system that I was familiar with, such as spells and the differrence between Witches and No-Maj. The political system in this book is intense and mature either. MACUSA in an organisation working as the Minister of Magic in UK and No-Majs stand for Mauggles. I was interested by this side of magic in America.
However, Newt is not my favorite character. I'm fond of Credence. His character has a thing to distract me from the hero since I first met him. Credence has been punished for all his deeds without reasons and unfortunately, no one loves him and cares for him, that makes him a stoical child. Ezra slayed this role completely, I was astounded by his countenance and the way he gawks at other people, it was so creepy and amazing at the same time. You know.
The story is quite slow until the second half. Honesly, I focused on the costumes and soundtrack instead of the story. I think the reason that this happened because the movie couldn't balance two important things, which is the story and the CG, without leaving another thing out.
My momma, your momma,
flying on a switch,
My momma, your momma,
witches never cry,
My momma, your momma,
witches gonna die!
I wasn't excited about those magical creatures, too. I felt kind of so-so for the most part of this movie, maybe it was my false that I expected too much. I mean I liked it but wasn't impressed. This should have been better if Rowling or the producer kept their style as in the Harry Potter series. Those twists. Those plots. Those endings. The narration is kinda straightforward and has nothing to surpirse me, not like HP. I got annoyed so many times by Tina. I didn't like her at all. Her character is boring and not different than annoying heroines from other movies.
All in all, both the book and movie are still worth waiting and reading. If you are a big fan of Harry Potter, you can't miss this, no matter what.
4 stars for the movie and 3 stars for the book
More at https://goo.gl/47yHFk
Want to read
May 25, 2016I don't care that this is just a script, as with
The Cursed Child
, because I need to know more about this expansive universe.
We know so little of the American school, Ilvermorny.
But, like others, I hope we are given an in depth view of it as much as Hogwarts. So far, all we really have to go on are the ~leaked~ house animals:
We know so little of the American school, Ilvermorny.
But, like others, I hope we are given an in depth view of it as much as Hogwarts. So far, all we really have to go on are the ~leaked~ house animals:
December 19, 2016
I am a HUGE fan of Harry Potter. Even though Harry is not in this story but that doesn't matter because the magic is still beautiful. There are great new characters, story, and of course the fantastic beasts themselves! This is a beautifully published hardback on very nice matte paper with wonderful whimsical line drawings throughout the book. The blue and gold embossed dust jacket is a work of art in itself. For anyone who loves books, this book is a keeper.
This is a screenplay so don't assume it's a regular novel like the original seven Harry Potter books. I did not read this until after I had seen the movie, so I had the visuals playing in my head as I read, down to Newt's awkwardness and Jacob's wonder. Even without seeing the movie first, this screenplay gives you enough story to be able to appreciate the dangers of this new Wizarding World.
J.K. Rowling is a wizard at writing. The story line flows so smoothly and you can picture everything easily in your mind. For those that don't know a lot about stage direction, there is a dictionary of the terms they use in the back, but honestly you'll catch on super quick. Everything is very well detailed and the story will have you turning the page for more and more. I also love how it accurately portrays Hufflepuffs.
I finished the book in one sitting and enjoyed the ending so much that I wanted to pick it up again and read from start to finish. All the characters were fresh and adorable. All the beasts were indeed fantastic. I am impatiently looking forward to learning more about Dumbledore and Grindelwald's past (and about a little secret revealed in this book) in the next movie. Not one bit disappointed.
A definite must read if you love the Harry Potter series ❤
“Will we die, just a little?”
This is a screenplay so don't assume it's a regular novel like the original seven Harry Potter books. I did not read this until after I had seen the movie, so I had the visuals playing in my head as I read, down to Newt's awkwardness and Jacob's wonder. Even without seeing the movie first, this screenplay gives you enough story to be able to appreciate the dangers of this new Wizarding World.
J.K. Rowling is a wizard at writing. The story line flows so smoothly and you can picture everything easily in your mind. For those that don't know a lot about stage direction, there is a dictionary of the terms they use in the back, but honestly you'll catch on super quick. Everything is very well detailed and the story will have you turning the page for more and more. I also love how it accurately portrays Hufflepuffs.
I finished the book in one sitting and enjoyed the ending so much that I wanted to pick it up again and read from start to finish. All the characters were fresh and adorable. All the beasts were indeed fantastic. I am impatiently looking forward to learning more about Dumbledore and Grindelwald's past (and about a little secret revealed in this book) in the next movie. Not one bit disappointed.
A definite must read if you love the Harry Potter series ❤
“Will we die, just a little?”
June 23, 2022
My favourite creatures were definitely:
the Niffler
and the Bowtruckle, Pickett, in particular.
November 28, 2016
Read all of my thoughts and my full-length review here
Magical. In every sense of the word.
Magical. In every sense of the word.
Want to read
November 30, 2018I can't believe I haven't read this yet.
November 18, 2016
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is the screenplay for the movie. I couldn't find a single difference from the movie I watched yesterday. It was such a detailed script which invited you to follow the storyline closely.
The characters are JK Rowling fantastic and so is the storyline. I don't have much else to say, about the characters or the plot, I'm just so in love with this 1926 spin-off of the Harry Potter world.
A definite must read if you love the Harry Potter series.
The characters are JK Rowling fantastic and so is the storyline. I don't have much else to say, about the characters or the plot, I'm just so in love with this 1926 spin-off of the Harry Potter world.
A definite must read if you love the Harry Potter series.
December 21, 2016
Curioso, curioso...
La primera incursión de Rowling en el mundo del guion es cuanto menos satisfactoria. Los detalles aquí plasmados respecto a los plasmados en la película no varían tanto como cabía esperar, pero como fan de Rowling se aprecian otras cosas que quizá es cierto que en el filme no son tan obvias.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay es un libro que creo que debe ser el primero de muchos, es decir, que espero que continúen publicando los guiones del resto de películas. Aportan otra visión y es más que interesantes ver sobre lo que se ha trabajado.
Como estudiante de comunicación audiovisual me ha parecido un guion sencillo, sin complicaciones más allá de algunas escenas concretas, y los diálogos son perfectos. Rowling no ha necesitado años de trabajo para esto y aunque es su primer trabajo, es brillante tal y como está.
Lo recomiendo para la gente que esté interesada de verdad en leer la historia ene este formato. Tanto si eres fan como si no, el hecho de que una superproducción deje 'libre' su guion me parece increíble y una oportunidad única, así que lanzaos a por ella.
La primera incursión de Rowling en el mundo del guion es cuanto menos satisfactoria. Los detalles aquí plasmados respecto a los plasmados en la película no varían tanto como cabía esperar, pero como fan de Rowling se aprecian otras cosas que quizá es cierto que en el filme no son tan obvias.
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay es un libro que creo que debe ser el primero de muchos, es decir, que espero que continúen publicando los guiones del resto de películas. Aportan otra visión y es más que interesantes ver sobre lo que se ha trabajado.
Como estudiante de comunicación audiovisual me ha parecido un guion sencillo, sin complicaciones más allá de algunas escenas concretas, y los diálogos son perfectos. Rowling no ha necesitado años de trabajo para esto y aunque es su primer trabajo, es brillante tal y como está.
Lo recomiendo para la gente que esté interesada de verdad en leer la historia ene este formato. Tanto si eres fan como si no, el hecho de que una superproducción deje 'libre' su guion me parece increíble y una oportunidad única, así que lanzaos a por ella.
October 23, 2021
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them: The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts: The Original Screenplay #1), J.K. Rowling
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is an introduction to the magical beasts that exist in the magical, non-Muggle world, like a Hippogriff, Flobberworm, Kappa, the Chizpurfle, the Lethifold, and others.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…
تاریخ نخستین بینش و سپس خوانش روز بیست و دوم ماه اکتبر سال2017میلادی
عنوان: جانوران شگفتانگیز و زیستگاه آنها: فیلمنامهی اصلی؛ نویسنده جی.کی رولینگ؛ تصویرسازی از مینالیما؛ مترجم ویدا اسلامیه؛ تهران، تندیس، سال1395؛ در304ص؛ مصور، شابک9786001822445؛ موضوع فیلمنامه های نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده 21م
جانوران شگفت انگیز و زیستگاه آنها، اثری از جی کی رولینگ (با نام مستعار نیوت اسکمندر) نویسنده سری داستانهای هری پاتر است که در خصوص موجودات جادویی دنیای هری پاتر نگاشته شده است؛ این کتاب از کتابهای درسی هری در هاگوارتز بوده است که به تعریف و توضیح جانوران جادویی و موجودات خیالی دنیای هری پاتر پرداخته است؛ نسخه اولیهٔ این کتاب به ظاهر نسخهٔ متعلق به هری پاتر است که وی در اولین رمان این مجموعه به نام هری پاتر و سنگ جادو آن را در مدرسه مطالعه میکند، کتاب «جانوران شگفت انگیز و زیستگاه آنها» کتابی است که شاید در خانه تمام جادوگران کشور پیدا شود؛ اکنون به طور موقت فرصتی پیش آمده که مشنگ ها می توانند دریابند پنج پا در کجا زندگی میکند توپک از چه چیزهایی تغذی مینماید و چرا نباید برای یک تیغالو در باغچه شیر گذاشت
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 30/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them' is an introduction to the magical beasts that exist in the magical, non-Muggle world, like a Hippogriff, Flobberworm, Kappa, the Chizpurfle, the Lethifold, and others.
When Magizoologist Newt Scamander arrives in New York, he intends his stay to be just a brief stopover. However, when his magical case is misplaced and some of Newt's fantastic beasts escape, it spells trouble for everyone…
تاریخ نخستین بینش و سپس خوانش روز بیست و دوم ماه اکتبر سال2017میلادی
عنوان: جانوران شگفتانگیز و زیستگاه آنها: فیلمنامهی اصلی؛ نویسنده جی.کی رولینگ؛ تصویرسازی از مینالیما؛ مترجم ویدا اسلامیه؛ تهران، تندیس، سال1395؛ در304ص؛ مصور، شابک9786001822445؛ موضوع فیلمنامه های نویسندگان بریتانیا - سده 21م
جانوران شگفت انگیز و زیستگاه آنها، اثری از جی کی رولینگ (با نام مستعار نیوت اسکمندر) نویسنده سری داستانهای هری پاتر است که در خصوص موجودات جادویی دنیای هری پاتر نگاشته شده است؛ این کتاب از کتابهای درسی هری در هاگوارتز بوده است که به تعریف و توضیح جانوران جادویی و موجودات خیالی دنیای هری پاتر پرداخته است؛ نسخه اولیهٔ این کتاب به ظاهر نسخهٔ متعلق به هری پاتر است که وی در اولین رمان این مجموعه به نام هری پاتر و سنگ جادو آن را در مدرسه مطالعه میکند، کتاب «جانوران شگفت انگیز و زیستگاه آنها» کتابی است که شاید در خانه تمام جادوگران کشور پیدا شود؛ اکنون به طور موقت فرصتی پیش آمده که مشنگ ها می توانند دریابند پنج پا در کجا زندگی میکند توپک از چه چیزهایی تغذی مینماید و چرا نباید برای یک تیغالو در باغچه شیر گذاشت
تاریخ بهنگام رسانی 30/07/1400هجری خورشیدی؛ ا. شربیانی
November 27, 2016
FIRST OF ALL! CAN SOMEONE TELL ME HOW CAN I TRAVEL THROUGH TIME AND MARRY NEWT SCAMANDER???
He's so dreamy and cute! *sighs*
And he has the most wonderful creatures!
I MELT...
I spent 50% of the movie declaring my love for Newt; 15% swooning over his fantastic beasts; 15% saying this movie was perfection; 15% praising J.K Rowling -I love her so much!!!- and the last 15% was all me fangirling over Queenie. She's my hero.
That was 110%. oops. Sorry!
By the end of the movie, I was Pickett, the Bowtruckle. I really didn't want to leave...
Conclusion: I wanna watch it again and again and again. ❤ Even better, I might end up reading it and reading it over and over again.
He's so dreamy and cute! *sighs*
And he has the most wonderful creatures!
I MELT...
I spent 50% of the movie declaring my love for Newt; 15% swooning over his fantastic beasts; 15% saying this movie was perfection; 15% praising J.K Rowling -I love her so much!!!- and the last 15% was all me fangirling over Queenie. She's my hero.
By the end of the movie, I was Pickett, the Bowtruckle. I really didn't want to leave...
Conclusion: I wanna watch it again and again and again. ❤ Even better, I might end up reading it and reading it over and over again.
March 16, 2019
5 BEAST-SIZED STARS! funny, adorable, thrilling, and unputdownable.
In Fantastic Beasts, we follow the fictional character and author of the original Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the geeky Newt Scamander, as he looks for magical creatures and gets sucked into a war he'd not really cared to participate in.
Storyline
Newt Scamander, magizoologist and aspiring author, has come to America for the book he is writing about understanding the mostly-assumed-dangerous and misunderstood magical creatures which wizards say should be killed.Muggles—no, No-Majs—who call themselves Second Salemers and believe wizards exist, wanting to make the people aware and warn them of these abominations.
Characterization
• Newt Scamander: an English wizard, a Magizoologist, and a Hufflepuff, he graduated from Hogwarts and joined the Ministry of Magic, spending two years in the Office for House-Elf Relocation before joining the Beast Division. In 1918 he was commissioned by Augustus Worme of Obscurus Books to write Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Now, in the last stages of writing his book, he finds himself in America for magical-creature-related business.
Dedicated, tireless, reasonable, geeky, awkward around people but comfortable with beasts, he is the furthest thing from Harry Potter; though he shares his compassion, special kind of strength, and the tendency to stand up for what's right. Newt made this whole story adorable and gave it a memorable flare :) major props to the lovely Hufflepuffs!
• Porpentina Esther “Tina” Goldstein: a half-blooded American witch who graduated from Ilvermony (the American school of witchcraft and wizardry, where she was sorted into the Thunderbird house) and works for the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) as an auror.
Practical, level-headed, and grounded, she's very soulful, courageous, ambitious, and has a desire to stand up for what is right. I love these about her!
• Queenie Goldstein: an accomplished Legilimens—someone with the ability to extract feelings and memories from another’s mind—and a half-blood American witch, she attended Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where she was sorted into Pukwudgie house.
She has desk job in the Wand Permit Office, within the Magical Congress of the United States of America.
There's more to her than what you get at the first glance; Queenie's free-spirited, kind-hearted, empathic, compassionate, and very brave. I'm really intrigued to see where her character goes in the series :))
• Jacob Kowalski: a Polish-born American No-Maj (non-wizard), Jacob fought in the First World War. Returning home to the United States he found work in a cannery, but dreamt of becoming a baker—and it was that dream that changed his life when he went to the bank for a loan...
I love this guy! It's amazing that there's a proper Muggle as a protagonist (unlike Harry Potter) and seeing him react to magic was interesting! He's so lovable and adaptable, extremely warm, welcoming, compassionate, and friendly, he wants to make people happy and I just wanna hug him :)
They were probably my favourite thing about this installment, and they make me really wish this had been a novel—because we could've explored their characteristics more thoroughly!
Though, there's still the original Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them which can help you!
But even in these short few pages, their personalities were beautifully built; like Pickett, the loyal and sneaky little Bowtruckle with attachment issues
A list of the ones included: Niffler (I want one!), House Elf, Occamy (incredible), Murtlap, Billywig, Swooping Evil (the best!), Thunderbird (glorious), Giant Dung Beetles (hilarious while in the background rolling dung), Graphorns, Fwooper, Bowtruckle (I need one!! please!), Nundu (wow), Doxy, Glow Bug, Grindylow, Diricrawl, Mooncalf (oh man, I love this one so much I just wanna eat it—nooo, that sounds horrible. I don't actually wanna eat it, it's so cute I wanna squeez it—wait, no, let's just say I'd like to tenderly hug it and then kindly pat it...), Mirmite (mesmerising), Obscurus (dark and intriguing), Erumpent (its mating dance was my undoing!), Goblin, Giant, Ashwinder Egg, and Demiguise (my adorable whitebeard).
Movie Adaptation
Casting & Acting: Just imagine what a hard thing it is to play in a movie that's got a magical creature in every other scene, and not just there as decoration but for you to constantly interact with—including feeding, patting, chastising, talking to, chasing, or even doing mating dance to!
You have to look at a stick—or nothing—and just imagine a creature that doesn't even exist really and one you've never met or will meet. Every bit of imagination will be squeezed out of the actor at the end of the day, leaving an exhausted shell—so, well done! The acting was just impressive.
Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander) was the perfect guy for the job! He was practically glowing in this adaptation. I have long been a fan and loved that man :) I couldn't be happier that he's been cast, and nor can I imagine anyone else as Newt.
Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein), however, a little disappointed me in the acting part and I didn't feel satisfied. I'm still not sure about the choice.
Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) was spectacular. Like, wow! Diving onto the cute confused but enthusiastic Muggle thrown into the Wizarding World without a blink. I enjoyed every single one of his scenes, amd it was a good thing he was usually there!
Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein) was another amazing one. Hilarious and flirty and weird, she performed the best Queenie I could hope for!
Ezra Miller (Credence Barebone) also slayed the role of the abused and sensitive child! My heart broke for him and Miller just got to me with the precious acting :)
Directing, CGI, etc: David Yates (who also directed the final for films of Harry Potter) did such an awesome job with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The production was just mesmerising and I was in awe of the special effects and magical creatures. I was just lost! Some of my faves:
Companions
Books in series:
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts The Original Screenplay, #2) [ MY REVIEW ]
Related books:
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner ofi Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)
• Harry Potter: The Prequel (Harry Potter, #0.5)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two (Harry Potter, #8)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Hogwarts Library)
• Quidditch Through the Ages (Hogwarts Library)
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Hogwarts Library)
• Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents, #1) [ MY REVIEW ]
• Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists (Pottermore Presents, #2) [ MY REVIEW ]
• Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents, #3) [ MY REVIEW ]
“My philosophy is that worrying means you suffer twice.”A screenplay with rich world building and a gripping, hilarious plot (NOT a novel! The format is very different) written by J.K. Rowling (it's not like the Cursed Child).
In Fantastic Beasts, we follow the fictional character and author of the original Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, the geeky Newt Scamander, as he looks for magical creatures and gets sucked into a war he'd not really cared to participate in.
“People are easiest to read when they're hurting.”With a “Glossary of Film Terms” at the end, you'd have no problem whatsoever in enjoying this enchanting piece of art. Not to talk about the illustrations! Like these:
Storyline
Tina: Mr. Scamander, do you know anything about the wizarding community in America?1926, New York.
Newt: I do know a few things, actually. I know you have rather backwards laws about relations with non-magic people. That you're not meant to befriend them, that you can't marry them, which seems mildly absurd to me.
Newt Scamander, magizoologist and aspiring author, has come to America for the book he is writing about understanding the mostly-assumed-dangerous and misunderstood magical creatures which wizards say should be killed.
“See, they're currently in alien terrain, surrounded by millions of the most vicious creatures on the planet. Humans.”He is carrying a case filled with unimaginable beasts ... when disaster strikes and the creatures are set loose in the city!
“My momma, your momma,But there are
gonna catch a witch,
My momma, your momma,
flying on a switch,
My momma, your momma,
witches never cry,
My momma, your momma,
witches gonna die!”
“Will we die, just a little?”But with dark magic on the horizon and the Global Wizarding War a stone's throw away, there might be something else happening behind the curtains...
Characterization
• Newt Scamander: an English wizard, a Magizoologist, and a Hufflepuff, he graduated from Hogwarts and joined the Ministry of Magic, spending two years in the Office for House-Elf Relocation before joining the Beast Division. In 1918 he was commissioned by Augustus Worme of Obscurus Books to write Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Now, in the last stages of writing his book, he finds himself in America for magical-creature-related business.
Dedicated, tireless, reasonable, geeky, awkward around people but comfortable with beasts, he is the furthest thing from Harry Potter; though he shares his compassion, special kind of strength, and the tendency to stand up for what's right. Newt made this whole story adorable and gave it a memorable flare :) major props to the lovely Hufflepuffs!
• Porpentina Esther “Tina” Goldstein: a half-blooded American witch who graduated from Ilvermony (the American school of witchcraft and wizardry, where she was sorted into the Thunderbird house) and works for the Magical Congress of the United States of America (MACUSA) as an auror.
Practical, level-headed, and grounded, she's very soulful, courageous, ambitious, and has a desire to stand up for what is right. I love these about her!
• Queenie Goldstein: an accomplished Legilimens—someone with the ability to extract feelings and memories from another’s mind—and a half-blood American witch, she attended Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where she was sorted into Pukwudgie house.
She has desk job in the Wand Permit Office, within the Magical Congress of the United States of America.
There's more to her than what you get at the first glance; Queenie's free-spirited, kind-hearted, empathic, compassionate, and very brave. I'm really intrigued to see where her character goes in the series :))
• Jacob Kowalski: a Polish-born American No-Maj (non-wizard), Jacob fought in the First World War. Returning home to the United States he found work in a cannery, but dreamt of becoming a baker—and it was that dream that changed his life when he went to the bank for a loan...
I love this guy! It's amazing that there's a proper Muggle as a protagonist (unlike Harry Potter) and seeing him react to magic was interesting! He's so lovable and adaptable, extremely warm, welcoming, compassionate, and friendly, he wants to make people happy and I just wanna hug him :)
Jacob: Newt...I don't think I'm dreaming.• Magical creatures:
Newt (vaguely amused): What gave it away?
Jacob: I ain't got the brains to make this up.
They were probably my favourite thing about this installment, and they make me really wish this had been a novel—because we could've explored their characteristics more thoroughly!
Though, there's still the original Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them which can help you!
But even in these short few pages, their personalities were beautifully built; like Pickett, the loyal and sneaky little Bowtruckle with attachment issues
A list of the ones included: Niffler (I want one!), House Elf, Occamy (incredible), Murtlap, Billywig, Swooping Evil (the best!), Thunderbird (glorious), Giant Dung Beetles (hilarious while in the background rolling dung), Graphorns, Fwooper, Bowtruckle (I need one!! please!), Nundu (wow), Doxy, Glow Bug, Grindylow, Diricrawl, Mooncalf (oh man, I love this one so much I just wanna eat it—nooo, that sounds horrible. I don't actually wanna eat it, it's so cute I wanna squeez it—wait, no, let's just say I'd like to tenderly hug it and then kindly pat it...), Mirmite (mesmerising), Obscurus (dark and intriguing), Erumpent (its mating dance was my undoing!), Goblin, Giant, Ashwinder Egg, and Demiguise (my adorable whitebeard).
Movie Adaptation
Casting & Acting: Just imagine what a hard thing it is to play in a movie that's got a magical creature in every other scene, and not just there as decoration but for you to constantly interact with—including feeding, patting, chastising, talking to, chasing, or even doing mating dance to!
You have to look at a stick—or nothing—and just imagine a creature that doesn't even exist really and one you've never met or will meet. Every bit of imagination will be squeezed out of the actor at the end of the day, leaving an exhausted shell—so, well done! The acting was just impressive.
Eddie Redmayne (Newt Scamander) was the perfect guy for the job! He was practically glowing in this adaptation. I have long been a fan and loved that man :) I couldn't be happier that he's been cast, and nor can I imagine anyone else as Newt.
Katherine Waterston (Tina Goldstein), however, a little disappointed me in the acting part and I didn't feel satisfied. I'm still not sure about the choice.
Dan Fogler (Jacob Kowalski) was spectacular. Like, wow! Diving onto the cute confused but enthusiastic Muggle thrown into the Wizarding World without a blink. I enjoyed every single one of his scenes, amd it was a good thing he was usually there!
Alison Sudol (Queenie Goldstein) was another amazing one. Hilarious and flirty and weird, she performed the best Queenie I could hope for!
Ezra Miller (Credence Barebone) also slayed the role of the abused and sensitive child! My heart broke for him and Miller just got to me with the precious acting :)
Directing, CGI, etc: David Yates (who also directed the final for films of Harry Potter) did such an awesome job with Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. The production was just mesmerising and I was in awe of the special effects and magical creatures. I was just lost! Some of my faves:
Companions
Books in series:
• Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald - The Original Screenplay (Fantastic Beasts The Original Screenplay, #2) [ MY REVIEW ]
Related books:
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Harry Potter, #1)
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, #2)
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner ofi Azkaban (Harry Potter, #3)
• Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)
• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Harry Potter, #5)
• Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Harry Potter, #6)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7)
• Harry Potter: The Prequel (Harry Potter, #0.5)
• Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two (Harry Potter, #8)
• Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (Hogwarts Library)
• Quidditch Through the Ages (Hogwarts Library)
• The Tales of Beedle the Bard (Hogwarts Library)
• Short Stories from Hogwarts of Heroism, Hardship and Dangerous Hobbies (Pottermore Presents, #1) [ MY REVIEW ]
• Short Stories from Hogwarts of Power, Politics and Pesky Poltergeists (Pottermore Presents, #2) [ MY REVIEW ]
• Hogwarts: An Incomplete and Unreliable Guide (Pottermore Presents, #3) [ MY REVIEW ]
February 7, 2017
i loved it and i need the next book now
August 28, 2019
Por una parte amé la edición que saco salamandra, tapa dura, cada página con detalles que van desde ilustraciones hasta la tipografía.
Lo que no me gusta,y aclaro es una queja por detalles que he visto en librerias mexicanas es el incremento brutal de precio que últimamente tienen los libros no sólo de Salamandra, lo he notado en varias, sin embargo Salamandra se está saltando la barda con lo absurdo de subir de $20 hasta casi $100 a las ediciones de Harry Potter, y si parece más una critica social, entiendo que tienen que ganar ellos, sin embargo al inflar de un día a otro los libros lo único que van a lograr es que los lectores por mucho amor que le tengamos a los libros físicos, nos privemos de estos placeres y nos inclinemos por lo digital...
En otro momento hablaré de esto, es algo que esta haciendo hervir cada fibra de mi ser y en algún momento explotará xD
J.K.Rowling sé que tienes que hacer negocio, lo agradezco y a la vez lo odio
Es recomendable que hayan visto la pelicula para que entiendan mejor el libro, ya que al ser guión muchos detalles se dan por hecho que los conoces.
Sin más
Cambio & fuera
Lo que no me gusta,y aclaro es una queja por detalles que he visto en librerias mexicanas es el incremento brutal de precio que últimamente tienen los libros no sólo de Salamandra, lo he notado en varias, sin embargo Salamandra se está saltando la barda con lo absurdo de subir de $20 hasta casi $100 a las ediciones de Harry Potter, y si parece más una critica social, entiendo que tienen que ganar ellos, sin embargo al inflar de un día a otro los libros lo único que van a lograr es que los lectores por mucho amor que le tengamos a los libros físicos, nos privemos de estos placeres y nos inclinemos por lo digital...
En otro momento hablaré de esto, es algo que esta haciendo hervir cada fibra de mi ser y en algún momento explotará xD
J.K.Rowling sé que tienes que hacer negocio, lo agradezco y a la vez lo odio
Es recomendable que hayan visto la pelicula para que entiendan mejor el libro, ya que al ser guión muchos detalles se dan por hecho que los conoces.
Sin más
Cambio & fuera
August 5, 2017
*thinks about Credence Barebone for 4.3 milliseconds*
shout out to J.K. Rowling for murdering me ever since the age of six, i really appreciate it, plz never stop.
shout out to J.K. Rowling for murdering me ever since the age of six, i really appreciate it, plz never stop.
December 31, 2016
I absolutely loved this book!!! It was amazing and it was the perfect way to get another taste of the wizarding world. I don’t even know where to start. This book is based in the 1920s which is many many years before the time of Harry Potter. It was also based in America! Both these things gave us an insight into how everything was many years before and in a different country. The entire storyline was perfect and I wish that it was a proper book with more detail.
I watched the movie before the book and to be honest I recommend you do that. They are exactly the same but reading a script makes it very hard to visualize everything but because I watched the movie first I could picture everything so vividly. It felt like I was watching the movie all over again. I don’t particularly like reading scripts mainly because of what I said before but this script was quite descriptive. Originally I wasn’t going to watch the movie first but it kind of just happened and I don’t regret it.
This book incredible but I know deep in my heart I will always love Harry Potter much more because let’s be honest here, nothing can beat Harry Potter. This book/movie is still so good and reading the script makes me want to go and watch the movie again!! I totally recommend everyone to read it even if they aren't a fan of HP.
I watched the movie before the book and to be honest I recommend you do that. They are exactly the same but reading a script makes it very hard to visualize everything but because I watched the movie first I could picture everything so vividly. It felt like I was watching the movie all over again. I don’t particularly like reading scripts mainly because of what I said before but this script was quite descriptive. Originally I wasn’t going to watch the movie first but it kind of just happened and I don’t regret it.
This book incredible but I know deep in my heart I will always love Harry Potter much more because let’s be honest here, nothing can beat Harry Potter. This book/movie is still so good and reading the script makes me want to go and watch the movie again!! I totally recommend everyone to read it even if they aren't a fan of HP.
November 22, 2019
I'm going to keep this short and sweet.
I absolutely loved this, Newt is literally the most lovable character! It is literally so magical and such a clever concept.
I cannot put into words how excited I was to read this and I can honestly say it did not disappoint me.
AMAZING!
I absolutely loved this, Newt is literally the most lovable character! It is literally so magical and such a clever concept.
I cannot put into words how excited I was to read this and I can honestly say it did not disappoint me.
AMAZING!
Read
December 6, 2017DNF
November 9, 2021
This screenplay for the film "Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them" (a prequel to the Harry Potter books) is humorous and entertaining.
The story: It's 1926 and Newt Scamander, a magizoologist, arrives in New York City with a case full of magical creatures. Inadvertently, Newt steps into a sea of trouble.
The notorious dark wizard Gellert Grindelwald has been causing havoc all over the world, raising fears that 'no-mags' (muggles) will learn there are witches and wizards in their midst.
Thus New York based MACUSA (Magical Congress of the United States of America)* is working day and night to keep magical occurrences below the radar. To this end, Tina Goldstein (a demoted Auror) is scouring the city for sorcerous miscreants.
Several creatures escape from Newt's case and his 'Niffler' goes on a spree, stealing shiny objects and gold coins all over the place.
While trying to catch the Niffler, Newt accidentally exchanges cases with Jacob Kowalski - a no-mag, would-be bakery shop owner - who's drawn into Newt's hijinks.
Newt and Jacob attract the attention of Tina, who promptly arrests the duo and brings them to MACUSA headquarters. However, Newt has a deft hand with a wand - and needs to capture his escaped beasties - so the wizard soon engineers a 'prison break.'
Meanwhile, no-mag 'preacher' Mary Lou Barebone is sure there are witches and wizards around, and wants to expose and exterminate them. To this end she founds an organization called the 'New Salem Philanthropic Society' and proceeds to makes speeches and hold demonstrations around the city.
Add a mysterious black whirlwind that's destroying parts of New York and killing people.....and all the elements are in place for an exciting magical adventure.
Other interesting characters in the story include: Newt's array of supernatural creatures.
Tina Goldstein's sister Queenie - who's a legilimens (mind reader).
Mary Lou Barebone's three adopted children, Credence, Chastity, and Modesty - who (supposedly) help with her witch-eradication campaign.
Langdon Shaw, who's seen supernatural things and wants to tell the world; Langdon's brother, Senator Henry Shaw - a politically ambitious man who wants Langdon to go away and shut up; and more.
I'm a big fan of Harry Potter and I completely enjoyed this screenplay. Highly recommended to fans of the boy wizard.
*The term MACUSA (which I assume is a take-off on Yakusa) really cracked me up.
You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/
December 14, 2016
Even though I was super excited about the Fantastic Beasts movie, I also was a bit hesitant. It's not a secret that I loathed The Cursed Child and I had lost a bit of faith in the wizarding world.
However, Fantastic Beasts (both the movie and screenplay) reminded me of why I love J.K. Rowling's wizarding world so much.
I was very excited to see the wizarding community in America and to see the differences between the two cultures. I loved being able to see the wizarding community in a way that we never got to see in the original 7 books. Harry never really got to experience the wizarding world in the 7 books and neither did the readers. I feel like we really got the chance to see the wizarding world in a new light in Fantastic Beasts.
The characters are so bomb. I loved how driven Tina is and how she didn't let Newt sidetrack her from what she thought was the right thing to do. I really loved how her and Queenie worked together and had such a great relationship. They're very different people but they really appreciate each other.
Newt is beyond words. He's such a wonderful character (total cinnamon roll, y'all). He loves his creatures so much and will do anything for them, which I loved and related to as well.
Don't even get me started on Credence Barebone. His story was so heart breaking and I've never wanted to hug a fictional character so much.
Overall, an absolutely wonderful movie and screenplay. It was everything I hoped for and more and I'm so excited for the next movies. I really hope they print the screenplays for the other movies as well and with matching covers because I would love to have the whole series on my Harry Potter shelf.
However, Fantastic Beasts (both the movie and screenplay) reminded me of why I love J.K. Rowling's wizarding world so much.
I was very excited to see the wizarding community in America and to see the differences between the two cultures. I loved being able to see the wizarding community in a way that we never got to see in the original 7 books. Harry never really got to experience the wizarding world in the 7 books and neither did the readers. I feel like we really got the chance to see the wizarding world in a new light in Fantastic Beasts.
The characters are so bomb. I loved how driven Tina is and how she didn't let Newt sidetrack her from what she thought was the right thing to do. I really loved how her and Queenie worked together and had such a great relationship. They're very different people but they really appreciate each other.
Newt is beyond words. He's such a wonderful character (total cinnamon roll, y'all). He loves his creatures so much and will do anything for them, which I loved and related to as well.
Don't even get me started on Credence Barebone. His story was so heart breaking and I've never wanted to hug a fictional character so much.
Overall, an absolutely wonderful movie and screenplay. It was everything I hoped for and more and I'm so excited for the next movies. I really hope they print the screenplays for the other movies as well and with matching covers because I would love to have the whole series on my Harry Potter shelf.
August 19, 2020
First of all ... Newt Scamander I am in love with you. I was already in love with Eddie Redmayne and now this happened and
So ... this book.
I loved the heck out of this. The magic is still there dude. I umm ... don't get along with Hufflepuffs (no offence to all the Hufflepuffs out there. I love you [even though i don't know you]. What i mean is the qualities of the Hufflepuff house just don't sit well with me a.k.a a Gryffindor to the core. So even though some of my favorite characters in books are Hufflepuffs, we rarely get along in real life). But Newt is *dreamy sighs*. He is such a wonderful character who loves his creatures and he gives them names!! He is dedicated to his work and i absolutely adored him.
We have Jacob who is such a cinnamon roll
and we have Queenie who is so compassionate
and we have Tina who i don't like (meh)
and then we have Credence Barebone ... my heart hurts for him. Grindelwald grrrrrrrr
AND THE MAGICAL CREATURES OH MY GOD YOU GUYS THEY WERE SO AMAZING AND THE CGI EFFECTS AND I WANT A BOWTRUCKLE IN REAL LIFE SO HE CAN HELP ME STEAL GOODIES *evil laugh*
AND I WANT A NIFFLER SO IT CAN STEAL SHINY THINGS FOR ME AND THEN OUR TRIO WILL CHILLLLLLLLLLLLL.
THAT IS MY DREAM Y'ALL. THAT. THAT. STEAL. EAT. CHILL. READ.
P.S: At the end of this book i was Pickett where i -
*sigh* Everyone's got attachment issues when it comes to you Newt ❤️️❤️️❤️️
P.P.S: Mary Poppins bag?! I give you Newt Scamander's suticase.
So ... this book.
I loved the heck out of this. The magic is still there dude. I umm ... don't get along with Hufflepuffs (no offence to all the Hufflepuffs out there. I love you [even though i don't know you]. What i mean is the qualities of the Hufflepuff house just don't sit well with me a.k.a a Gryffindor to the core. So even though some of my favorite characters in books are Hufflepuffs, we rarely get along in real life). But Newt is *dreamy sighs*. He is such a wonderful character who loves his creatures and he gives them names!! He is dedicated to his work and i absolutely adored him.
We have Jacob who is such a cinnamon roll
and we have Queenie who is so compassionate
and we have Tina who i don't like (meh)
and then we have Credence Barebone ... my heart hurts for him. Grindelwald grrrrrrrr
AND THE MAGICAL CREATURES OH MY GOD YOU GUYS THEY WERE SO AMAZING AND THE CGI EFFECTS AND I WANT A BOWTRUCKLE IN REAL LIFE SO HE CAN HELP ME STEAL GOODIES *evil laugh*
AND I WANT A NIFFLER SO IT CAN STEAL SHINY THINGS FOR ME AND THEN OUR TRIO WILL CHILLLLLLLLLLLLL.
THAT IS MY DREAM Y'ALL. THAT. THAT. STEAL. EAT. CHILL. READ.
P.S: At the end of this book i was Pickett where i -
*sigh* Everyone's got attachment issues when it comes to you Newt ❤️️❤️️❤️️
P.P.S: Mary Poppins bag?! I give you Newt Scamander's suticase.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 8,380 reviews