Critics have started seeing J.K. Rowling’s Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them ahead of press interviews, and reactions have apparated on to Twitter.
Full Fantastic Beasts reviews are currently under embargo until November 15 (more on that in a moment), but this hasn’t stopped critics from tweeting out some general thoughts about the movie on social media.
Overall, early Fantastic Beasts reactions are generally very positive! Yay!
Early ‘Fantastic Beasts’ movie reviews
1st half of FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM was exceptional. Kind of drains you by the end but I'm sure Potter diehards will love it
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) November 5, 2016
Cast is great. Can't think of anyone better than Redmayne to do this character. And Colin Farrell is his brooding best. #FantasticBeasts
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) November 5, 2016
Asked about Rowling’s screenplay, the same critic said…
Have to say, I was impressed. I'm sure there were a lot of hands involved to make it right, but her voice is there. https://t.co/45YWjppiS7
— Jason Guerrasio (@JasonGuerrasio) November 5, 2016
Had no expectations for FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM. Enjoyed it! I found it much quirkier than the Potter film. Redmayne = quirk
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) November 5, 2016
There's a line where Newt Scamander says, "People find me annoying." So he's a much different protagonist.
— Mike Ryan (@mikeryan) November 5, 2016
#FantasticBeasts is a fun prequel with some solid twists. Redmayne is weird in a good way and if you love cute beasts you'll find it magical
— Frank Pallotta (@frankpallotta) November 5, 2016
Just saw Fantastic Beasts and I'm blown away. So happy to be back to a fresh new Wizarding world of J.K Rowling and can't wait to see more
— Rendy Jones (@Rjones1325) November 5, 2016
Just saw #FantasticBeasts Can't review so instead ???
— Gino Salomone (@Moviegino) November 5, 2016
Just saw #FantasticBeasts! ⚡️??HP fans, mark your calendars for Nov. 18. ?? pic.twitter.com/Y2HIpQoTFH
— Akimi (@akimihata) November 5, 2016
Just saw #FantasticBeasts – definite standout performances from @MrDanFogler and a greedy magical platypus, not played by Dan Fogler…
— Steve Gelder (@SteveGelder) November 5, 2016
The critic embargo may currently be set for the 15, but a charity screening with J.K. Rowling and Eddie Redmayne in attendance is happening on Saturday, November 12, and many fans are going to be there (this writer included!). You can expect lots of in-depth thoughts arriving shortly after the screening.
Due to that charity screening, I wouldn’t be surprised if the critic embargo lifts a little earlier than expected. Still, as I wrote in our Newsletter yesterday, it’s a little worrying that reviews are being held until three days before the release date. Usually, when a studio is really confident in their movie, they’ll let critics release reviews much earlier.
But we can rest easy knowing that critics didn’t hate it. It sounds like it earns its spot on the Harry Potter mantel.