In the Harry Potter universe, house Hufflepuff seems the least exciting. Hufflepuffs are slow, methodical, dedicated, patient and loyal. Astrologically, they are connected with Taurus, which gives them an earthy, sensual quality. They may lack the charisma of Gryffindor (Leo), but they are the backbone and the salt of the wizarding community. Unlike Slytherins or Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs are not overly ambitious or rebellious. They do not seek attention for attention’s sake. Yet they possess a certain quiet charm and dignity. And they are so immensely steadfast that, if need be, they will sacrifice themselves for their loved ones.
Newt Scamander, sorted into Hufflepuff, the main character of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, was born at the end of the nineteenth century. The temporal setting of the movie gives it a quaint, vintage aura, which agrees with Taurus as well since this sign loves the tangible, and puts slowness over speed. The name Newt is quite apt as well, evoking a tiny amphibian, not quite a frog, not quite a lizard, certainly not a dragon. But Hufflepuffs do not attach value judgements to life forms: a newt is as spectacular and miraculous as, say, a Peruvian Vipertooth. Newt’s job as a magizoologist involves the study of magical creatures, protecting them indiscriminately and spreading knowledge about them.
Perhaps like a newt, Newt Scamander seems rather inconspicuous as the movie begins. The action develops rather slowly; the plot is rather predictable. Any danger the characters get themselves in is quite small compared to what was faced by the characters in the previous Harry Potter movies. For me the main strength of the vie is its undeniable charm. New York of the early twentieth century seems so warm and comforting; it envelops the viewer like the Hobbiton village. The magical creatures on the loose are just cute and harmless, with the magnificent Niffler (a beast with an uncontrollable urge to touch sparkling objects) as an ultimate Taurean character.
The non-magical Polish wannabe baker is a kind-hearted, adorable man – nothing like the evil muggles of the Harry Potter universe. This focus on food, warmth and coziness has a very heartwarming effect on the viewer. Comfortingly so, anything that gets destroyed throughout the movie, is rebuilt and repaired at the end at the touch of a magic wand. This is quite refreshing when juxtaposed with the usual action movies relish in showing mayhem, destruction and their eerie aftermath.
All in all, I would give the movie 5/5. A real highlight is Colin Farrel’s performance as a villain. The only drawback is that he will not be coming back in the upcoming instalments.
symbolreader 
I am off to see this very film this afternoon 🙂 so I will let you know how I enjoyed it 🙂 lol Hugs Sue xx
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Thank you for the review, Monica. Sounds very good. Will get to see it.
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Thank you, Don for your trust in my judgement. I hope you enjoy it.
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Just back Monica to let you know how much I enjoyed the film.. 🙂 Thank you for the review before hand.. Enjoy all the magic of your week ahead.. Sue
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Dear Sue,
I remember you are a Taurus so I am not surprised the movie appealed to you. I am very happy to hear from you.
Love
Monika
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It was a delight to catch your post Monika in my reader… 🙂 And again thank you for sharing xx
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Planning to see it this weekend. Last weekend I saw “Arrival.” Highly recommended! About how a language professor attempts to communicate through symbols with alien beings.
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Hi Jeff
I have seen the movie posters and was intrigued by them. I need to check out if it is on here. I am looking forward to hear your thoughts about the Beasts.
Monika
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Thanks for this review Monika – your opinion is one that I regard highly enough to actually go and see a movie based on what you say! I actually have mixed feelings about the Harry Potter, for while I enjoy the universe and characters Rowlin has created, I found her writing a little laboured and at times cliched (really hit home when I tried to read them aloud to my son!), and I always came away from the films feeling a little disappointed – the story seemed to promise so much and yet I always felt strangely unsatisfied. I wanted more depth I guess. But I know I am a very harsh critic – I demand a lot from literature and films! Like the Potter films, this one appeals to me from initial impressions, and if you also recommend it, I will give it a go. Do you think it would appeal to young children? It doesn’t sound too scary or complicated. Maybe I will take my little boy…
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Dear Amy
I must say I agree about the books – I have read all of them but the way they were written did not appeal to me at all. I had a similar experience with George R.R. Martin’s writing, though in his case I did not go beyond the first book. Now with the risk of offending a lot of people, I would say I was bored to tears while reading The Lord of the Rings as well. The point being similar to yours – I demand much more from literature. Having said that, the worlds all of those writers conjured up are magnificent – the depth of their imagination and vision so stunning. I must say, perhaps unlike you, I am fully satisfied with the Harry Potter saga in terms of the plot and how the story unfolds. As I wrote, I find the new movie both charming and adorable. I think mainly because my Taurus moon just lapped it up. I believe it is much more suitable for children than the Harry Potter series, which gave nightmares to some children I know. I am really, really curious what you would think of the movie if you decide to see it.
Monika
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I watched it as well..2nd day of release here. You’re so right..the way you described the movie..lol. It’s amazing at how you connected everything with the Taurean. My sister is a Taurus..and yes she can be like a bull 😛 I’m a Libra..and I have no idea if you would be able to connect people’s reactions to the movie with their zodiac signs, but I did find the movie a tad…plodding..lol. I did love the magical worlds in Newt’s suitcase, I loved the Polish baker and yes, I liked how everything was restored. I love Colin Farrell..hehe..and he does play the villain role very well! I wanted to kick him a few times in the movie 😛
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I was disappointed when he changed into Johnny Depp 😉 What a loss. I know a lot of people who were underwhelmed by the movie’s plodding quality, as you put it. But I bought it – I think we sort of need heroes like that to save the world.
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Yes..I agree. 😊
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