Marking what is technically the third entry in the series yet being the second movie in the trilogy (if that makes a bit of sense), Secrets of Dumbledore has a hefty job to accomplish. Somehow this has to pull off an Empire Strikes Back in a franchise that has been a bit lackluster from both a critical and fan standpoint. With casting shake ups, a creator who isn't exactly a fan favorite this one has a a tough road to hoe, and I'd say it did admirably.
I'll admit it, I do like Johnny Depp in many of his performances, but I will be the first to admit that in the Crimes of Grindelwald he was a bit too cartoonish and mustache twirly. Enter Mads Mikkelsen. We get a subtly that was lacking in Depp's performance, we get a character that is easy to empathize with. He's very human and flawed and still loves. He's angry and guided but all the same you can kind of see where he is coming from, and possibly even at least for a few moments agree with him. Overall, I'm very happy with the casting change and think it works well for the film.
There is an elephant in the room with this one. Enter the role of real world politics and their reflection in this cinematic world of the this film, I'll be very clear, it's here, it's not subtle, it's also not unwelcome. While at times a bit ham-fisted the comparisons to real life create a very real perspective, and give a real world comparison for us to see how this could be possible, probable or inevitable in our world. Secrets goes out of its way to ensure we know what apathy means for the rest of the world. For me it added a fun layer that was mostly enjoyed.
I do lament a total lack of practical effects the digital effects are good enough to not be distracting. The cinematography is beautiful, creating a number of memorable scenes. The sound design was impactful, adding to a world that was already easy to fall into. I do have a few complaints on the story front though, being the darker sequel certain scenes felt too reliant on silly comedy that removed so much of the tension from the scenes, leaving me ready for it to end.
Secrets has a secret. That seems a bit obvious but it's not the one you're expecting and it's nothing to do with the story. It's Dan Fogler. He's magical and human, filling every scene with a sensitivity that adds so much to the story, he'll break your heart and make you smile all in a minute span. Truly these movies are about Jacob, not Newt. There is someone else I would like to talk about in this one who I also thought was just a blast to watch on screen, Jessica Williams. This woman comes on screen and lights it up, she brings a sensibilty that has been sorely lacking, a strength and a wit that is so very refreshing.
There are pacing issues that can't be denied. Strangely there is a lack of fantastic beasts, there is a bit, but on that front the creature design is adequate, most of what we see we've already met in previous films. We get a new country. We get a filling out of the Wizarding World, new locations, new lore all adding to the world many have grown to love.
For fans of the franchises you'll most likely enjoy Secrets of Dumbledore, if you aren't I think it's very unlikely that you're mind will be changed. There is an enjoyable story here, fun adventure and a good time. Secrets isn't going to change the cinematic landscape, there won't be copy cat's running rampant, this isn't going to be a cultural phenomenon, what it is a good night at the cinema watching a well crafted movie telling a story that will leave you feeling good.
Trevor West
