Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Fails To Recapture The Magic

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the third installment in the Fantastic Beasts film series, has been bogged down by controversy and the failures of its predecessor. It’s been nearly five years since the last installment, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald—which, besides being the lowest-grossing Wizarding World film to date, was panned by critics for its complicated and confusing plot. In the years since its release, the cast and creative team have faced a myriad of scandals, including J.K. Rowling’s  hateful remarks concerning the transgender community. The biggest controversy, Johnny Depp’s legal battles with ex-wife Amber Heard, forced the actor to bow out of the film completely. Most recently, star Ezra Miller was arrested for disorderly conduct and harassment at a bar in Hawaii. 

Continue reading “Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore’ Fails To Recapture The Magic” →

Review: ‘The Last Full Measure’ Is a Well-Intentioned Pander to Audiences’ Sentimentality

The Vietnam War is one of the darkest spots on the long scroll of American history. One of the bloodiest battles in one of the most violent wars in recent memory was the Battle of Xa Cam My, the repercussions of which are chronicled in Todd Robinson’s first feature since 2013, The Last Full Measure. This film follows the trials undertaken by Pentagon lawyer, Scott Huffman, thirty-two years after Xa Cam My to get the Medal of Honor awarded posthumously to war hero, William H. Pitsenbarger. Pitsenbarger, affectionately referred to as ‘Pits’ by his comrades, was an Air Force Pararescueman who stepped in to assist the wounded on the ground of Xa Cam My after the Infantry’s medic was injured. Pitsenbarger was unfortunately killed during the battle after continually opting to stay on the ground. A group of his friends and the men he rescued initially petitioned for his Medal of Honor soon after the Vietnam War ended, but it was denied. In 1997, one of the men, Tully, approached Huffman with a renewed vigor and a new attempt for the Medal. Ultimately, they succeeded in earning the Medal for Pitsenbarger, who ultimately rescued over 60 men.

Continue reading “Review: ‘The Last Full Measure’ Is a Well-Intentioned Pander to Audiences’ Sentimentality” →

Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ is a Magical Cliffhanger

Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald is J.K. Rowling’s newest addition to the popular Harry Potter Universe. With David Yates once again directing, this sequel to Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them is an ambitious but down-to-earth transition piece for future sequels. With a large cast and an overbearing plot, the film doesn’t quite measure up to the magic of its predecessor, but it’s the perfect film for your average Harry Potter fan. Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Alison Sudol, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, and Johnny Depp reprise their roles from the first film. Controversy surrounded Rowling’s decision to keep Depp on the cast after domestic abuse allegations came to light regarding Amber Heard, Depp’s ex-wife. However, Rowling stood by her decision, citing both Depp and Heard’s mutual requests that they both be able to continue with their careers and move on from the scandal.

Continue reading “Review: ‘Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald’ is a Magical Cliffhanger” →