Much rides on this second entry in the Fantastic Beasts’ franchise. When J. K. Rowling first wrote a script for The Crimes of Grindelwald, it was to be the middle part of a trilogy. And yet, we now know a further three films lie ahead. Whether the series can thrive, as did its parent: Harry Potter, depends on this one’s capacity to keep the ball rolling. So, how does it stack up? Too much rolling, not enough balls.
A third screen telling of Dr Seuss’ ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ was hardly atop many wish lists for the coming festive season but parents with hyper young tots should at least appreciate the distraction. Fiercely colourful, soft of heart and rather brilliantly animated, Illumination’s Grinch is ultimately forgettable fun and lacks the sharp edges warranted by its story. Put it this way, the Chuck Jones shorter take on the tale still tops the pile.