There is a lot of people who hated 2016’s Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice. They complained about business and getting lackluster versions of beloved characters. Dawn of Justice is either a movie you love or you hate. For fans of the source material, Zach Snyder loaded the film with Easter eggs. Even that, sometimes, isn’t enough to save a film. Sure, you’ll have fans that’ll love the product but what about the general movie going population?

In the same vein as Justice, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald fills its’ fill with Easter eggs for the fans. Does Grindelwald succeed where Justice failed? The short answer is no. To be honest, the film is so constantly busy, I had to actually dwell and ask myself what is the actual plot of this movie. So, here it goes. Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald has two constant story lines that eventually merge together during the climax of the film. In one corner, you have the fan-favorite duo of Newt Scmander and Jacob Kowalski, played brilliantly once again by Eddie Redmayne & Dan Fogler. In the other corner, you have the film’s antagonist, Grindewald (played by Johnny Depp) looking to start his revolution and continuing his search for Ezra Miller’s Credence.

Honestly, it sounds simple enough for plot. Here’s the thing though, Grindelwald is just ever so busy. At any given time, there is roughly about five to seven different arcs going on here. Granted, some of them do play into the film’s climax. On the flip side, you have ones that do not. They act as fan service and are there simply for the sake of being there.

Don’t get me wrong, there is a lot of strength to the film. The film is led by a strong cast including Redmayne, Depp, Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore and Fogler. The duo of Fogler and Redmayne continue to bring joy to the film and have astonishing chemistry. The wit and humor off the two is so entertaining to watch. Depp is another strong addition to the cast. Granted, he doesn’t have a lot of screen time. Think Jared Leto in Suicide Squad. Depp uses what he’s given to leave a lasting impression on viewers for a truly sinister villain.

Overall, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, is an entertaining, yet sloppy, nod to the fans. A busy entry into Harry Potter franchise that while awesome for fans, may leave a sour taste into casual movie goers. A strong cast nonetheless with heroes like Eddie Redmayne, Dan Fogler and Jude Law and villains like Johnny Depp. Grindelwald is still entertaining and leaves you wanting more, long after the credits roll.

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