Perhaps a lot of the negativity comes from those bitter at having lost Johnny Depp in the role of Grindelwald. Like most people I am fan of Depp's acting, but I have to admit; I rather preferred his replacement Mads Mikkelsen, who I had only ever seen once before in Stars Wars; Rogue One. Without offering any spoilers to the very few of you who I imagine have not seen this instalment from a Galaxy Far, Far Away, his role is very limited.

I find Depp's acting to be rather fanciful and theatric. This is not a slight; I was a thespian myself in a past; I love to see more exaggerated performances when pulled off with the usual panache Depp manages. Except for the turn he took with Polanski ... yikes ... count yourself lucky if you missed that, I have always enjoyed his performances.

But I felt Mikkelsen brought a realism and a sense of romantic darkness that I have yet to see Depp inhabit. Yes, I know his movies are often dark bordering on grotesque, but I find he offers the light that make these worlds enjoyable enough to explore without the audience getting lost in melancholia or horror. He is a master of subtle humour and contrast, but as a romantic lead, or a detestable villain, he has never worked for me. Mikkelsen's Grindelwald was a much more believable love interest, turned twisted nemesis to Jude Law's Dumbledore. I could imagine them together. I think Depp's stardom and quirky on screen persona would have gotten in the way in the intense but quiet moments Law and Mikkelsen shared.

The only problem I had with Mikkelsen's casting was I found he bore a striking resemblance to fellow cast member Oliver Masucci, who you may have seen in the German series, Dark. (So good, but get ready to be confused on a David Lynch level of confusion). Their almost doppelgänger likeness confused plot and made me wonder if Grindelwald and the German minister magic were the same person or brothers.

Most of the online reviews were pretty harsh; so I don't know if it was I was just so enthused to be back in a theater or not, but I found it rather entertaining and offering deeper connection ... if less whimsy ... than the previous instalment.

I also noted that with its setting just before WWII and its theme of "Wizard Supremacy" it was rather timely. With all the talk of pure bloods and 'anti this or that's", it reminded me of the importance of diversity, its acceptance and celebration. We will always find a way to sort ourselves into different piles, we hardly need a magic hat for that. Insert fear, scorn, and anger, it is easy enough to push unthinking and non-empathizing individuals to go along with atrocities.

The very last scene has Dumbledore walks away in the snow, alone. He chooses not to attend the wedding going on within a warmly lit bakery. He has lost his love partner in his fight for righteousness and peace, and given the era, we understand that he will likely remain alone, at least in that way. A reminder; we all deserve warmth and a place in society, family and love.

Mountains to Disassemble

I know we can never be
The odds are against us
The cards would never play out
Skulls and cups of sorrow

Oceans of time
Prairies to pass
Mountains to disassemble

But still, when you write me a poem
I smile and in that moment, we exist

The ocean becomes a puddle
The prairie a spring meadow
Mountains crumble, disintegrate
Time becomes a tear that falls in slow motion

23

The wind blows
From the direction it comes
With the strength it levies
Until it blows no more

The rain falls hard
From heavy clouds
Until the clouds lighten
Are clouds no more
Then there is no more rain

The wind and rain do not question the Tao
Nor does the sun that follows

Embody the Tao
Say what you must
Cry when you feel pain

Do not seed the clouds and the wind
With the heavy bluster of the internal foe
Every storm will pass

Link to Spoken Word