It's really sad when the nasty reviews are more entertaining than the movie.

Apropos to the accent conversation:

Movie Accent Expert Breaks Down 32 Actors' Accents.

Movie Accent Expert Breaks Down 32 Actors' Accents.

Yeah, that was good. Well edited too.

Fascinating, DX. Thanks for linking.

I've always had parrot ear--spend a little time with someone with an accent or dialect and start speaking it back to them. I have to fight it, lest they think I'm mocking them.

But when you rely on an accent gained purely by mimicry, there are always nuances you miss. Having the physicality that generates proprietary vowels, consonants, or cadences explained, demonstrated, and coached is just invaluable. Understanding the mechanics gives you something to practice, rather than just the resultant sound.

That truly was an excellent example of how accent coaching works. Thanks again.

I love the sigh he lets out when he comes across a particularly egregious example. (Kevin Costner "trying" at English accent in Prince of Thieves will never be not hilarious.)

Coincidentally, that accent coach did a Reddit AMA today. Haven't had time to read it yet. [link]

So I saw Fantastic Beasts tonight. Um. Well, the effects were lovely.

But seriously, this is a movie that desperately needed a better script and better editing. The story did not flow; it jerked around hither and yon. It also lingered when it should have hustled, and skipped over bits that it needed to explain more clearly. It also had nearly as many endings as Return of the King. OY.

Also, bonus unnecessary Johnny Depp. Bah. My SIL commented as we left, "Don't get caught, or you'll turn into Johnny Depp!"

I think that there's enough world-building in it to be worth seeing for completists, but I was pretty disappointed, as was my niece.

Aw, I really enjoyed Fantastic Beasts. I agree that the story didn't hang together as well as it might, but it didn't bother me, as the world was so beautifully realised and the characters were such a pleasure. I was surprised, actually, by how nice it was to be back in Potterworld (haven't read half of the books, mixed response to the films) .

It was gorgeous to look at.

I agree on the mixed reaction to the appearance of Mr. Depp. Am I alone in wishing he and Colin Farrell had swapped parts? Then it would have been one film with Johnny and four with Colin, looking all distinguished with his steel-grey temples and crisp white shirt. It was nice to be mostly unspoiled for the reveal, however, even if it was a bit Scooby-Do .

I think Potterheads should definitely see it.

It was gorgeous, yes.

Sounds like FB is a film I can watch and enjoy for the pretty and the gasps without having to pay much attention to plot. Such movies are useful some days.