* * * ½

(Rowling fantasy)

Fans of J.K. Rowling will recognize her style and array of fantastic creatures in the magical world she has created.

Set in 1926, with a keen eye for the world as it was back then, with Model T Fords, flappers and authentic clothing and hairstyles, “Fantastic Beasts” displays a colorful background for what turns out to be a weak storyline surrounded by fantastic special effects.

Eddie Redmayne plays Newt Scamander, a frumpy young man from England who comes to New York City carrying a suitcase filled with “Fantastic Beasts.” New York has outlawed these creatures. They actually end up fighting to save the city from evildoers.

Newt is assisted by Kowalski (a wonderful Dan Fogler), an innocent, naive baker whose suitcase gets switched with Newt’s, and Tina (Katherine Waterston), a member of the Magical Congress with extraordinary powers.

The fantastic beasts are extraordinary creatures, some of the most original ever created for the big screen, and make the movie fun for the audience. This all makes for lots of action and adventure. The problem being that the action and adventure goes on for two and a quarter hours, and when you think it is about to be neatly wrapped up, it turns another corner. A little editing would have helped.

The story is filled with adventure and leaves children with good lessons about being humble, helpful and tolerant.

Rated PG-13, with some violence.