Lessons from “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a prequel series to “Harry Potter” that builds on wizarding lore: witches and wizards lived under rigid rules in the U.S. during the 1920s, muggles are called no-majsm short for “non-magic humans” in the U.S., and we don’t need to follow young wand-wielders through another seven years of school to engage in J.K. Rowling’s wildly rich and satisfying world.

Jacob Kowalski (Dan Fogler), Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne) and Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston) are the main characters in “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” a prequel to the “Harry Potter” series. (photo courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

We all want another “Harry Potter” adventure, just not the one on display in a U.K. playhouse at the moment. Instead, we get to observe how events unfolded in the magical world decades before Voldemort’s rise to power.

In his place, we learn of an even more dangerous and maniacal threat – Gellert Grindelwald. He’s in the wind, but his sympathizers and the fear he wrought linger.

You might recall references to Grindelwald in other “Harry Potter” films, even a few brief appearances, but his wand should be more noteworthy since it made its way around the block. Plus, you’ll freak out when they finally show Grindelwald’s face.

And in the midst of all this fascinating history is Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne), our leading character, the champion of fantastical creatures that go misunderstood, hunted, feared or poached. Too bad he arrives in New York right when such a creature is believed to be terrorizing the muggle public (ain’t no way I’m caving into American slang).

Newt’s an easy target – the scapegoat auror Graves (Colin Farrell) needs to close his investigation. And Porpentina Goldstein (Katherine Waterston), trying to reclaim her position, is all too ready to report him.

Then things worsen when muggle Jacob Kowalsk (Dan Fogler) gets involved. He might not have any supernatural abilities, but his optimism, charm and awe at this new world unfolding around him might just might match the enthusiasm so many Potterheads experience every time they open up a Rowling book.

Beyond doubt, Redmayne has proven his acting abilities, particularly with his Oscar-winning performance as Stephen Hawking in “The Theory of Everything.” That said, he also starred in “Jupiter Ascending,” a film so bad you might just lose your faith in life, love and cinema all at once. Redmayne’s work here is somewhere in the middle. Newt is an awkward character, but Redmayne perhaps plays the part too well and too much. And he has terrible posture – not sure what to do with that.

Making matters more uncomfortable, Porpentina seems to match Newt in socialization challenges, though she’s more uptight, while he’s a free spirit. Let’s just add Ezra Miller’s Credence Barebone, a poor chap in town abused by a magic-hating zealot to that list, providing us with a trifecta of discomfort.

The saving grace of “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them” is Fogler as Jacob Kowalski. Fogler, who knows his way around a comedic role, is the soul of this film, far more fun and dynamic than anyone else on screen.

If we compare “Fantastic Beasts” to “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” then the prequel series is off to an amazing start. Complex additions to an already rich world, a promising big bad to get to know in future installments (expect four more films) and an all-around darker tone are more suited for audiences that have grown up with this narrative world.

But as the followup to the “Harry Potter” franchise, with an epic conclusion, it’s hard to compare. For one, the characters aren’t diverse or dynamic enough. And more problematic, the film ends much like your average superhero flick, with much of the city under attack. At least those graphics are sure pretty.

Regardless, the wizarding world is back at it, and hopefully Rowling will better understand how to pace her sophomore screenplay. And seeing more grownup witches and wizards on screen is welcome in a series that can be more adult. Let’s just hope the magic doesn’t become a curse.