'Fantastic Beasts' turns 'The Secrets of Dumbledore' into too much of a snore

Despite the enticing subtitle "Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore," the second in J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter-prequel franchise mirrors the first, which is to say that it feels like an extended prologue for a better movie that's yet to materialize.

In theory, a "young Dumbledore" movie would address some of the "Fantastic Beasts" shortcomings, providing a more dynamic anchor than the shy and halting Newt Scamander (Eddie Redmayne). Moreover, Rowling has added more A-list help this time around, teaming not only with director David Yates but co-writer Steve Kloves, another veteran of the Harry Potter franchise.