Rating of
3/4
Fun family-friendly fantasy
newmans_own - wrote on 02/16/08
The plot is that of your typical children’s fantasy, but it keeps things brisk and doesn’t let its familiarity become a crutch. A lot of explanation is required to explain the various creatures and what they do, but it avoids the faults of other recent fantasy pics by not dropping their name once and then assuming viewers will catch up. The real world is melded with the fantastical elements quite well; the reasoning behind the creatures’ existence and why most people cannot see them is convincingly illustrated, and does lead to some shocking moments late in the film.
It is successful, in no small part, to the charisma and likeability of Bolger and Highmore. Highmore in particular continues his streak of being the most sympathetic and emotive of the wide-eyed child actors out there today and injects several noteworthy traits to differentiate his two characters. Truth be told, Simon and Jared are like night and day, but the differences in Highmore’s speech patterns and vocal inflections are something to be admired.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES is a light, fun introduction to a world not too different from our own. Making sure to develop all possibilities in story, rather than finding the quickest way to the action and throwing caution to the world, it is a genuinely well-plotted and well-made film. With likeable performances and action audiences of all ages can enjoy, the film is a perfect retreat for families; something that will keep kids entertained will keeping adults from rolling their eyes in boredom.
***/****
Full review at http://newmanscorner.blogspot.com
