The Spiderwick Chronicles Details

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[Highly rated reviewer]

Better than expected, but...

Took the kids to this one over the weekend, and enjoyed it more than I thought I would. We had read the books before seeing this - the film changes quite a bit in terms of settings and supporting characters, but the resulting simplification allows the film to keep to ~1.5 hours, and is probably why it works as well as it does.

That said, I have a couple gripes... Although the kids were well-cast, I was not a fan of Mary-Louise Parker in this. She just seemed to be playing her 'Weeds' character (and I'm not a fan of Weeds). Also, this was a very scary film for the wee ones. There simply wasn't enough levity (e.g,. the manic Hogsqueal) to offset the darkness - this may be ok for the books, but the producers knew who would be requesting this as a Saturday matinée. As noted they changed enough of the story to successfully transfer it to the silver screen that I felt they could have lightened it up so that the kids wouldn't have to hide their eyes for 1/4 of the film. The film's warning regarding under 8's, while too late once you're in your seat, is fully warranted!

There was one scene, however, that was simply went beyond what I thought was acceptable for kids.

***Spoiler warning***

After the family battles the goblins, the father turns up. After failing interrogation, our young hero plunges a large kitchen knife into him. The fact that 'dad' turns out to be the baddy in disguise doesn't excuse what I feel is very poor judgement by the director and writers.

***End spoiler***

So, a decent flick, but think twice before taking your younger children.

watchable

A bunch of children battle evil goblns. Aided by a magical book and an elderly aunt.Some bits aside, this dvd is good entertainment for most children.The effects look o.k by themselves, but sometimes don't,when mixed with live action.You will like this movie if your a fan of a happy ending.