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.

[Highly rated reviewer]

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Slightly disappointed with this film. I had high hopes - after reading the books which transported you into another world. This film lacked detail and vital information. It had such potential but failed to hit the mark.