The Spiderwick Chronicles reviews (2007)

The Spiderwick Chronicles details

Formats:	PG DVD, Blu-ray
Starring:	Sarah Bolger, Freddie Highmore, Seth Rogen, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, David Strathairn, Andrew McCarthy
Director:	Mark Waters
Genres:	Action/Adventure - General, Family, Sci-Fi/Fantasy - Sci-fi - Alien, Sci-fi - General
Studio:	Paramount
Collections:	Fantasy Worlds

Name	Discs
The Spiderwick Chronicles	PG Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	1 hour 32 minutes
Rental release:	14 Jul 2008
Main languages:	English
Hearing impaired subtitles:	English

Name	Discs
The Spiderwick Chronicles	PG Feature

Blu-ray Information

Run time:	1 hour 37 minutes
Rental release:	08 Sep 2008
Main languages:	English

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Most helpful review The Spiderwick Chronicles

Better than expected, but...

By Andybe (195 reviews) from Richmond , 17 Mar 2008

THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS Show review anywayHide

[Highly rated reviewer]

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.
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The Spiderwick Chronicles

By MelissaMarabamma (218 reviews) from South Coast UK , 13 Feb 2013

Great for kids but unlike other children's films that adults can enjoy, this was not one for me. I think age 7-9 may be the right age group.
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Fab Fantasy Flick!

By Littlepinkie83 (10 reviews) , 06 Jan 2013

I seriously enjoyed this film. It deals just the right amount of escapism and drama coupled with an action adventure plot, its well worth a watch. The pace is just right and the action is good with fab special effects. I would say its probably better for older children as a couple of scenes are quite graphic and scary but thats just something to be aware of. All in all I would go out and buy this film tomorrow, loved it!
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very clever and brilliant

By cheesekake (1283 reviews) from uk , 07 Mar 2012

very clever and brilliant film, lots of great characters, brilliant storyline for all of the family to enjoy

defo recommend watching

nuff said
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Excellent family fun

By JonathanD (4 reviews) , 07 Jan 2012

Great fun movie with sufficient tension to keep the kids guessing and not too scary. Certainly imaginitive and a clever ending makes this well worth watching.
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Aracna phelia

By Robinski (152 reviews) from Glasgow , 13 Nov 2011

Rippingly good adventure yarn for youngsters. It can be compared to any number of similar stories, and perhaps doesn't have the scope of 'Night At The Museum' or 'Jumanji' but there is more than enough entertainment here for a wet Saturday afternoon, and most parents should find their interest held into the bargain.
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