The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Freddie does twins

Another fantasy movie starring white kids; seems that Hollywood is running out of ideas. Luckily this movie makes up with great execution and original special effects. I have never read the book that inspired this movie, but it must be good.

The storyline is simple enough, a divorced mother takes her twin sons and daughter to a house in the countryside that was owned by her aunt. There, the children discover a world of creatures of various shades of friendliness. Some of these creatures want to obtain a book from the country house, and this quest for the book, called The Spiderwick Chronicles, is the chief conflict of the movie. Its resolution is quite original and probably the best part of the movie.

Here are some things to look out for. First is the great acting by David Straithan, in his first fantasy role. Second is Nick Nolte's casting as the chief antagonist. His voice is perfectly suited to his character. And last is the twins played by Freddie Highmore. He pulls of both quite well and makes each a distinct character. Overall, a nice use of 2 hours. September 28, 2008

Fun and exciting movie.... don't need to read the book(s) to enjoy!

First off I have never read any of the Spiderwick books and sometimes when that's the case the movie doesn't make as much sense if you haven't read the books (such as Goldman Compass and Harry Potter). You don't need to read the books to enjoy and understand this movie.

They did a wonderful job explaining everything. The acting was good, the graphics, special effects etc were wonderful and the action and plot were top notch. Just a well done fun fantasy movie for the entire family. (assuming the entire family is at least seven or eight years of age)This movie might be a little scarry for kids under the age of eight but besides the "scarry" parts there are no bad parts for your children.

Great job...... I hope they do a second movie. September 23, 2008

Pass the Salt, Please.

Excellent movie but may be a little too intense for small children which is their intended prime audience. Enjoy. September 23, 2008

A Great Movie

I have to say that I was generally surprised by this film as, although I'm not much of a Freddie Highmore fan I've seen most of and liked most of his movies. Spiderwick Chronicles I expected to be bad but I was again surprised and shouted "DAMN IT!" as I liked another one of his films. I so want to hate Highmores films but again and again he constantly gives us something great. I think it's time I get over my hate filled feelings and just say, "OK he's awesome, I admit it." Even doing an American accent when he's definitively upper class British is great, and he even plays two roles which, damn him he still manages to pull off brilliantly.

Twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace (Highmore) along with their sister Mallory discover a book, an encyclopedia if you will of goblins, fairies and other mythical creatures. They go unseen by the naked human eye but exist in a magical hidden world. The goblins are after this book as it contains mystical powers, which will help their leader Mulgarath become even more powerful. Their house is surrounded by an invisible field which keeps the goblins out, but now they are aware the book is in the house, Mulgarath and the goblins set out on a mission to get the book at all costs. In order to stop it, Jared, Shane and Mallory must find Arthur Spiderwick and have him destroy the book. The only problem is, Arthur wrote the book over 80 years ago and hasn't been seen since.

This is a genuinely magical film that will put off some casual movie goers expecting more. The use of special effects is authentic and unflinching with the interaction between the invisible creatures and the human characters seems shockingly real. The real genuine shock of it all is the interaction between the two Highmores. This was a genuinely unexpected item in the film and is no doubt something that will have pushed Highmores acting ability further. The evil Mulgarath goes relatively unseen until the final scene in the film, but is something that wont disappoint if you're expecting a truly scary looking creature.

One criticism I think I do have to point out is the cliché of the start of the film. It's very much like every fantasy film we've all seen, the main character discovers something magical and dangerous and tries to convince those around him what he's discovered. Guess what, they don't believe him until they themselves are attacked by the hideous creatures. It does counter this cliché when it becomes the film about closeness of family and banding together to fight the greater evil.

Great movie though, and is something that can be enjoyed by many film fans including the kids. September 21, 2008

Made me happy

I enjoyed the movie. Some complained that it didn't follow the book. Few movies do. The thing to do is watch the flick and then read the book if you like the movie. Probably won't read the book anyway.
Worth the $4 rental. Maybe too intense for young kid and neonates. But for 60 year old guys and only ran out of the room screaming once. September 20, 2008

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