The Spiderwick Chronicles [Blu-ray] Reviews

• Amazing Graces

  
  By A37PV5GMP2ILJC on 2008-06-18
  Short Attention Span Summary (SASS)
  
  1. Helen Grace moves into the Spiderwick Estate with her three kids, Mallory, Simon and Jared. Simon and Jared are twins (played by the impressive Freddie Highmore)
  2. It doesn't take the kids long to find a secret room, a locked chest and a book marked "Do NOT read"
  3. You can guess what happens next
  4. Up pops a tiny Brownie named Thimbletack (Martin Short) who changes into a Boggart when riled up.
  5. He gets riled up a lot
  6. There's an evil Ogre named Mulgarath (Nick Nolte) who commands an army of Goblins, and really, really wants the aforementioned book
  7. The Ogre can change his appearance, and is at his most frightening when he looks like Nick Nolte.
  8. During the machinations and shenanigans to protect the book, the kids meet a scene stealing Hobgoblin named Hogsqueal (Seth Rogen) who has a talent for expectorating and a penchant for bipedal, endothermic vertebrate animals that lay eggs (also known as birds)
  9. The kids set off on a quest to find the author of the book, Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn)
  10. When they get back, they have to quickly work out a strategy for repelling Goblins and an Ogre who looks like the Grinch on steroids.
  11. Exciting yet somewhat disturbing altercation ensues
  12. Just desserts are served for the grand finale.
  
  
  The movie is based on the five books that make up The Spiderwick Chronicles, but barely touches book three, Lucinda's Secret and never touches book four, The Ironwood Tree. There are a few small differences, but for the most part the movie captures the spirit of the series.
  
  Relatively short, it's ideal for kids from around ten or so, as there are some mildly scary scenes and one close to the end that could be disturbing until the twist is revealed.
  
  It's also recommended that you get the series for your young `uns. The books are short, easy to read and full of magical and fantastical adventures. Don't forget the follow-up The Nixie's Song (Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 1), and the soon to be released A Giant Problem (Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles)
  
  
  The Field Guide (The Spiderwick Chronicles)
  The Seeing Stone (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 2)
  The Wrath of Mulgarath (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Book 5)
  
  
  
  
  Amanda Richards, June 18, 2008
  
  
  

• Probably a lot better if you've read the books

  
  By A2GPEV42IO41CI on 2008-02-18
  Mom and Dad separate and Mom takes the kids to live in a mysterious old house she inherited. Immediately, son Jared discovers a book written by their distant uncle, Arthur Spiderwick; it's all about the fairy world around them and especially evil Mulgarath and his goblins who live just outside their house.
  
  I assume the target audience for this film is young children, especially those who have enjoyed The Spiderwick Chronicles. As an adult who hasn't read the books, I was confused and bored, despite the beautiful photography and music and the clever CGI effects. There was nothing that drew me in or thrilled me. I think it would have been better if the children had been younger; as teenagers, they looked too old to be cavorting with fairies and scared of goblins. They didn't have enough charisma to make me care about them, and the wonderful David Strathairn was completely miscast as Spiderwick. I think very young children would be scared by the scary creatures zooming around. Great title, but not much here for adults.
  
  

• Lower your expectations...

  
  By A3MADEFLE1QN0 on 2008-02-23
  I went into seeing this movie with high expectations. I love the books, and I love their possibilities more, and one of those possibilities was a truly extraordinary movie. But that wasn't what I got.
  
  The plot, what there is of it, hinges around three siblings, Jared, Simon, and Mallory Grace, and their rather quick-to-judge mother. When the Graces move into Spiderwick Manor following a divorce, Jared finds a book - a field guide - that he soon realizes should never have been uncovered.
  
  This should have been a great movie. And yet, I could tell from the first few minutes that it wouldn't be. Aside from the many great scenes and moments from the books thrown away (Mallory's kidnap, the mother's kidnap, the various other creatures besides goblins, hobgoblins, and griffins) the acting is relatively stiff, except for the good performances of Freddie Highmore as twins Simon and Jared, and the "batty" Aunt Lucinda. The direction, too, could have been better; as it was it seemed hasty, thrown together, juvenile, and trying-to-be-modern (like Jared's oft-shown cell phone and iPod).
  
  The ending was really quite dumb and had me rolling my eyes as all the young boys in the theater guffawed. I honestly can't remember if the villain was disposed of like that in the books, but if he was, it was done better than in this movie.
  
  Overall, it wasn't a terrible movie, but it certainly wasn't a great one, and it didn't come near the quality of the books. The books simply had more atmosphere, creativity, and overall charm.
  
  Rating: Average
  
  
  

• Fun fantasy flick

  
  By AUTBHG6070SL4 on 2008-02-17
  The Grace family moves into an old family estate, long uninhabited - or so they think. In fact the house has an inhabitant. More to the point, the woods around the house have their own trolls and gnomes, unfriendly ones, who want something that's inside the house.
  
  So starts this kids' fantasy, with a big element of "the grownups just don't get it." In this case, young Jared not only finds that thing that the invisible ouside beings want, he also perceives their threat first. A kid-empowerment fantasy ensues, with the grownups (including a teen sister in a half-grownup kind of role) finally catching on just barely in time.
  
  If you want a bit of fantasy without overt violence (or not much), and with people keeping their clothes on, you came to the right place. There's a suitably scary buildup at the end, with some great CGI effects like those toad-like outside beings. Maybe it's not memorable, but it's fun anyway.
  
  -- wiredweird, reviewing the theatrical release
  
  

• The Spiderwick Chronicles

  
  By AW99SBGWEXP0J on 2008-02-22
  Helen Grace (Parker) and her kids Mallory (Bolger) and twins Jared and Simon (both Highmore) are starting fresh after Helen's separation from the kids' father. They are moving into the Spiderwick Estate, a mansion that Helen inherited from her Aunt Lucinda (Plowwright). The estate has an interesting history though. 80 years ago, Arthur Spiderwick (Strathairn) wrote a "field guide" to the world around him. This guide includes all kinds of fantastical creatyres. By writing it, he unleashed some terrible forces and now an army of goblins is amassing. Led by the ogre Mulgrath (Nolte), they seek to take the book away from the protection of the house. The kids are all that stands between Mulgrath and world domination.
  
  "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is a surprisingly well done movie. For a movie that covers five books, there isn't a feeling that much was lost in the translation. There is a lot of action that keeps the moving quickly. The child actors do a good job in the roles, especially Highmore in dual roles. The story is not complex, but is not simple either. Plus, it deals with serious issues like divorce, a topic that many kids will relate to. "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is an excellent move for kids from about 6-7 on up to adults. I highly recommend this film.
  
  
  
• Fantasy by the Book
  By A18G7GG53G2X8A on 2008-02-14
  I could use this review of "The Spiderwick Chronicles" as a platform to describe how different it is from the five books that inspired it, but why bother? After years of hearing it in college English classes, I've finally come to accept the adage that movies are not books, and books are not movies. As a film, "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is charming, magical, and a lot of fun, which is about what one would expect from a family-oriented fantasy film. The characters are compelling and the story is effectively simple and good-hearted, telling a tried and true story that an audience can willingly enjoy. I'm not so deluded as to think this an original story; the Reluctant Hero, the Magical Creatures, and the Fight Against Evil are all too familiar at this point. On the same token, I'm not so cold-hearted as to dismiss it entirely. This is, quite simply, an effective movie.
  
  The story focuses on the Grace family and its bumpy transition into a new life, one that happens to include an adventure into a world of goblins, ogres, sprites, and brownies. The mom, Helen (Mary-Louise Parker), now a divorcee, moves with her children out of New York City and into the dilapidated former home of her great uncle, Arthur Spiderwick. Her teenage daughter, Mallory (Sarah Bolger), is headstrong, bossy, and a champion fencer. Her identical twin boys--Jared and Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore)--are polar opposites: Simon is a quiet pacifist who loves to read and connects with animals; Jared is angry, bitter, and rebellious, not only because his father left him, but also because he bears the brunt of his mother's anger. Adjusting to a new life won't be easy for him, especially since his new house looks like it was taken straight from the panels of a Charles Addams comic strip.
  
  The adventure proper begins the very night they arrive. Jared immediately hears something scurrying in the walls, and after busting a wall open with a broomstick, he finds a dumbwaiter filled with various knickknacks (such as Mallory's fencing medal, which she believes he stole). He also finds a key. He then enters the dumbwaiter and pulls himself up to the attic, which contains a secret library coated in dust; in one corner sits a large chest, and lo and behold, the key fits into the lock. Jared unlocks it, opens the lid, and finds a book with a warning attached to the front, something about not opening the book because you'd risk your life doing so. He ignores it, of course, which is fine since there wouldn't be a story otherwise. Inside, Jared discovers that it's a field guide created by Arthur Spiderwick over eighty years ago, one that explains everything about the magical world around us with illustrations and notes.
  
  At around this point, Jared discovers what's been scurrying through the walls: his name is Thimbletack (voiced by Martin Short), an easily provoked brownie that loves honey and can only be seen if he wants you to see him. He's in a panic because Jared has discovered the book, and this will not do since Thimbletack's job was to protect it at any cost. Jared is learning more about the creatures that inhabit our world, namely that they can't be seen without a special ring-shaped stone. Thimbletack gives Jared the stone, and he looks through it in time to see Simon dragged off by a mean group of ugly ogres; the ensuing rescue attempt reveals that a powerful, shape shifting ogre named Mulgarath (voiced by Nick Nolte) wants Spiderwick's book for his own malevolent reasons.
  
  This is pretty much the foundation for the journey, one that sees Mallory joining her brothers, a visit to their great aunt Lucinda (Joan Plowright) in a mental institution, and a few sequences with Arthur Spiderwick himself (David Strathairn), a man who walks with a cane because it makes him look scholarly. We're also treated to a number of impressive visual effects, not the least of which have to do with a number of creatures that hide in plain sight. I especially liked the sprites that take the form of ordinary flowers--I'd love to walk through a park with such creatures floating around me. We also meet Hogsqueal (voiced by Seth Rogen), a hobgoblin that loves to eat birds, and a griffin named Byron, who flies majestically above clouds, over mountains, and through caves.
  
  There was also an interesting subplot about the house itself. Apparently, it's surrounded by a ring of toadstools that act as a kind of force field; nothing magical can cross that line either way, meaning that the book is safe so long as it remains in the house. Jared, being the willful young lad he is, takes it with him wherever he goes, which is one of the reasons why Thimbletack is always so high-strung. Is it any wonder that his anger forces him into acts of mischief, such as tying Mallory's hair to the posts of her bed, or switching the field guide with a cookbook when Jared isn't looking?
  
  As routine as this material is, all of it still manages to be wonderful, so much so that we don't stop to think about the film's weaker aspects, namely the tension and resentment growing between Jared and his mother. Then again, that too would have been unoriginal, since it's been explored so many times in so many other movies. Ultimately, what we really care about is the fight between the Graces and Mulgarath--or to more general, the fight between Good and Evil. The final confrontation has some nice subtleties that I wouldn't dream of giving away, not only because they're clever, but also because they're expected. I recommend "The Spiderwick Chronicles" to everyone, even to diehard fans of the book series created by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black; it's an easy-going fantasy fable, about as enjoyable as a green pasture swarming with sprites.
  
  
• Condensed, but creative eye-candy
  By A27P0MW8TE1JQP on 2008-02-18
  Condensing 5 books into one film can hurt storylines and make for lots of undeveloped characters. But the archetypes in Spiderwick are so familiar (like the abbreviated Potter movies) that it is less of a disadvantage than you would think. We, as objective movie viewers have to let go of the expectation for the Holy Grail of the perfect book-to-film translation and face that the mediums are apples and oranges. This is an easy task for me this time because I haven't read any of the Spiderwick series. But having said that, my children and I, enjoy the film. The look of the "world" created in the spirit of the books were originally stylized enough to make it a departure from the world of Hogwarts (which is no small accomplishment when you also have trolls and griffins.
  
  Typical of the archetypes of the genre, you have the child-outsider of a broken (or bent) home who blunders into a magic world, along with quirky, sometimes ill-mannered, but ultimately well-meaning siblings and finally the single parent who doesn't believe a word-of it. The kid opens a book he shouldn't (like who would read a book that has "Do not open" on the cover, it should have read: don't open infested with Lice!" that would have kept `em out!) and then spends the film trying to make things right and bonding with his estranged family.
  
  Production is pretty eye-candy using visual designers of the Henson school of creature making. John Horner (the not-Williams) composes a face paced soundtrack that matches the speed of the story and slows appropriately of the sappier moments of the movie. The cast is a watchable bunch of not-overly attractive kids, along with some voice cameos like Martin Short and Nick Nolte, not without distinction, plays the badie (physically sometimes) well enough.
  
  We enjoyed the film and, if there isn't higher praise than this let me know, we were inspired to check-out the Spiderwick Chronicles book series at our local library to fill in all the plot holes.
  
  
  
• Enchanting
  By ABV2IHYQBC7FD on 2008-02-16
  Without boring you with a long drawn out review, I just wanted to say it's a wonderful tale. It's a fastasy adventure for all ages.
  
  
• "You Are the Book"
  By A3EE0H0NWQ9QVL on 2008-06-28
  A terrific tale for children, `The Spiderwick Chronicles' shows the plight of a NYC family moving into an old, decrepit house in the country while the children discover an ancient book that brings faeries, ogres, and sprites to life. Led by chief, Mulgarith (Nick Nolte), the ogres try to steal the chronicles from Simon, Jared, (both played by Freddie Highmore) and Mallory (Sarah Bolger) while Hogsqueal (Seth Rogen), a hideous changing forms leader, tries to destroy the children. Enchanting, transporting, and whimsical, 'The Spiderwick Chronicles' aims to please, even as it might be a bit too frightful for the wee little ones.
  
  Merits:
  
  1.) The movie's a whimsical throwback to the stellar Spielberg days of `E.T.' and `Gremlins' with Highmore more than a passing resemblance to Elliott (Henry Thomas). Thumblejack (Martin Short) is a charming (if not high strung) original.
  
  2.) Faeries, ogres, and sprites have their day once more in big screen splendor.
  
  3.) The haunting gives the house a personality, reminiscent of the quality of `Monster House' and `Poltergeist'. Suspension of belief is in high size (as are the special effects).
  
  4.) Excellent portal for the imagination with a good plug for the magical powers of books.
  
  5.) The screen presence of David Strathairn (as past portal figure Arthur Spiderwick) and believable performances all around.
  
  Demerits:
  
  1.) Some of the film's elements are familiar.
  
  2.) It could provide too many nightmares for parents with lingering images of tomato sauce splattered on the walls with holes poked through them. Potential Amber alert false alarms are presented with missing children hunting down ancient ancestors and fighting goblins.
  
  
• Very Entertaining Fantasy Film (Though Some Scenes May Be A Bit Scary for Younger Kids)
  By ABO2ZI2Y5DQ9T on 2008-05-06
  "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is a fantasy film with a slightly dark side. Though the film's premise is pretty familiar, its tone sometimes becomes a little different from other recent fantasy films like "Stardust" or "The Golden Compass." Some creatures such as fairies and goblins may look too grotesque or creepy, even scary for some kids - though adults may find something humorous in their behaviors.
  
  "The Spiderwick Chronicles," based on a series of children's novels by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, begins with the Grace family - spirited Mallory (Sarah Bolger, "In America"), twins Jared and Simon (both by Freddie Highmore, "August Rush") and their mother Helen (Mary-Louise Parker) - moving into old "Spiderwick" estate. Those kids are not very happy living in this dilapidated house surrounded by thick woods. And this spooky house may be haunted. At least that's how Jared (Freddie Highmore) thinks when he notices something is crawling behind the wall.
  
  Jared, most adventurous (and most careless) one of the three children, discovers an old laboratory. There he finds an old book that has a note warning not to open it. Of course, he ignores it. He realizes his mistake too late when he knows the house is beleaguered by some invisible critters led by terrifying Mulgarath (cameo by Nick Nolte).
  
  Though the film's story may sound like zombie film, it is, as some reviewers point out, actually closer to "Home Alone" where clever children outwit "bad" goblins. The battles are, as IMDb's parents guide says, "suspenseful but not too violent," but still some of the creatures (including "good" ones) may look too creepy for some. Remember the animation supervisor / characters designer is Phil Tippett, whose great visual effects works include those of "Starship Troopers" and "Willow."
  
  Entertaining and fun as it is, "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is not perfect. The double role by Freddie Highmore does not work as it should because Simon is much weaker as character than Jared. The sub-plot about kids' parents can be much shorter. Some part of the film's actions is a bit conventional and the ending is ... well, certainly unique, but you may dislike it.
  
  Still director Mark Waters ("Mean Girls" "Just Like Heaven") keeps a good pace throughout, never wasting time before starting actions, and these actions are always fun to watch. Perhaps the readers of the original books have something to say about the way they were adapted, but overall I enjoyed watching "The Spiderwick Chronicles."
  
  
• I, for one, didn't read the books; this is a fun movie for all ages
  By A2U83VDVJMAB2U on 2008-06-25
  Having read the member reviews, the common theme seems to be that you need to have read the books in order to enjoy this movie.
  
  Nonsense.
  
  I found this movie to be an entertaining story for people of all ages; very suitable family fare, as well as engaging for anyone who's a fan of the fantasy genre.
  
  It's not an earth-shaking spectacle, not does it set out to be. The story's told on a level understandable to younger children through the magical spectacle of fairies and goblins, but with adult issues also interwoven to capture the interest of older viewers (though frankly, I found the magical spectacle stuff really enchanting).
  
  Fast-paced, well performed, nicely shot, I can recommend this movie for anyone who's looking for a fun bit of escapism for an evening.
  
  
  
  
• Does NOT follow book at all.
  By A3UZFB2LEZYWCT on 2008-07-05
  First let me say if you did NOT read the books and just want a good film with outstanding and magical special effects for you and your older children then this really is a great choice; go ahead and get this movie and be happy.
  
  If you want to watch the movie and expect it to follow the books you will be greatly disappointed. I am not sure that the Amazon reviewer, Tom Keogh, read the books. This is not a "good adaptation" of the books. The writers of this movie took the characters and then twisted and distorted them into a story vaguely reminiscent of the books. One of the main rewards we use for our children is they can watch the movie if they have read the books. We read the entire 7 Narnia books and have seen the first two movies which are very good (especially Prince Caspian movie).
  
  Let me quickly list just a very few of the differences from the movie and the book off the top of my head (we read the book quite a while ago and just bought the DVD and watched it last night). I am sure there are many more differences but you will get the idea:
  1. They don't really play up the love of animals Simon has.
  2. There are no Dwarfs/sleeping Mallory in a box scenes.
  3. There is no quarry scene.
  4. There are no school scenes or mentioning.
  5. Jared does not have to solve any mystery to find anything (i.e. like figuring out the riddle of the trunk and that it had a false bottom).
  6. They don't have to find the seeing stone Thimbletack just happens to have it and hand it to them/Jared.
  7. Mallory and Simon are more antagonistic to Jared and come into believing that there are strange things going on much later.
  8. Thimbletack is mostly a green somewhat scary Boggart and very little of the Brownie. He shape shifts before your eyes multiple times and is as addicted to honey as any Meth addict is to their drug.
  9. The scene to go find the book is different (Jared goes alone and Simon and Mallory do not help him in the dumbwaiter).
  10. The whole story line was changed when they were off to find Simon after he was carried away by the Goblins. Mallory does not go with him and there is no Troll in the water (instead the Troll-which looks more like a giant iguana/dinosaur on steroids- chases them later when they go to see their Aunt).
  11. They do not go to see their aunt with their Mom they do through this underground tunnel system chased by a psychotic dinosaur they are saying is a Troll.
  12. There is a lot of honey, salt and tomatoes in this movie not found in the book.
  13. Hogsqueals initial scene is totally changed; as is his motivation; in the movie he is on some sort of crusade to revenge his family.
  14. The Griffin character was changed to Arthur Spiderwicks pet they somehow summon out of thin air and not rescued from the Goblins when trying to free Simon after they discovered Hogsqueal.
  15. There are no elves and they do not have to figure out how to get to Arthur Spiderwick (the summoned Griffin just flies there to him.
  16. Mulgaraths character is totally changed. He shape shifts into two equally frightening characters, Nick Nolte on his daily dose of drugs and scleral icterus and a demon character that resembles a scary devil.
  17. The ending is totally different and has no resemblance to the book. The finale takes place in their house and will scare young children and to my taking would warrant a PG-13 rating. If your kids are desensitized to violence and horror then they will do fine otherwise I would read the stories and let the imagination go. Hope this helps!
  
  
  
• Here's Spit In Your Eye!
  By A2ATWKOFJXRRR1 on 2008-07-29
  Visually appealing even if the story deviated significantly from the novels, THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES is bound to entertain young and old alike (but perhaps more the old).
  
  Starting with the visuals, Tippet Studios and ILM worked exceptionally well together to put out some very vivid visual effects. The creature creations were both interesting and sometimes creepy and since this was a large part of what we see as the audience, I found that I was pretty well glued to my TV screen as I watched the DVD.
  
  Although the kids in the film are much older than the kids in the books, I found this change acceptable and not irritating like some Spiderwick purists (and I think it's okay to be a purist as long as you look at the film as a whole and not in snippets).
  
  The story is that of the Grace family and their inheritance of an old mansion belonging to a (supposedly) deceased family member, Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn, Good Night, and Good Luck). Strange things abound inside and outside this seemingly ancient place. But Helen Grace (Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds) isn't interested so much in the place as she is getting away from her husband who's run off and left her with their three children. Mallory (Sarah Bolger) is the eldest and is the only daughter. Jared and Simon (Freddie Highmore, The Golden Compass) are twin boys but couldn't be more different. Simon is a self-proclaimed pacifist, while Jared is the belligerent and self absorbed one who finds the new home initially appalling and can't wait to be picked up by his father.
  
  The house eventually reveals its secretive past: a place where Arthur Spiderwick discovered we humans are not alone in the world. Beautiful and sometimes terrible things lurk in our periphery -- and sometimes they are combined. This combination is quickly revealed when Jared finds a special reference book written by Mr. Spiderwick that explains each creature that hides in this peripheral land. With the book comes great danger. Knowledge of them is the primary problem, unless these special creatures want you to see them. And such is the case with Thimbletack (voiced by Martin Short) who initially is supposed to protect this book from prying eyes but fails to keep it out of Jared's hands. Thimbletack can also change from a caring creature to one of great disrespect and upset when things don't go the way he plans (note: keep honey nearby to reverse this process). But Thimbletack isn't the problem; it's Mulgarath (Nick Nolte, Peaceful Warrior), an ogre that desires the book and its secrets so that it can rule everyone and everything. And with him are his goblins and beasts that are tenacious in their pursuit of the book.
  
  But can three kids convince their mother that this newfound world is real? And dangerous? Looking through rounded stones and getting "spit in your eye" helps to see them, but what of Mulgarath, the shape-shifting ogre that learns many secrets when pages from the Chronicles are ripped out and passed on to him?
  
  The Grace's new house becomes the battleground, and the kids realize they need help and information. So they head out to see their great Aunt Lucinda (Joan Plowright, Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont) who has been confined to a looney bin ever since she revealed to those around her that her father (Arthur Spiderwick) had been abducted by some of the creatures in this nearly invisible realm. Geared up with new and important ideas on how to fight Mulgarath and his legions, the Grace kids race back home and prepare for battle (which includes salt and tomatoes ...are we making pasta here?). But can the kids win against overwhelming odds? Of course they can ...with a little help from unknown quarters (gryphons, old men who aren't old, and Hogsqueal, a bizarre being with an infatuation for birds).
  
  Most important to this story is that it is a modern one. It isn't ancient history or trying to be old-English style. There are cell phones and new cars and plenty of modern items that let the audience know when and where they are.
  
  The acting is okay, but Joan Plowright shines as the superstar even though she's not given much screen time. I'm pretty fond of Freddie Highmore and his performances in August Rush and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, but here he was just "okay."
  
  The big winners in every sense, though, were the special effects and the scenery. It really pulled the viewer in and made you believe in the things you were seeing; no small task nowadays.
  
  I would warn parents, though, that the PG rating is very well deserved. The violence is ever-present, as are the stabbings of small, evil creatures. It could also be a bit unnerving for kids to see a young boy being dragged off into the wilds by initially invisible creatures. Just a warning for those with real young ones.
  
  Besides that, this is a very good film. Something to watch for on Blu-Ray disc since the visuals are so stunning.
  
  
• This is the director's idea of an"American" movie - Extremely bad
  By A156UL4M6EEHZY on 2008-09-06
  The books were wonderful, but the movie was so hard to watch I could barely finish it. The director said he wanted a specifically "American" movie. His idea seems to be screaming bratty kids who can't say a nice word to each other or their mother. A mother who is rude and hateful. The screeching got an my nerves that I was extremely irritated when it was over. I would not recommend this for any kids to watch. An extreme disappointment.
  
  
• Not quite what it could have been
  By A2FNA5903D9E6Y on 2008-02-19
  The Spiderwick Chronicles, directed by Mark Waters, and based on the children's books by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, begins as an emotional family drama but quickly deteriorates into a cliché-ridden attempt at riding the ever-thriving, sci-fi fantasy coat tails of the Harry Potter films. Except, the producers of the Harry Potter films understand that today's children are the smartest children in history and are not likely to fall for poorly crafted, dumbed-down storytelling even if it did open on an IMAX screen.
  
  The film begins when Helen Grace (Mary Louise Parker), newly separated from her cheating, no-good creep of a husband (Andrew McCarthy), moves herself and her three children from New York City to her Aunt Lucinda's spooky Victorian mansion in upstate New York. Aunt Lucinda Spiderwick (Joan Plowright) lives in a sanitarium and has left the house to her niece, Helen (though Lucinda is an only child and therefore can't be anyone's aunt, technically speaking). The children, twins Jared and Simon Grace (played by Freddie Highmore in a dual role) and daughter Mallory Grace (Sarah Bolger) all deal with the separation of their parents in their own special ways. Jared is giving mom the silent treatment except when he's not and spouting clichés like "Dad left `cause you didn't listen to him." Mallory has focused her attention on fencing and defending her mother's honor. Simon, the geek-child does not "conflict" and therefore exists in a world of passive avoidance. That is, until invisible goblins catch him and he becomes a new and improved Simon filled with lots of conflict and purpose.
  
  Within minutes - no, make that seconds - of moving in, Jared becomes spooked by a creature that, incredibly, appears to live in the walls of the Spiderwick mansion. By dinnertime, weird things happen and stuff disappears. In full cliché form, Jared, the angry, silent kid gets the blame. When he crawls into the dumbwaiter to get away from it all, he hoists himself into a secret attic where he finds two fascinating things: a honey-guzzling gremlin named Thimbletack (voiced by Martin Short) and a book entitled Field Guide to the Fantastical World All Around Us by Arthur Spiderwick, the family's great uncle (performed by the talented David Strathairn). Thimbletack's main function is to guard the Field Guide above all else and although he warns Jared (several times) not to open the sealed book, Jared goes ahead and does so anyway (of course). Through flashbacks, we learn that Great Uncle Arthur has discovered the secrets of the invisible world in the woods surrounding the Spiderwick mansion. Arthur has documented years of research and secret findings in his Field Guide complete with extensive illustrations and instructions for keeping the goblin universe in line. Because the secrets in this book could unleash death and destruction across faerie, gremlin, and humankind, after sealing the Field Guide and hiding it in a trunk in the attic, Arthur Spiderwick is whisked away by snow faeries because he knows too much and must be protected. Which brings me to the one of the many holes in this story: if the Field Guide's contents are so dangerous, why did the snow faeries leave it behind where the evil goblins could very likely get their claws or paws or hooves on it?
  
  The Spiderwick Chronicles is a fast-paced film - too fast, in fact. The viewer has no time to adjust to quick changing, illogical sequences while trying to come to terms with the sometimes underacted/overacted performances from some members of the cast, most notably, Mary Louise Parker's vacant interpretation of Helen. In one scene, a knife-wielding Helen stares blankly at her knives and unenthusiastically exclaims "It's a good thing we're New Yorkers." I didn't know whether to agree or be offended.
  
  Throughout this film, the Field Guide is dragged around, hidden, pulled apart and soiled (to name a few things), but none of the characters ever actually reads it. They flip through it a few times and talk about it a lot but that's about it. Right before the movie degenerates into a chaotic frenzy with the family fighting to save themselves from the evil ogre Mulgrath (performed to frightening excess in part by Nick Nolte and partially through some creative animation techniques), an all-out battle of exploding tomato sauce and oatmeal bombs ensues. While all this was happening, a little boy in the row in front of me asked his dad, "Why don't they read the instructions in the book?" Exactly.
  
  Overall, there's some good animation, a few magnificent aerial sequences, some very pretty flower faeries, a cast of greats and just the right bit of green slime, but this film falls short in the most important areas: storytelling and performance. And I would warn parents to think twice before allowing children under the age of 7 or 8 to see this because of dark themes and very scary animation.
  
  
  
• Not for Younger Children
  By AUJEF31CXWTCQ on 2008-02-24
  Having read and enjoyed the books, I was surprised by some aspects of the Spiderwick movie. A warning to parents of children 9 and under: this movie is quite scary, and contains violence - yes, violence. There are many sword slashing scenes which feature puncturing, slashing, biting and blood. While most of the blood is monster (green) blood, Spiderwick also features scenes which reveal monster bites that make the monsters much more scarier and real than your average children's flick.
  
  Another disappointing aspect to Spiderwick is the portrayal of the father. The father is seen as cold, uncaring, and unloving. The father cheats on his wife, abandons her, and abandons the children - even at the end of the movie. Lastly, there is a scene in which it appears that the father has come to the rescue, but in reality, the father is actually a hideous monster in disguise.
  
  Why Spiderwick goes out of its way to portray fathers in such a very negative light to such a young and impressionable audience baffles me. This is careless, cruel and irresponsible.
  
  The movie could have easily - by a country mile - left the blood, violence and father bashing out, and Spiderwick would have been a 5 star movie. With the "junk" left in, it was 3 stars at best.
  
  In conclusion, I wouldn't say this is a movie for children under 10 unless a parent is involved. My younger daughter was scared to death by what was taking place on screen. Older children should be able to process the violence and father-bashing a little better.
  
  
  
  
• A great surprise of a movie
  By A2SE5PHJHE1P2S on 2008-03-02
  This movie was an incredible surprise and the acting was TOP-notch! My favorite actor was Aunt Lucy. I was at tears at the end. *No Spoilers!* The effects were great, the story was well paced, and the action actually had me at the edge of my seat sometimes. I gave it 5 stars because I honestly believe that this movie was BETTER than ANY of the Harry Potter films to date.
  
  
• Fun Enough
  By A1IW2WFTB6JR7M on 2008-03-23
  I just saw this over the weekend- and yet again, the industry belts out another fantastical tale complete with magic, and goblins, and monsters, and plenty of CGI, and here ya go kids-- thank you, good night.
  I've always been partial to the fantasy genre, but it seems everywhere you turn, there's another Harry Potter-"esque" movie coming out. I.E., The Golden Compass, Stardust, Lemony Snicketts, Mr Magoriums Wonder Emporium, and on and on. And the beauty of it is "with magic, anything is possible."
  Oh the story line is thin? Magic. Oh that last scene doesn't make sense? Magic. Oh you couldn't keep your kids quiet for two hours? Magic. Oh your tickets and popcorn came out to $42.00? Well that's the REAL Magic isn't it? This movie was cute, and easy on the eyes, but I don't think J.K. Rowlings is losing any sleep.
  
  
  
• Spiderwick Chronicles...
  By A33PNAQ33DGBJG on 2008-05-07
  An exciting kids (and parents too!) movie. Our Family enjoyed watching it together. It is based on a set of five books. Of course, the only disappointment in the movie was the veering away from the books. There is one scene that is a bit graphic (child stabbing father) It is quickly explained though. I can recommend for the whole family.
  
  
• Too watered-down and cutesy
  By A20EEWWSFMZ1PN on 2008-06-29
  The Grace family (mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, and their foil bearing sister, Mallory,) a little economically down on their luck and recovering from a nasty divorce moves into a creaky old house left to them by their great aunt Lucinda Spiderwick (Joan Plowright.) Jared (Freddie Highmore plays Jared Grace/Simon Grace) finds Uncle Arthur Spiderwick's"Field Guide to Magical creatures. " This unleashes a plethora of creatures that what the field guide to help them gain their rightful place in the world. Unfortunately their place means the elimination of the Grace family. Naturally mob is oblivious to the threat until it is too real to ignore and too late.
  
  The main theme to the story is of a dysfunctional family that must band together to survive the onslaught magical creatures. This results in each member understanding the other better; now they metamorphose to a co-dependent family.
  
  The set of books that are really one story in five cauterize books of course present a more in-depth story where the children are more cunning and resourceful. There were many compromises as movies must make them to fit the media and time constraints. However some changes were not necessary and down right uncalled for. Hogsqueal the hobgoblin was changed from a cunning creature that changed sides at will until and if his true colors showed, to a squealy revengeful cartoon character.
  
  I will not go into the other characters but also we are not told that the goblin's roasting spit is the family cat, leaving us to wonder if it was the Easter Bunny. And what is with the cuter walking off into the sunset type ending running a chivalrous exit.
  
  Because Blu-ray is just a standard now and everything is made in it there is no reason to go in to the intricacies. The DVD extras are mostly rehashing the movie.
  
  The Spiderwick Chronicles (Boxed Set): The Field Guide; The Seeing Stone; Lucinda's Secret; The Ironwood Tree; The Wrath of Mulgrath
  
  Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You: Movie Tie-in Edition (The Spiderwick Chronicles)
  
  
• "A Gift Only A Hobgoblin Can Bestow"
  By A141HP4LYPWMSR on 2008-08-02
  The '08 film `The Spiderwick Chronicles' is an exciting, exhilarating, enchanting and at times surprisingly eerie tale that absolutely bowled me over! There's nothing I enjoy more than a tale dealing with the denizens of the "Secret Commonweath" consisting of the elves, fairies, sylphs, goblins, trolls and the rest of the mythic creatures that move unseen behind every flower and stone, or on occasion a dusty book in the library for that matter.
  
  There's not much in this movie that one could honestly point to as a totally original idea. Upon viewing `The Spiderwick Chronicles' one will immediately recognize the numerous bits and pieces of storyline borrowed from a rather broad spectrum of other well-known fantasy and horror films.
  
  On the lighter side of the tale we see glimpses from such beloved family films as; `The Neverending Story' from '84, `Labyrinth from '86 and of course the immensely successful `Harry Potter' series.
  
  However the plot of `The Spiderwick Chronicles' deals predominantly with the darker aspects of the Fairy Realm and this unexpected dark side of the film is what ultimately fascinates and beguiles its audience. The more children friendly films mentioned above are counterbalanced with cinematic aspects found in some surprisingly frightening adult films. You'll find overt correlations with such movies as; the legendary cult classic `Night of the Living Dead' from `68` and the '87 teen favorite `The Lost Boys'.
  
  However the greatest source of inspiration for this storyline surely must have been an obscure little film from '03 titled `Inhabited'. In fact there are simply too many similarities for it to be a nothing more than a coincidence.
  
  Having said all this let me also say that I don't share these similarities to dissuade you from viewing this film. I share it as an observation and nothing more. Afterall there's nothing new under the sun that hasn't been done before so the goal is to take what's already there and do it better and that's just what `The Spiderwick Chronicles' accomplishes. The film grabbed my rapt attention from the beginning and never let up. There's absolutely nothing I didn't enjoy about this film which is sure to become a classic in the years ahead.
  
  Message to Parents: If you have small children who want to watch this please take the time to view it with them. The goblins and troll will appear quite frigntening to a young audience so be forewarned.
  
  Postscript: Also remember to keep plenty of honey on hand and don't forget tomato sauce kills goblins.
  
  
• Pure Magic
  By A2A6NH6DPE0VXR on 2008-02-16
  The Spiderwick Chronichles is one of the better recent fantasy movies based on a book series. It's about a boy named Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore) who moves into a house with his mom (Mary-Louise Parker), sister and twin brother "who Highmore also plays of course". Soon after he arrives he notices some strange things about the house, such as something living in the walls. When he starts poking holes in the walls his mom thinks it's over anger issues due to his father leaving them. So yes there's a sub-plot about divorces and him missing his father and wanting to live with him.
  
  The movie still sweeps you away though once he finds a mysterious book that holds all the mysteries of a hidden magical world. Soon after finding the book he meets who he heard behind the walls. He's warned by it not to ever leave the house with the book and that him and his family are in danger due to him even opening it. Soon after that goblins start coming after him and his family led by the evil Mulgarath (Nick Nolte).
  
  I liked Narnia but I found The Spiderwick Chronicles to be just as good as any of the Harry Potter movies. Just don't expect to be able to bring small kids because just like Potter, it's too intense for them. Moving on, this movie is magical and instantly became one of my new favorite fantasy films. It helps that the cast is pretty good. David Strathairn especially is solid as Arthur Spiderwick who's obsession with fairies and other creatures is what started all the trouble in the first place. Nick Nolte is pretty creepy when his character is shown in human form. While Seth Rogan is funny as the voice of a good creature who means to help Jared but loses sight of his goals whenever he spots a bird. One thing I just don't get though, if tomatoe sauce kills goblins, then would just throwing a tomatoe at a goblin kill it too or how about ketchup ? lol.
  
  
• Solid, unpretentious fantasy for the whole family
  By A2R1HAXRNU0QX7 on 2008-02-18
  I doubt that THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES will enjoy that same longevity that the film adaptations of HARRY POTTER (and possibly even the current CHRONICLES OF NARNIA) will. However, it is nonetheless a more solid adaptation of its source material than the tonally misguided SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS, more down-to-earth than the lovely but boring GOLDEN COMPASS and FAR superior to the horrific ERAGON.
  
  The SPIDERWICK books are slight volumes indeed, and the movie easily adapts all five of them into one film less than 2 hours long. Unless the film is a hit and its makers decide to "invent" their own sequels, this CHRONICLE will stand alone. And that's probably okay. It's nice to see a "family epic" that doesn't have a transparent agenda to be the first in a series of smash hits.
  
  It's a relatively humble story, told with simplicity. It begins with that most tiresome of all family movie clichés...the newly single mother moving into a decrepit old house in the middle of nowhere with her unhappy city kids. The children hate the new little town they have to live in, the creeky and creepy old house and to some extent, their overstressed mother. Isn't there any other way to get a family into a "haunted" or "mysterious" house anymore?!?!
  
  Fortunately, this worn-out idea is quickly thrust aside, as one of the kids (played by young Freddie Highmore of FINDING NEVERLAND) discovers a hidden room that holds the secret workshop and writings of Arthur Spiderwick, a long gone relative who is reputed to have been more than a little nuts about pursuing his life's work of documenting the magical "other world" of fairies, goblins, etc. that exists right along side ours...only invisibly.
  
  As you might guess, it turns out this world exists. At first, no one believes young Highmore, especially his twin brother (also played by Highmore) and his older sister. But they soon embark on adventures that prove the existence of this magical world, and unwittingly they have also enabled that world to threaten their very lives.
  
  The movie is partly an exploration of the magical world, as we learn some of its rules and meet its inhabitants. Most enjoyable is Thimbletack, a little creature charged with guarding the book that contains all these secrets. He's got a love of honey, which is good, because feeding him a honey-smeared cracker calms his tendency to turn into a little, green, angry ogre. All the creatures are CGI rendered and the effects, while not earth-shattering, are convincing enough to allow for proper suspension of disbelief.
  
  The others parts of the movie are a detective story (as the kids try to put together the truth) and some light action sequences, because in the end, the goblins must be battled. There is also a subplot featuring David Straithairn (as Arthur Spiderwick) and Joan Plowright that I won't go into any detail on, because it is the source of the lovely and satisfying ending.
  
  The movie is perfectly entertaining, but hardly flawless. After awhile, you realize that virtually the entire thing is taking place at the one house, with brief forays to a magical glade and to the town. It feels a little "stagebound" for lack of a better word. In some ways, this keeps the story small and more grounded in our world. But it also prevents any sense of truly sweeping vistas (despite one scene of the kids flying on the back of a Griffin). This makes the film seem just a little low-budget...just when we have grown to expect more from these sorts of films. (On the other hand, at least it doesn't exceed its grasp.) Also, Freddie Highmore, a very talented young actor, is just not quite up to a convincing American accent, and this bothered me just a little throughout the film.
  
  But on the other hand, watching the first moment when flowers in a flower bed turn into fairies is a true high-point...a moment of brief loveliness that sneaks up on you. In fact, SPIDERWICK is a film of small pleasures throughout. Little details, tiny touches...these are what you'll remember...long after the splattering of goblins and trolls.
  
  ---see more of my reviews on [..]
  
  
• What an Adventure!
  By A2F3SXHT6RBV81 on 2008-02-20
  This movie was supberbly acted and the children delightful. The monster was a bit scary for someone not familiar with the story. To be able to go back in time and stay the same was not new but, in this case, totally delighful.
  
  
• Pretty, Darned Good
  By A3M2WW0PO34B94 on 2008-02-21
  Jared and Simon Grace (Freddie Highmore, "Finding Neverland", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory"), twin brothers and their older sister, Mallory (Sarah Bolger), move into the dilapidated Spiderwick mansion with their divorced mother Helen (Mary Louise Parker). The family home is available to them because Aunt Lucinda (Joan Plowright), the 86 year-old daughter of Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn), has finally gone to the sanatorium to live out the remainder of her life. Almost immediately, Jared, the more rebellious, surly of the twins, suspects there are creatures living in the house. He soon finds Spiderwick's secret study and a handmade book covered with a wax seal and a warning. "Do Not Open This Book". Naturally, Jared opens the book and learns of Spiderwick's lifelong obsession with faeries, goblins and trolls. Throughout his life, Spiderwick documented everything about these creatures, charms, cures, protective spells. As soon as he finished the book, Mulgarath (voiced by Nick Nolte), a huge, monstrous troll, made it his quest to get the book because once he has the information in his possession, he has control over all beasts, including humans. Thimbletack (voiced by Martin Short), a house elf, helps to protect the book and Hogsqueal (voice by Seth Rogen) helps the family in their battle against Mulgarath and his goblins. Naturally, as soon as Jared reads the book, he becomes a target and Simon and Mallory have to help him fight off the troll and his minions. Their mother, dealing with a move, a divorce and family problems, is slow to catch on, but once she does, she helps with the battle.
  
  Based on a series of popular children's books "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is a very well-made, exciting, fast-paced film for the whole family. It has the detail, the level of danger and the characters most filmmakers strive for when making a film they hope will join the cannon of family classics like "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" and the dozens of other family classics.
  
  Directed by Mark Waters ("Mean Girls", "Freaky Friday"), the child actors are really good. Freddie Highmore, who was so memorable in "Finding Neverland" and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", plays twin brothers Jared and Simon. Twins are difficult for adult actors to play, so it seems even more remarkable that Highmore is able to create and maintain distinct personalities for both. Jared is the more rebellious one; Simon is the quieter, more accepting child. When they first arrive at the Spiderwick house, it quickly becomes apparent Jared would rather be somewhere else. He has his iPod turned up so loud so he can refrain from interacting with his brother, his sister and most especially, his mother, who he considers responsible for his parent's divorce. In fact, he is waiting for their dad, Richard (Andrew McCarthy) to show up and take him away to live with him. Jared is also the more adventurous brother, so when he finds a mysterious book marked "Do Not Open", he will, of course, open it. Simon's the more reflective, quieter brother. He realizes there is a rift in the family and wants to try to help repair it. But he is also willing to follow his brother just about anywhere. So when it becomes apparent Jared's actions in opening the Spiderwick Chronicles have placed them all in danger, Simon immediately jumps into the fray and fights alongside his brother.
  
  Sarah Bolger plays Mallory, the older sister, and she is also good. As with older siblings, she knows and realizes things the younger kids won't and can't, and tries to help her mom deal with the situation. She is, initially, unable to believe Jared and Simon's tales of creatures living in another world just outside the house, trying to break through. But when she gets a glimpse of them, she joins her brothers and brings her unique skills to the mix.
  
  Mary-Louise Parker plays Helen, the divorced single mom trying to make a fresh start of it in the dilapidated family mansion. So often in `family films' the story is centered around the kids and the adults are barely a presence in their life, receiving little, if any, attention from the filmmakers. In "Spiderwick", Helen has a lot of issues of her own, things she is trying to deal with as she tries to raise these three kids on her own. She yells too much and doesn't listen, two key problems she has to deal with, which will also play a significant role in later events in the story. It is nice to see a fully fleshed out adult role in a `family film' like this.
  
  David Strathairn plays Arthur Spiderwick, the man who spent his entire life chronicling everything her could about the faeries, goblins and trolls living around him. As soon as he finished the book, he sets into effect events that will affect and follow his family for eighty years. His role is brief, but no less memorable. His actions have flavored every frame of the film, and we always remember him and what he has done.
  
  Joan Plowright, a formidable actress, plays Aunt Lucinda, a woman who has had to live with the consequences of her fathers' actions, alone, for the last eighty years. She plays a key role in the action late in the film, giving the family the extra knowledge they need to beat Mulgarath.
  
  The voice actors (Nick Nolte, Martin Short and Seth Rogen) are all good. Surprisingly, Short is pleasantly low-key, giving his character, a house elf who helps Arthur Spiderwick protect his book, a believable fairy tale quality.
  
  "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is a beautiful film to watch and this can only be credited to Caleb Deschanel, the cinematographer who directed "The Black Stallion" and has worked as a cinematographer on dozens of other films. He captures the look and feel of what I have to guess is upstate New York, in the fall, in all its wonder and glory. The film mimics the palette of falling leaves, painting everything in orange, brown and dark yellow tones. It is really a beauty.
  
  And this beauty meshes abnormally well with the CGI. Early on, the story establishes the boundaries of the human world and the magical world explored by Arthur Spiderwick. When he realizes he needs to protect his family, he creates a barrier around the house to protect them from attack. As soon as he finishes his book, he creates a need for Mulgarath to enter our world, so an alternate world is opened. Because these two worlds are so similar, little is done to make one seem different. The world inhabited by the magical creatures is a little more saturated with color, but that is about it. When these creatures pop up, they magically appear and seem to blend in to this world effortlessly. This is a key of how good the CGI is, and how well it blends with Deschanel's cinematography. It all appears seamless. There is a level of reality to them, making them appear more realistic.
  
  Spiderwick also creates a special monocle lens allowing its wearer to see the other creatures. This allows for some interesting and exciting battles, especially in the beginning. Mallory, who is good at fencing, uses the lens to battle off the creatures, turning to fight them only when she able to see them. Later, there is a plot point negating the need for this lens, making the battles less interesting. Until Mom needs some help, to protect her and help her kids fight off the attackers.
  
  Director Waters has done a great job of combining believable performances, beautiful cinematography and great special effects in a rousing adventure for the whole family. Better yet, the film creates a definite feeling of menace for the characters, giving them a real goal to fight for, giving the audience something to root for. And the outcome is moving as well as believable. If you are able to suspend your disbelief a little and go with the flow of the story.
  
  
  
• Cliches Are Cliches For A Reason
  By AQZKKNNG6GWKV on 2008-03-17
  As I went to see this, I wondered; Why do they keep making fantasy movies with child protagonist(s)?
  
  And then I saw the movie, and I realized it's because it works.
  
  The movie was fun. Not too serious, just serious enough. Freddie Highmore starts off slow, but ends up impressing with some serious skills, playing both Jared and his pacifistic brother Simon. (Special note to his performance in the scene when Jared goes to rescue Simon from the goblins.)
  
  I thought the end was a bit corny and predictable, but overall, I found the movie light and enjoyable: Everything you could expect from a film of it's kind.
  
  On an end-note: After I saw the movie, I just had to try crackers and honey. It's actually quite good.
  
  
• Awesome movie!
  By A10UZAPS9EFBW8 on 2008-04-27
  It is full of adventure and mystery and it kept my family's attention the whole time! Great family movie!
  
  
• Spiderwick Chronicles
  By A1C9C1QOQB94RT on 2008-05-25
  Audiences that enjoy science fiction and fantasy films will love The Spiderwick Chronicles. The animation is fantastic and extremely believable. The acting is wonderful. This is the second time I have seen Freddie Highmore's acting on screen and I think he is destined for great things. The plot line does not require too much thought, which makes the film all that much more enjoyable. The characters are funny at times, you will jump at times and you may even cry a few times. This is a film you will want to see again and again!
  
  
• Make Up Doesn't Hide an Already Ugly Face
  By A1LWQUPAMBEW2A on 2008-06-28
  Too juvenile to appeal to a mature audience and yet too scary to be appropriate for a younger one. They spare no expense when it comes to beautiful CGI effects but clearly have both a sloppy screenplay and poor director. Quite a few of these actors are big names with consistently good performances so I couldn't believe their cheesy acting. I am a huge movie fan and love a good cinematic interpretation of a book and believe whole-heartedly in the director and screenplay writer's creative license to make changes to the story to better fit the screen. That said, the books really deserved better.
  
  
• A Great Movie
  By A3N6GAJTEOF4MO on 2008-09-21
  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.
  
  

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