Monday, July 21, 2008

The Spiderwick Chronicles (PG)

If the past few years are any indication, there are only two sources of Hollywood movies: Children's book series' and comic books. In both genres, there have been hits and misses. "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is one of the former. While there is nothing really new here (ogres, goblins and flying lion-birds, oh my), the movie still manages to feel somewhat fresh and is very entertaining. The story follows the Grace family, who are dealing with the separation of the parents and the single mom (Mary Louise Parker) takes possession of an old family house to try to makes ends meet. Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore, who does a nice job playing twins) is having the most trouble with this new situation and has been a little rough on his mother. When he finds an old journal from his great uncle, Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn), and he begins to describe the creatures in their midst, they all think he is just "acting out" again. The story then follows this family on their adventure against these new creatures as they try to keep the evil ogre, Mulgarath (Nick Nolte), from getting his hands on the book. The movie was very entertaining and exciting, sometimes scary, but not enough to make it unfit for a younger audience. "The Spiderwick Chronicles" is one of the better entries in this genre. It is not quite as dark and foreboding as the "Harry Potter" series and does not have the religious overtones of "Narnia" and "The Golden Compass". It is more straight-forward adventure and very enjoyable.

Grade: B

Trailer:

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