One could say that this is film is making the best of a bad situation. Basically you've got an awful script filled with every kind of kid's film stereotype, a trio of too-precocious youths who are having family trouble (side note: I used to think I was unique in growing up with divorced parents. If kid's films these days are any indication, it's frighteningly common nowadays), a disbelieving parent, and of course the token adult who's in on the conspiracy, played here by a curiously miscast David Strathairn. Yet, despite the generally terrible writing, everyone (except Strathairn) plays their part with such furious conviction that it's not hard to get swept up in the fun. Not only that, but (and this part genuinely surprised me) the action scenes in this film are truly intense! Much of the rest of this fairy tale is your basic kid's film fluff: tons of the now-standard fantastical special effects and “kids can overcome anything” proselytizing. So it all adds up to a mixed bag for adults; the action is great but there isn't a lot else here. But the film's target audience will likely be enthralled (and appropriately thrilled) for its entire runtime.
7 out of 10.
Monday, February 18, 2008
The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)
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1 comment:
I enjoyed watching it with my 9 yr old grandson. It was scary at first, but then became more predictible. I liked the symbolism especially the catsup for the blood of protection for Israelites in Egypt It was a good ending ie the father and daughter being united together and going to heaven together, restoring that which had been lost. IT had a very sweet ending, but I would not recommend it for anyone under 8 or 9 years of age.
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