DVD Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles

From the beloved, best-selling series of books comes an extraordinary fantasy adventure, revealing the unseen world that exists all around us. From the moment the Grace family moves into a secluded old house peculiar things start to happen. Unable to explain the accidents and strange disappearances, the Grace children, Jared, Simon and Mallory start to investigate and find the unbelievable truth of the Spiderwick Estate and the amazing creatures that inhabit it.

Review:
The Spiderwick Chronicles tells the tale of a magical unseen world in which fantastical creatures exist and thrive. In the tradition of childhood fantasy movies such as Harry Potter and The Chronicles of Narnia, The Spiderwick Chronicles hits a bit closer to home. Revolving around a seemingly ordinary family with their own share of drama, the movie is based on much loved best-selling books.

The Grace family moves in the home of their great aunt and from day one, Jared Grace can tell that there is something different about this house. Hearing noises on the inside of the walls, he decides to explore and what he finds is anything but ordinary. He discovers Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide and the unbelievable and incredible truth about Spiderwick Estate. The book warns the reader that it should remain sealed, but Jared can’t help but to open the book and read the contents. After doing so, the magical world becomes very much aware of the family’s arrival, and Mulgarath, the movie’s villain, makes it a point to retrieve the Field Guide. Jared, his twin brother and his sister are soon on an amazing journey to make everything right and protect the innocent creatures of the magical world.

Viewers who haven’t read the books might find themselves a bit underwhelmed by it all when compared to other movies from this genre. However, it’s certainly a movie that children will enjoy, especially those that enjoy similar fantasy movies. When compared to the books, the movie definitely lacks a bit of the atmosphere and many would argue it lacks a good bit of the charm as well. For an adaptation though, it’s quite good at keeping the majority of important story arcs intact. The acting was all quite good, and the special effects were also entertaining to watch. Harry Potter it isn’t, but it’s still worth checking out.

Review by Emma Loggins

Grade: B
Official site: http://www.spiderwick.com/
Buy on Amazon: The Spiderwick Chronicles

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