Cinema Review: The Spiderwick Chronicles

Since Toy Story came out there has been a habit in Hollywood of trying to make children’s films that also appeal to a more grown up audience. The way in which this is often done is to sneak in cynical references and soft innuendo. This approach often works but essentially means that the audience is watching two different films.

…but, there have always been films that are good enough to manage without and appeal to all ages without resorting to sly winks and say-no-more humour. Films such as The Princess Bride, The Goonies, Jumanji, Zathura, Bridge to Terabithia etc, work well because of strong characters and interesting ideas. The Spiderwick Chronicles is the latest edition to that list.

Based on the popular series of books, the film tells the story of a family who move to a new life in a rural house only to find that the world in which we live is shared with all manner of magical creatures. This all sounds like pretty standard stuff but where the film differentiates itself is in a willingness to be dark and dangerous; Mark Kermode’s description of this as a ‘horror film for children’ is spot on. When children are attacked by goblins you see flesh being torn, when they fight back you see these creatures slashed and burned. This is a strong PG that will scare younger children.

In addition to the danger, there are also surprisingly mature notions regarding family break-up and isolation
which are brilliantly acted by a cast that includes Nick Nolte, David Strathairn (probably tempted by John Sayles’ presence on the writing team), Joan Plowright, Seth Rogen and Martin Short. Despite that impressive roster the star of the piece is definitely Freddie Highmore who plays identical twins Jared and Simon Grace (although the character of Simon seems to exist purely as a plot point).

I really enjoyed this film. It is thrilling, original, funny and has plenty of depth - a real treat. This view was also wholeheartedly endorsed by my eleven-year old nephew who laughed and gasped, looked away at times and absolutely enjoyed himself.

8/10

cast & crew info

trailer