THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES
Rated PG
Freddie Highmore, Mary-Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Joan Plowright, David Strathairn

Brian's Rating

One of the disadvantages of being a film critic with no children is that I am unfamiliar with many of the books that have been made into movies.

My introduction to Hogwarts, Terabithia, Narnia and other magical places took place in a multiplex rather than a reading room, but watching these films in a theatre filled with anxious pre-teens and their parents gives me added perspective.

In the case of The Spiderwick Chronicles, I had a pretty good time with this fantastic tale of humans interacting with fairies and goblins, but the audience seemed to be delighted.

The story and characters are interesting and the film's all-star cast does an exceptional job. There are some scary scenes that will be too intense for the very young, but these instances are well balanced with episodes of comic relief.

The Spiderwick Chronicles delivers something for everyone.