Thanks for checking out our Spiderwick Chronicles review. If you’d like, you can check out the video version of the review at the bottom of this post.
You could be forgiven going into see “The Spiderwick Chronicles” if you thought you were in store for just some cheap fantasy kids film flagrantly trying to capitalize on the popularity of bigger and better fantasy films such at The Chronicles of Narnia or Lord of the rings. The marketing campaign certainly hasn’t done much to dispel that impression, nor have they even made the film to look very good. Still, it appears to be a family friendly film, so perhaps you’re already obligated to take some child of yours, or are close to, to see it. So what should you expect?
THE GENERAL IDEA
80 years ago Arthur Spiderwick discovered a magical world that exists all around us that we can’t see. In this magical world are creatures of indescribable wonder including pixies, faries, goblins, trolls, brownies and many more… all there in front of our eyes, but invisible to us. Spiderwick begins to learn all their secrets and chronicles his findings in a book that reveals how to see them, interact with them and if necessary how to fight some of them (not all of them are good). However, an evil Ogre and his minions wants the book so he can learn the secrets of all the other mystical creatures, destroy them all, and become the most powerful being on the planet… so powerful that not even humans can stop him. The book is hidden in Spiderwicks house, and 80 years later an unknowing family (part of his descendant’s family) move into the house, and one of the children discovers the book which once again arouses the eye of the evil Ogre.
THE GOOD
I never cease to be amazed by Freddie Highmore. I first took notice of him in “Finding Neverland” in which he was nothing short of amazing. Later he played opposite Johnny Depp again as the lead in Charlie and the Chocolate factory and once again was beyond exceptional for a child actor. In The Spiderwick Chronicles he delivers no less. He’s so good, they had to have him play 2 characters (he plays twin brothers in the movie). This kid just sells it and is the main reason so much of the film works. His awe and wonder, shock and amazement all draw you in as an audience member and you end up sharing that awe and wonder with him. I can’t wait to see him evolve and grow as an actor.
I’ve already mentioned that Highmore plays twin brothers in the film. Here’s the thing… I didn’t realize it was him playing both parts. It was done SO well, that I just assumed they got Highmore’s real life brother to play the other part. That’s how visually brilliant the two separate parts were handled. I didn’t even know it was being done. Credit the acting by Highmore, to way in which it was shot, the visual effects people for making look so seamless… whoever you credit doesn’t matter, the bottom line is I’ve never seen this technique done better.
An absolute key to making a film like this (fantasy/adventure) work is in the storytelling, make the audience feel the fantasy and wonder of the story. Get us caught up in it to the point we experience it with the characters. Spiderwick does that beautifully. Not only the fantasy elements, but the mystery elements and the “scary” elements as well. It’s not often you see a kid focused film do all of that so well.
THE BAD
The film has a running sub-story of the family (the mom and her three kids have just left their father back in New York) that for the most part works quite well, but there are times when it comes across as being poured on a bit too thick and forced at times. I probably wouldn’t have even noticed those parts if the rest of it wasn’t handled so well
OVERALL
The Spiderwick Chronicles is a fun fantasy adventure film that draws you in with the strength of its storytelling, the performances by the young actors and genuine mystery at times. The visual effects aren’t the best I’ve ever seen, but they more than suffice. A few weaker moments of forced family drama don’t take away at all from the story or the adventure and leaves you nothing short of a very good time. The Spiderwick Chronicles won’t become an instantly fantasy classic by any stretch of the imagination, but it certainly is a great film to see this weekend. I give the film a solid 8/10.
