Rated PG for scary creature action and violence, peril and some thematic elements.
96 Minutes
Directed By: Mark Waters
Written By: David Berenbaum and Karey Kirkpatrick
Staring: Mary Louise Parker, Nick Nolte, Freddie Highmore, Sarah Bolger, Andrew McCarthy, Joan Plowright, David Strathaim, Seth Rogan, and Martin Short
Vengeance or death!… Hopefully vengeance. -Hogsqueal
Synopsis
Upon moving into the run-down Spiderwick Estate with their mother, twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace, along with their sister Mallory, find themselves pulled into an alternate world full of faeries and other creatures.
Review
It’s advertisements almost make it seem a copy of what the Harry Potter films capitalized on, but in fact, Spiderwick is very different. It is it’s own mastermind fantasy creation. A world within a world we don’t know about. It has that in common with Harry Potter, but the similarities end there. It is surprisingly very dark and ominous. Two brothers and their sister find themselves in a dark magical world full of mystery and danger, and no one can see or understand the world but them.
Spiderwick tapped into something original and unknown, which kudos to that in itself. It’s so rare to really create something all of it’s own anymore that seeing something fresh and different is a enormous relief. It’s vibrant world has a mystic feel that intertwines reality and fantasy flawlessly. It’s really incredible visuals, and compelling CGI work. The Spiderwick Estate itself is impressive, and all the creatures that live outside it.
Beyond the visual accomplishments Spiderwick’s story has many levels of complexity and interest with the character’s and plot that truly opens the door for a series of films that at this point seem entirely plausible. The story was suspenseful while entertaining, and easy to get lost in. The character’s are enchanting and clever, the story itself engaging, and the world around fascinating. I can’t wait for more Spiderwick, as it was a delightful adventure to be a part of.
