Running time: 1 hr 47 mins
Mary-Louise Parker
Sarah Bolger
David Strathairn
Joan Plowright
Critical consenus:
*** out of *****
C-
Mikey @ The Movies Official Rating:
** out of *****
The premise:
The Story and Screenplay: I appreciate a good fantasy film, I for one love the genre, as I have made it known in past reviews. I love the unique ideas people come up with for these types of films, but it doesn't always work. Honestly, this is one of those times where it didn't work. This screenplay written by Karey Kirkpatrick and David Berenbaum was all over the place, I didn't really make any sense to me. I know fantasy films generally don't make much sense in terms of our reality, but this story itself was just so bad. These mythical creatures and their reason for existing didn't truly get explained, nor did the threat of them. Was the whole world in jeopardy from these things once this special book was openened? Or was it just this house and family? We never really know. It wasn't the believabilty factor of the writing and story that irked me, it was just the way it played out that was so bothersome and I don't like it when a movie, especially one geared towards children, doesn't compute in my mind...and I'm a 23 year old.
The Story and Screenplay rating: *1/2 out of *****
The Performances: We have a cast of children, CGI goblins, and some random adult actors who have earned critical praise in their past. Starting with the children we have Sarah Bolger a fairly unknown actress, at least to me. She failed to impress me in any aspect, she was very bland. SAG Award Nominee, Freddie Highmore (Finding Neverland) tries to pull off an American accent here (he's british), and I honestly had a hard time believing it was his real voice. There were times he sounded like his voice was dubbed by another actor. It's hard to explain, you just have to see to understand. Then there were times where he was actually kind of good. Theres no mistaking it, Freddie Highmore is a good young actor, he just wasn't what he was in Finding Neverland. Oh and did I mention he plays twins? Yes, there are two Freddies in this film. One character is the shy nerd type, the other is the lead character, who is the rebelious little teenager. He was OK, but needs to go back to his native british tongue. Also, does this kid ever age? I swear he was the same height and what have you in Finding Neverland four years ago. Whatever. The adult cast was good. We have Oscar Nominee David Strathairn (Good Night & Good Luck) has Arthur Spiderwick. It's more of a limited role, but his character is primarily the reason this film exists. He's always been good, but this movie is beneath him. Emmy and Golden Globe winner Mary-Louise Parker (TV's Weeds and Angels in America) actually delivers kind of a corny performance, I wasn't a big fan of her in this film.
Performance rating: **1/2 out of *****
Direction and Filmaking: You know, this movie looks pretty cool in some regard. The special effects are a little weak and look very cartoony and not so real. Was that the point though? I don't know. Mainly though, the camera work was pretty impressive and the musical scoring was another bright spot. Director Mark Waters does well with making the film look "pretty" but doesn't direct his young actors very well, or maybe he did the best he could with the weaker than weak screenplay. Impressive overall look and feel, but that's all we get really.
Direction and Filmaking rating: ** out of *****
CURRENT MIKEY @ THE MOVIE AWARD NOMINATIONS:
- None
To view this films theatrical trailer click this link: The Spiderwick Chronicles
*This film is now on DVD
*This was the 52nd new film I have seen and reviewed in 2008.
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