In this fantasy tale based upon a series of books written by Holly Black, griffins, goblins and fairies are commonplace but hidden from view. A family consisting of twin boys and their older sister must defend their home and a mysterious book from the creatures of darkness. This film is not just for children, as real tension and danger lurk around every nook and cranny of the creepy home and voluminous yard, keeping moviegoers on the edge of their seat.
“The Spiderwick Chronicles” is able to create an awe-inspiring magical world similar to that found in the “Harry Potter” films, while telling a much different story that relies more on intellect and less on spells. The family must deal with their own real-life emotional issues and problems within the context of these new hazards, which keeps the story grounded and character-driven while allowing the audience to experience the fantastical.
The Grace family moves into an old house owned by recently separated Helen’s (Mary-Louise Parker, TV’s “Weeds”) crazy aunt Lucinda, who has been institutionalized for several years. The twin boys, Jared and Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) are polar opposites: One boy is outspoken and courageous while the other is quiet and intellectual. Jared starts hearing things go bump in the walls and finds a hidden dumbwaiter, which takes him into the abandoned study of his ancestor, Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn, “The Bourne Ultimatum”). Among the forgotten materials, Jared discovers the Spiderwick Chronicles, a book containing many secrets of the magical creatures among us. By opening the book, Jared unwittingly starts a series of events that will place his family in jeopardy, as the all-powerful monster Mulgarath will do anything to get to the mysteries hidden within its pages.
Highmore is terrific in the roles of the twins, depicting each as entirely distinct from the other. The children are both portrayed with passion, as they completely sell the idea of being afraid but fascinated by the discoveries they make. The children and their mother are put in very real danger, whether they know it or not, since many of the mystical creatures cannot be seen without special tools.
The internal logic of the story is maintained throughout, as everything that happens is explained and well understood by the audience. The backstory is fascinatingly told in sepia tones, mostly found within the confines of the journal, as the audience gets to learn of Spiderwick and his research.
The magical beings introduced are all unique, and even the good creatures have personality flaws which keep the children on their guard. Mulgarath is menacing to almost the same degree as Harry Potter’s Voldemort. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” hearken back to the earlier days of cinematic fantasy as seen in “Legend” and “The Never-ending Story,” when fairy tales could be scary and appropriate for children’s eyes. The ending perfectly resolves the story and will touch even the most grown-up hearts.
Rated PG for scary creature action and violence, peril and some thematic elements.
