The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

User Rating:

6.9/10   

Director:

Mark Waters

Writers (WGA):

Karey Kirkpatrick (screenplay) and
David Berenbaum (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

14 February 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Family | Fantasy

Tagline:

Their World Is Closer Than You Think

Plot:

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.

Plot Keywords:

Dysfunctional Family | Basilisk | Actor Playing Multiple Roles | Family Relationships | Friendship

Awards:

1 win & 6 nominations

Cast

Freddie Highmore	...	Jared / Simon
Mary-Louise Parker	...	Helen
Nick Nolte	...	Mulgarath
Sarah Bolger	...	Mallory
Andrew McCarthy	...	Richard
Joan Plowright	...	Aunt Lucinda
David Strathairn	...	Arthur Spiderwick
Seth Rogen	...	Hogsqueal (voice)
Martin Short	...	Thimbletack (voice)
Jordy Benattar	...	Young Lucinda
Tod Fennell	...	Helen's Co-Worker
Mariah Inger	...	Nurse
Jeremy Lavalley	...	Tow Truck Driver
Lise Durocher-Viens	...	Mrs. Spiderwick
Tyler Patrick Jones	...	Additional Performer

Also Known As:

The Spiderwick Chronicles: The IMAX Experience (USA) (IMAX version)

MPAA:

Rated PG for scary creature action and violence, peril and some thematic elements.

Runtime:

96 min | 107 min (unrated version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | SDDS | DTS | Sonics-DDP (IMAX version)

Certification:

Norway:11 | Sweden:11 | Netherlands:6 | Australia:PG | Singapore:PG | South Korea:All | Ireland:PG | Finland:K-11 | Switzerland:10 (canton of Vaud) | Switzerland:10 (canton of Geneva) | South Africa:10M | Canada:G (Manitoba/Quebec) | Canada:PG (Alberta/British Columbia/Ontario) | UK:PG | Philippines:G (MTRCB) | USA:PG (certificate #43900) | Malaysia:U | Portugal:M/12 | Argentina:Atp | Germany:6 | Peru:PT | New Zealand:PG | Germany:12 (DVD rating) | Iceland:7

Filming Locations:

Montréal, Québec, Canada

Company:

Kennedy/Marshall Company, The

Trivia:

Film prints were shipped to some theaters under the fake title "Widow".

Goofs:

Continuity: Durring the fight scene in the house, Jarred throws several tomato bombs at the invaders. He is shown having only 1 in his hand throughout the scene. But when he throws the bomb and new one appears in his hand.

Quotes:

Hogsqueal: Bird!

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Getaway: Getaway's European Holiday (#17.10)" (2008)

Their World Is Closer Than You Think

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.

I've made up a theory: People who have read books that are turned into movies will be more harsh to judge the films unlike people who see movies without reading the book. I think this theory is right. I was disappointed by Harry Potter 5 at first, but watching it now for a year later and nearly forgetting about the book, I found it the best in the series.

The same might as well go with this film. I was disappointed. If you don't know, this film is based on 5 books. However, the movie ignores the 4th book, which is probably because of budget issues and/or limited running time. Still, I can't help but complain. There could've been more creative production designs to see, more action, and more magical creatures.

Apart from that, I felt that the film was well put together, especially the fact that they skipped a lot in the books. The special effects are very good, as well as the action scenes. I also may feel this film pushed the PG rating. It certainly is not as intense as Harry Potter 3 but there might be about 2 to 3 scenes that could make this film a PG-13 rating.

The performances here are decent, although not captivating. The film may be a bit fast paced, if you asked me. Overall, this is a decent adaption to another fantasy book. If you have read the books, you might be disappointed. If you have not, enjoy it.