THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES

Based on the series of children’s books by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black, The Spiderwick Chronicles is a simple, entertaining trip into the realm of imagination. Using above average special effects, this film manages to capture the fairytale landscape of childhood and create an endearing, uncomplicated good versus evil adventure story.













After their parents’ separation, the Grace children — Jared, his twin brother Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore) and their sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger) — are forced to move into a creepy, old family estate in the middle of nowhere. While exploring the house, Jared discovers a mysterious book with a cryptic note warning that the book must never be opened. Curious, Jared reads the book and discovers that a strange world of faeries and monsters exists around the estate. Soon, an evil ogre and an army of goblins are after the book of faerie secrets, and Jared must work with his family to stop them at all costs.









Though comparable to the Harry Potter films in both tone and quality, The Spiderwick Chronicles is geared towards a slightly younger audience. The straightforward story is reminiscent of the type of imaginative adventure games children actually play, with un-crossable magical lines, comically ferocious creatures and a lot of running from place to place. And though this is very much a children’s movie, parents will not be disappointed, as the story is captivating enough to allow adult imaginations to come out and play.

Opening this Thursday is the Paramount fantasy adventure “The Spiderwick Chronicles.”

Peculiar things start to happen the moment the Grace family (Jared, his twin brother Simon, sister Mallory and their mom) leave New York and move into the secluded old house owned by their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Unable to explain the strange disappearances and accidents that seem to be happening on a daily basis, the family blames Jared. When he, Simon and Mallory investigate what's really going on, they uncover the fantastic truth of the Spiderwick estate and of the creatures that inhabit it. The movie is based on the best-selling series of books.

Anyhow, to help promote the film, Paramount recently held a press day and I got to participate in a roundtable interview with the star of the movie, Freddie Highmore.

While you may not know Freddie’s name, you’ve definitely seen his work. Although he’s just turning 16, Freddie has starred in “Finding Neverland,” “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “A Good Year,” “August Rush” and a number of other TV and film projects. And in this film he’s not content to play just one part…he’s playing two! He play’s both Jared and Simon, who are twin brothers.

Unlike some American teen actors that I’ve interviewed, Freddie came across as an extremely well balanced and someone that has his head on straight. It was nice to see.
Young fans of the novels won’t be disappointed with The Spiderwick Chronicles, despite the fact that it condenses the series into a single movie. Happily, this is a family film that actually pleases the whole family. (Paramount)