A bevy of fantasy films have populated our local multiplex since the enormous critical and commercial success of "The Lord of the Rings." Several of these films, like "Rings," are based on beloved books, mostly for the children demographic. "The Chronicles of Narnia," "Eragon," "The Golden Compass" and, of course, "Harry Potter" can all be included in this vast abyss of source material.
"The Spiderwick Chronicles" is based on a series of children's books by Tony Diterlizzi and Holly Black. And while the visuals may capture you, the story may leave you a bit bored.
The Grace family-older sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), twins Jared and Simon (a dual performance by Freddie Highmore) and their mother Helen (Mary-Louise Parker)-move from the hustle and bustle chaos of New York City to the secluded old home that belonged to their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn).
Spiderwick wrote a field manual detailing all the fantasy creatures he encountered in his busy studies. Included in the book are spells and various defenses against the dark forces, led by Mulgarath (Nick Nolte). Aided by creatures Hogsquel (voiced by Seth Rogen) and Thimbletack (voiced by Martin Short), the rebellious and distant Jared begins to cultivate the growing and curious occurrences that left his brother and sister in disbelief.
"Spiderwick" is directed by Mark Waters, a creative director who is somewhat an expert in people being thrust into compromising situations, particularly of adolescents. Waters guided Lindsay Lohan in both the "Freaky Friday" remake and "Mean Girls." Here, Highmore's dual performance showcases what Lohan lost in her drug use: talent. Ever since "Finding Neverland," the quasi-biopic of Peter Pan author J.M. Barrie, Hoghmore has been on a roll of rich, meaningful roles. Johnny Depp, who played Barrie in "Neverland," convinced director Tim Burton to put Highmore in the title role of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory."
Highmore helps elevate a ho-hum story by his great performance. Because of his performance as twins, we see how great the kid is at playing the roles of torn and separated to sweet and innocent.
Also expertly cast is Seth Rogen, albeit in just vocal form. The new poster boy for the stoner comedy really transcends simple voice-work of animated characters. You really believe he could be a three-foot tall, pig-nosed creature who is easily distracted by the flutter of a beautiful-and delicious-bird. He shows here that he can do raunchy, R-rated comedy as well as mild, amusing kiddie fare.
The special effects, by the experts of George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic, one-up the Oscar-nominated work of "The Golden Compass" with such seamless, realistic effects. Whether a Bogart charging the Spiderwick house through the rustle of fallen autumn leaves to Hogsquel bounding up and down a tree, ILM's work is fantastical.
"The Spiderwick Chronicles," is an admirable start to a franchise that shows remarkable potential but falls decidedly short of full-blown fantastic fantasy.
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