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By Ivan Lin 　Translated by Ann Lee

The Spiderwick Chronicles 　2008/04/04

Rating: PG　Fantasy/Adventure/Family

It's a well-worn truth that people want what they can't have. The thrill of the chase, the excitement of desire, the challenge of unrequited love--all of these powerful emotions cause us to attempt what we are banned from doing. This inevitable set-up is exactly where we find Jared, the young lead character of "The Spiderwick Chronicles." Luckily, Jared's sense of adventure and curiosity, leads the audience through a well-rooted story with a lot of intriguing details.

The story begins with Jared, his twin brother Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore), sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), and their desperate mother Grace (Mary-Louise Parker) moving away from New York, into an old house owned by their great uncle. After they move into the run-down, hundred-year-old Spiderwick Estate, they are privy to several bizarre happenings inside the house; besides weird, suspicious sounds, the children find a book that supposedly tells the secret to the mystery and the truth about the strange creatures who lurk in the shadows. However, the book is stamped with a fearful warning, "Do not dare to read this book, for if you take one fateful look, you barter at your life's expense and face a deadly consequence."

The message, as we've learned countless times before in movies, books, and plays, is never that convincing. Of course, Jared opens the book. The boy is then sucked into an alternate world full of fairies, goblins, and a man-eater monster--the ruthless ogre leader Mulgarath! Everyone in the household must stick together to conquer the hordes of goblins and hideous creatures that lurk outside.

But don't worry--this isn't a horror movie; the storyline has a positive message. After finding out that Mulgarath wants to exterminate all humans and the fairies, Jared decides to take responsibility and make up for his indiscretion. The Spiderwick Chronicles is an alluringly delightful fantasy that infuses great character depth in both human and animated players. The pace of the movie is excellent for family entertainment, most ideal for second-grade through junior high students. Any children younger than that might become a bit scared while watching the film.
Although there are not that many surprises throughout the movie, there are a several creative elements in it. It positively reflects single-parent households, as the whole family sticks together with their mother. The children, though perhaps a bit mischievous, are brave; this makes them good role models for children in the audience. Also, besides seeing Nick Nolte as Mulgarath, you can expect to hear some voice-acting by Seth Rogen and Martin Short. Overall, this is a fun-filled, well-made fantasy film that is suitable for the whole family and will probably have your children searching through your closets, looking for a secret book of their own.