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Created Mar 01, 2008 02:17PM PST • Edited Mar 01, 2008 02:17PM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   Great 4.0

   This fantasy adventure, based on the book series of the same name, follows the adventures of the Grace family as they stumble into a unique situation as they move into a new house. The adventure begins as one of the siblings uncovers some amazing history about their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick, well played by David Strathairn (“The Bourne Ultimatum”, “Good Night Good Luck”).

4. Acting

   Great 4.0

   Freddie Highmore does great double duty as twin brothers Jared and Simon while sister Mallory is played by Sarah Bolger (“In America”). All three children do a fantastic job with their American accents and believable performances.

5. Male Stars Great 4.0

6. Female Stars Great 4.0

7. Female Costars Great 4.0

8. Male Costars Great 4.0

10. Film

    Great 4.0

    Great cinematography and the lighting when the family first arrived at the house reminds me of E.T. Great themes of human achivevement, trust and dealing with unhealthy possession and desire make this film a great adaptation of the book series written by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.

11. Direction Great 4.0

12. Play Great 4.0

13. Music Great 4.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0
15. Content

16. Edge

    Risqué 2.5

    The attacks on the house seem intense at first, but size does matter and diminishes the overall fear factor for kids. The goblin tactics also get a bit cartoonish to dull the violence/scare blade.

17. Sex Titillating 2.5

18. Violence Fierce 2.5

19. Rudeness Salty 2.5

21. Reality

    Fantasy 4.5

    Definitely a kid’s fantasy film. Floating groups of dandelion seeds take people between worlds and Spiderwick himself discovers the hidden mythical creatures, good and bad.

22. Circumstantial Fantasy 4.5

23. Biological Fantasy 4.5

24. Physical Fantasy 4.5