jhobdell Reviews

Quantum of Solace (2008)

Magic!

[9/10 · 7 November 2008]

Well as Marc Forster has frequently been quoted as saying: following Casino Royale was always going to be a tall order. A lot of people seem to have struggled with the idea of the story continuing on any and every level, from the quality of the film, to the development (or lack thereof) of Bond's character.

For me, this film was all about the psychology of the situation: that Bond has been viewed as a cold-blooded, ruthless killer only serves the aftermath of Vesper's death. The "inconsolable rage" drives him far and deep into his grief and in a darker vein than Casino Royale, it paves the way for Bond's traditional character: the serial one-night-stander trying to forget, the pithy humour masking his torment, the violence that outlets his rage, masking as duty to Queen and Country. And just for the record, if you doubt the development of Bond's character, consider both his return for the girl, whom he doesn't sleep with, his frustration at the death of Fields, and most importantly the moment of touching intimacy that he shares with Mathis.

For me, this film was never going to be about equalling Casino Royale and always about making the continuation of the story realistic and believable. In that regard I found little to fault here, from the opening chase sequence to the maturity of Bond's actions in the conclusion.

In all honesty my only gripe was the title song. If anything it was worse than the unbearable, tinny "Die Another Day" by Madonna: the only decent bit of melody was the guitar riff that only features twice within the song itself. Something better next time, please!

Tropic Thunder (2008)

Utterly stupid...I loved it!

[7/10 · 21 September 2008]

To be fair, the seven-star rating is possibly a little unfair. It's hard to know how to rate this film after seeing it only once. I laughed uproariously and that was enough.

The premise of making a more war-like atmosphere for filming a war epic was pretty good, even if the inevitable descent into an actual war-like environment was hopelessly predictable. With that out of the way, this film goes on to spoof every war epic for the last 30 years: Platoon, Apocalypse Now, Predator, Rambo, The Dirty Dozen and Forrest Gump to name but a few. There's even a hint of Proof of Life.

The film is utterly bizarre and totally brainless but all the random elements somehow hang together to make a vaguely coherent whole that is absolutely hilarious (although I'm still not sure how Tom Cruise's cameo fits in!)

Pineapple Express (2008)

Bizarre...and refreshingly oddball funny

[7/10 · 21 September 2008]

I wasn't sure what this was going to be like at all before seeing it. I'd seen the clip with Franco's foot stuck through the car windscreen of course (it's about the only trailer bit I could remember) but that wasn't much preparation. I've not really seen a stoner movie before (not and "understood" what was going on, so to speak) so this was a revelation of sorts. I'm from England, yet I have no doubt that this film is dripping 80s (and possibly even 70s) US TV nostalgia, in a similar sort of way to Son of Rambow over here.

The characters are all slightly deranged, but the observation on their little idiosyncrasies are quite delightfully done. In the end, the film is mostly about the eternal friendship that seems to pervade the stone-head's "psyche" (such as it is) and its presentation is hilarious. For some reason I found the bit where "Red" shoots off one of the dead guys' feet with a shotgun, for no apparent reason of course.

If you're not a fan of stoner's, obviously, stay away; if on the other hand you are, or you're not sure, this will probably amuse you a great deal!

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

Better than 1 but still not up to scratch

[5/10 · 25 August 2008]

First things first: let's be honest, the first film was rubbish. For me the glaring oversight was not having a brilliantly stonking heavy metal (ish) soundtrack: the film was crying out for something gutsy to push it up. The soundtrack here was no better but it wasn't so obvious. There is a fascinating plot, and enough story development left over for a third film if del Toro fancies it. The special effects of all the characters were fantastic, particularly the Forest Elemental.

All that said, however briefly, this film was still hugely disappointing to me. There was little, if anything, about it to make you jump up and say "That was a brilliant film". I know I've said it already, but for me, this genre of film NEEDS a rock/metal score. There needs to be more emotional connection with the main characters, and someone needs to give Perlman a chance to use his huge range of acting ability, rather than being an overgrown adolescent with red skin.

To conclude, I'd say go and see it, but keep your expectations low if you want to really enjoy it.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Mixed feelings...sort of

[10/10 · 29 July 2008]

This is only the second film I've reviewed that I've given 10 stars to, and to be honest that is mostly based on Heath Ledger's performance as the Joker. In some ways I feel the film has suffered as a result of Ledger's death and all the hype around this portrayal and you cannot help but ask, how much of the adulation and the Oscar rumours are due to his untimely death back in January. That said, I've been looking forward to seeing this film since I Ledger's death and the comments on his performance, particularly from Michael Caine - some of the praise from such an established actor about someone still so fresh, relatively, is staggering.

I was absolutely delighted by Ledger's performance - that at least wasn't ruined by all the hype. His psychotic hilarity is delicious. The disappearing pencil trick is quite horrific, the more so because of the intense, aggressive indifference he manages to conjure up. But for me (and I urge everyone to look out for it), that defining moment of the performance is the video that Alfred and Bruce watch together: the strangled roar "LOOK AT ME!!!" is so unnerving it defies belief.

In summation, I think this is a fantastic film. It lives up to the ambiance of its predecessor, and I believe Ledger's cult status is well deserved. Go see it and enjoy it, I promise you won't be disappointed!

The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008)

Welcome back to Narnia...

[9/10 · 9 July 2008]

...you may find it a more savage place than you remember. Everything about this film shouts a different Narnia. The childlike wonder was brilliantly portrayed in the first film, and in this second instalment, it is a much more mature and understanding vision (as it should). The whole atmosphere was quite Gothic and Hispanic (the latter clearly the main inspiration for the civilisation of Telmar). Personally I would have liked the music to reflect that more, but overall the musical vision was similarly matured.

The darkness of the action was almost shocking, but also welcome - in particular the duel between Miraz and Peter.

On a spiritual level, there is still much to take from the film in terms of insight into a spiritual life (obviously Christian in particular given Lewis' own faith), especially with the idea of act or wait, faith or works, and internal conflicts.

An important part for me was the brief romance between Susan and Caspian. I can imagine many people objecting to this, but to me it was a brilliant herald of things to come - I'm sure those who have read all the books know what I'm talking about.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

Hooray for Jack Black!

[8/10 · 9 July 2008]

Oh this was great! Right from the get go you can tell it'll be hilarious and a little wacky. Jack Black is perfect as Po, the main character Panda. Similarly, everyone is great in their individual roles - Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Ian McShane. There are some great funny moments as the totally inept Po attempts to train as the omnipotent Dragon Warrior.

The best thing, for me, is the philosophical element, totally in keeping with the period of Ancient China. Although the fun of the movie will obviously appeal to children, and there is enough visual humour to keep everyone entertained, the philosophy, particularly of Master Oogway, means that there is something for the adult mind to latch on to and take away from it. Maybe that's too intellectual a standpoint for this kind of film but that's what I took from it.

This was great fun - go enjoy it!

Hancock (2008)

Smith is the man!

[9/10 · 2 July 2008]

I loved this film! As you can see, 9/10 is good and it's not far off a 10. The only let down, for me, was the lack of development. There was lots of potential, but the film was kept short (perhaps rightly so) and some of the ideas just didn't flourish as they might have.

That said, Smith's on screen presence is undeniable, and there was some great chemistry between he and Theron. Bateman was clearly the main comic relief and was great with it, but Smith has some brilliant comic lines too, especially early on. I totally didn't see the main plot twist coming, and the detail was covered, if (as I said) not fully developed, perhaps.

The action scenes are exciting, there are some real 'laugh out loud' moments, and the conclusion of the film is wonderfully bittersweet. It's especially moving to see the truth of Hancock's character coming out: moving from embittered loner to awkward hero/star and Smith pulls it off marvellously.

I have a sneaking suspicion there may be a sequel, but perhaps that's just wishful thinking!

Wanted (2008)

Inspiring and very, very cool

[10/10 · 25 June 2008]

This is another film I've been looking forward to since it was first advertised. I was actually worried it might not live up to the hype, such as it's been, but I was very pleasantly surprised.

McAvoy definitely wouldn't have been my first choice as a male lead for a film like this, but then that's without the benefit of knowing how the film starts off. We get a very good look at his life, pre-The Fraternity, and it is an excruciating and demeaning one, like most of ours if we're honest. His terror and anxiety attacks complete the picture, and the transformation to cold, calculating assassin (via cocky school boy attitude to his training) is done extremely well. By comparison, Jolie seems to be there for her looks more than anything - she says so little it's almost shocking. That said, her character's depth is still portrayed well with looks and gestures, besides Jolie's undeniable screen presence. David O'Hara is a brilliant addition for the opening assassination sequence and Morgan Freeman, as always, is the man.

The story builds up well enough, although I might have gone a more flashy route with the whole assassination/execution area. That said, it's the conclusion that makes the film for me: like many great works of art/entertainment, it is a very simple and direct idea, "hidden" inside an elaborate piece of work. And in the words of that conclusion, "What HAVE you -or I- done lately?!"

The Happening (2008)

Good, but...

[7/10 · 14 June 2008]

I'm really not sure about this one. Obviously nothing Shymalan does is likely to live up to his initial, innovative success with The Sixth Sense, but they're all very imaginative and original. The premise underlying this one is particularly chilling, I think, because it has a basis in reality. I don't think anyone has ever lived whose bones never break (the basic premise of Unbreakable), but evidently plants are capable of changing rapidly to defend themselves, even if the extent to which this idea is carried in Shyamalan's new film seems quite ridiculous.

Personally I'm not sure about Wahlberg's acting - he seems either lethargic, apathetic or simply not involved a lot of the time. That said, there are some great moments: particularly the scene where he and the little girl, Jess, comfort each other, seen from a distance. I think the best character has to be the psychotic old Mrs Jones.

The full horror of what happens when subjected to the 'threat' is always hinted at but never fully revealed, in line with the certificate no doubt. The ending is suitably chilling for me, but overall the driving force behind the idea for the film is clearly the environmental band wagon.

It's a good film, but there's a slightly galling aftertaste.

Prom Night (I) (2008)

Hmmm...

[3/10 · 14 June 2008]

This is a difficult one to talk about objectively: it's a teen slasher movie, which as another comment pointed out has every cliché in the book. The acting is pretty good, I have to say - Schaech was particularly chilling (especially for me as I've only seen him before in That Thing You Do). The story is obviously screwed up.

How many people, seriously, ever escape from maximum security prisons? There's a ropey premise for a start. How many hotels keep so little track of their staff that no-one notices if they go missing for a couple of hours UNTIL the police mention the wandering psycho? And for God's sake, how many idiotic teenagers go back into the hotel for a shawl, in a building where there's an emergency evacuation being repeatedly announced over the tannoy. Demented.

On the other hand, if you know what to expect from this kind of movie, it's actually quite amusing, and it's far from so terrible that there's no level of entertainment.

The Incredible Hulk (2008)

Fantastic!

[10/10 · 13 June 2008]

Finally! I think this is the film I've unknowingly been waiting for this year. I don't think I can fault any part of it. I was sceptical at first - I often am with sequels where EVERY SINGLE cast member has been changed - but this was refreshingly good for a sequel, and I think it worked better than the original.

The opening is especially good to look at - covering parts of the story in the interim period since the first story (with some overlap I suspect). The story begins in a favela in Brazil, and the imagery of that 'suburb' was amazing to me - it seriously looks like a small, highly compact town made of lego or different coloured boxes. A brilliant choice of location. Norton and Tyler have great chemistry, I think, and Hurt steps into Sam Elliot's steps brilliantly as General Ross. Tim Roth is brilliantly psychotic, increasing as the film progresses, and for once, the 'showdown' at the end of the film isn't a disappointing series of flashing images. It actually touches on many points that were not quite clear in the first film: although he is to bullets, Hulk is not completely invulnerable. And even the use of the line "Hulk Smash!" doesn't seem inappropriate.

Beyond the film, it is clear that something big is in the making at Marvel: the cameo from Robert Downey Jr as Tony Stark (tie-in to Iron Man) is very intriguing, and a little research will show films of The Avengers team (Wolverine in 2009, Thor in 2010, and Captain America and The Avengers in 2011). I'm drooling just thinking about it!

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

Interesting

[7/10 · 13 June 2008]

There can be no doubt that this is a very controversial subject area. Child abduction is a horrible thing for any parent or relative to contemplate. The film is very interesting in the line it takes and the head it reaches is a thought-provoking (if rather bizarre) dilemma.

Casey Affleck is great as the young detective to investigate the disappearance of a young girl in his neighbourhood (the oh so subtly named Amanda MacCreadey is the girl's character). But of the two, his partner, played by Michelle Monaghan, is far more believable. Morgan Freeman is solid and does a great job of portraying his character during his brief appearances.

Overall though I think my hat is off to Ed Harris, who plays a seriously tough police detective, and is actually quite terrifying at times.

I think the film is a little too on the "band wagon" - the parallels to the Madeleine McCann story are too in your face - but it is presented sensitively, and there can be no denial that it has a delicious twist, and the ultimate question is left hanging in a very poignant manner. I'll be interested in seeing how Ben Affleck's directing skills progress.

Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan (2007)

Not what I expected but very good

[7/10 · 13 June 2008]

I think I was expecting this to be more like a film version of many of the documentaries that chart Genghis Khan's rise to power, his leadership and military tactics. With hindsight I should have known it would be something quite different, and so it it. The film charts his rise to power only as far as becoming ruler of Mongolia, and takes a very insightful look at the experiences of his youth that shaped him and inspired him to unite the various Mongol clans. The story is a little sparse, as is the script, but there are many interesting items in the film (his bride choosing, his relationship with his father, his enslavement, his captivity and the tempestuous friendship with his blood brother).

Although I did find the story side a little disappointing, my penchant for authentic language in films was satisfied, and the cinematography was amazing, as was the breath-taking scenery of the Mongolian steppes.

I'm not sure this would be everyone's cup of tea, but I would definitely recommend it to fans of world cinema. I also suspect there may be a sequel that covers the next part/the rest of his life.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Great in places

[6/10 · 22 May 2008]

I think 6/10 may be a little harsh, but over all I did find this quite disappointing. The opening sequence left a lot to be desired, and the introduction of Indy was overly built up and then totally disappointing. The CGI gophers that crop up in the first part of the story are laughable (and not in a good way!) The effects weren't up to scratch either, I didn't think. In retrospect, the first half hour or so of the film did not bode well for the rest of the story, which is a pity as it picks up quite well.

Once Indy is on his own ground (i.e. in his traditional outfit AND doing some actual investigative archaeology) the film comes into its own. The effects improve, the action really kicks in and a number of reliable elements return (most notably the car chase on the cliff tops).

I found the car/motorbike chase quite amusing as Indy steps into his father's shoes as the disapproving older man! Harrison Ford is in good form and there are star turns from Jim Broadbent and John Hurt. Everyone else left me feeling flat though, and Spielberg has definitely gone soft in his old age: the final scene is as ruinous as the tie-up at the end of Minority Report.

It's entertaining enough, but I doubt you'll contradict my view that it comes nowhere near the standard of the originals.

Doomsday (I) (2008)

Off-beat but right on the money

[8/10 · 16 May 2008]

It's been a long time since I saw a film like this: I thought films with this much gory, action-packed violence had been consigned to the "do not open" category of the 1980s film era (mostly containing contrived efforts starring Stallone, Schwarzenegger and Van Damme).

Don't let me put you off though, there is plenty to recommend the film, even if the gore isn't always necessary/believable. The special effects are mostly limited to the make-up of the virus victims and they're a perfect blend of shock and terror. Much of the other effects have a refreshingly home-made look (I'm a huge fan rather than all this CGI rubbish).

Rhona Mitra is really sexy as well as gutsy, plus her slightly masculine stance and swagger are far more believable than Angelina Jolie's in the Lara Croft films. Craig Conway is blisteringly psychotic as Sol. David O'Hara is brilliantly odious in his self-possessing role as Canaris, and Bob Hoskins adds an air of realism and class that the film definitely needs.

One of the most interesting points is the juxtaposition of three different eras of British history: the 'now' of London in 2035, the futuristic anarchy of Glasgow, and the mediaeval society of rural Scotland where Kane resides.

Finally, despite the backing of Universal Pictures, this film has a fresh, off-beat feel that is free of any of Hollywood's commercialism, and the American-actor-free diet of the cast is a huge relief! All in all I think the film comes across like a more convincing version of the early shoot-em-up computer games like Doom, but the underlying personal stories give it a touch of soul that makes it hugely entertaining and I for one will be looking out for it on DVD.

What Happens in Vegas (2008)

Great fun!

[7/10 · 14 May 2008]

OK, I'm assuming here that anyone that's seen a trailer for this film knows the basic premise: girl and guy seek escape in Vegas, get hitched and then fall foul of the legal system (well, this particular judge anyway). That basically means that there can be only one logical path for the film: verbal and behavioural bitching, all-too-brief insights into respective histories and then a reconciliation. That's what you should be expecting even before you decide to see the film, and that's pretty much what you get.

The soundtrack is great (and that's high praise from me): it all just seems to work with the film very smoothly (including the opening track from Mika, whom I can't stand!) Diaz and Kutcher have great chemistry (possibly better when they're being mean to each other but I'm not judging!) and I think the story works from concept to conflict to resolution very well. There are some great comic moments and the transition from hatred to understanding is almost touching. I might even recommend this film as a relationship guidance tool!

Speed Racer (2008)

A Visual Feastt!

[8/10 · 11 May 2008]

I wasn't really sure what to expect with this film. From the flickering images of the trailers I expected it to look much like a computer game, and for a lot of the film it does (right down to the ghost car Speed chases in the opening race sequence). Even the acting is largely reminiscent of computer game dialogue (especially the exchanges between Speed and Trixie).

The use of colour is spectacular (some might say it makes it difficult to follow the action, and to an extent I might agree). The vision of the future is like a mixture of the 50s, 60s and 70s all at once, with a very quirky skyline. Beyond that there is a fair mix in of an 80s Manga kind of look (watch out for the TV clip and Spritle's fight with the chimp!) Goodman is solid and Sarandon is up to scratch as Speed's parents. Matthew Fox puts in something of a star turn as Racer X (his emotions are probably the most real thing about the whole film). Roger Allam is brilliantly slimy and repugnant (much as he was in V for Vendetta). Ultimately, though, given the style and presumed demographic, hats off to Paulie Litt as Speed's younger brother and the chimp! I think the Wachowski brothers have pulled off a winner here. There is so much about the film to condemn: it's cheesy, it's ridiculously unbelievable, the colours are bizarre and the acting is largely questionable, but as a combination, there is a nostalgic, boyish charisma that makes it magical.

Made of Honor (2008)

Another Romantic Comedy

[6/10 · 5 May 2008]

OK, perhaps the summary is a little unkind: this film is entertaining, and has slightly more than the average number of laughs for a rom-com. Dempsey and Monaghan have very plausible chemistry but overall the film doesn't quite reach its potential. The albeit-highly-dubious Scottish connection adds another dimension, and the ending is, of course, utterly predictable (and by that definition perhaps slightly disappointing) besides which, the change of heart of both main characters isn't built up enough, it just seems to emerge and is only really believable because of the nature of the rom-com vehicle.

If you're a fan of romantic comedies, you won't be disappointed; if you're not you don't need me to tell you to stay away; and if you're undecided you'll find the film entertaining but won't miss out by not seeing it.

Iron Man (2008)

Bravo Favreau!

[8/10 · 1 May 2008]

Right from the start (perhaps even beforehand) I was expecting this to be quite special. As usual entertainment is my only requirement of a film for me to like it and this was fabulous. There are so many elements that make it work. In terms of the storyline, there is at least just enough of everything to make it hang together well: enough background to qualify Stark's naivety and arrogance (plus enough of Downey Jr's boyish charm to make him a believable celebrity industrialist!) besides his genius; enough of the water torture scene to make his submission acceptable (and enough visible anger to both drive and carry his deception); there is enough chemistry between Downey Jr and Paltrow to hint at the relationship that never quite blooms; and finally there is enough left hanging to betray a sequel possibly already on the table. Downey Jr largely carries the film in terms of the acting; Paltrow is on fine form but hardly used to her full potential (for a rare but wonderful glimpse of this I recommend "Proof"). Favreau's almost Hitchcockian cameo is downplayed sufficiently for it not to seem either contrived or haphazard. Ultimately, though, I think my hat is off to Jeff Bridges as possibly the most hate-able villain of the Marvel franchise so far.

The use of heavy metal-esquire music for the soundtrack is quite appropriate given the title! And to conclude, the transformation/revelation of most of the characters is remarkable: Stark from self-involved to regretful, Potts from indulgent and condescending to affectionate, Stane from colleague to nemesis. I recognise the possibility of a sequel justifying it, but this didn't quite get to 9 for me purely because the ending is a little too unclosed. That tiny thing aside, this was magic; enjoy!

The Eye (2008)

Barely horror...as usual, but I'm not complaining!

[7/10 · 24 April 2008]

Well, as usual my hope was merely to be entertained and this did it for me. I'm sure there's a strong case for considering it inferior to the 'original', but it's not really a re-make anyway: it clearly says 'based upon' in the opening credits. My main pointer to fans of horror generally is that this doesn't really qualify as horror for me. To me, horror has to be more than just horror-related content (like ghosts or vampires) and the occasional 'jump' moment, there ought to be a build up of horrid suspense, leading to an equally horrid 'vision'. On the other hand, I wouldn't enjoy that, so I stick to this kind of film - the pointer is for others who might want more than that. Simply put, I would call this film a psychological chiller (e.g. like The Sixth Sense or Gothika) rather than horror.

There are various 'jump' moments but little more than that in the way of scares. The photography is handled very well for the vehicle of 'delusion' that the main character falls into, and the mystery behind the whole premise unfolds nicely.

Two things to conclude with: guys, watch out for the 'nude' shot of Alba (possibly the high point of the film!) and also (and I will be going looking for answers regardless), did anyone else see the red dots?

X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)

Reasonably entertaining but...

[4/10 · 21 April 2008]

Oh good grief! How are the mighty fallen? I feel compelled to comment on this title, having seen it again last night. I've been disappointed by it every time. I think my biggest problem with it has to be around the character of Jean Grey/The Phoenix. At the end of X-Men 2, they hinted very heavily at her realisation as the character of the Marvel comic books and I was expecting/anticipating it right up until the moment she re-appears in the story. I was expecting her to be the ultimate weapon in the X-Men's arsenal, against Magneto's growing army, not a largely innocuous member of Magneto's 'Brotherhood'. As a result, Magneto's army seems pitifully small, the action confined to the USA, when the development of the so-called cure could have been a catalyst to something far more widespread and exciting.

There are many things to recommend the film but for the most part I can't get past the continuing focus on two totally undeveloped groups of mutants, the idiocy of not using The Phoenix as more than an obscure figurehead (so much more could have been made of the class 5 mutant idea), and most especially a Famke Janssen who looks positively jaundiced!

Fool's Gold (I) (2008)

Oddball

[7/10 · 20 April 2008]

This is a strange movie, in a lot of ways. I think the two main characters work well together. The chemistry is possibly not as great as it could be but it works for me. My main gripe with it is the accents: I'm a firm believer that if you want a particular accent you only have three options:- 1) Johnny Depp or Gary Oldman (is that two options?) 2) Get someone with the accent 3) (Failing 1 or 2) change your mind

Ray Winstone is not a convincing Texan or Aussie or whatever he's meant to be, and Donald Sutherland is not a convincing Englishman (even allowing for however long he may have spent in America).

I also agree with one of the previous comments that it can't make up it's mind about being a romantic comedy or an action movie, and if it's meant to be both there are a few glaring things that ruin it - my main remembered one being when one of Big Bunny's thugs gets shot.

On the other hand, if you can get past all that, the film is very enjoyable and mostly comes across as a good fun adventure. It's almost reminiscent of 'The Goonies' and having made that observation it might have worked better with a younger cast.

21 (2008)

A mini 'Ocean's 11'

[8/10 · 19 April 2008]

I had above-average expectations of this movie (that is to say I was hoping it would do more than just entertain me!) and to begin with I was afraid it would be a massive disappointment. I'm not sure of the timescale exactly, but the first 'section' seemed very slow-moving and frankly rather dull. But credit to the whole crew: it picked up very nicely in line with the excitement of the college students and their professor heading for Vegas, and his descent into 'insanity' certainly stirred feelings of frustration from me.

Beyond the quality of the story and its realisation, Spacey is in fine form, as is a rather menacing Laurence Fishburne. The younger actors are unquestionably good, and a semi-naked Kate Bosworth is always worth a look! Hang on in through the initial brush-strokes: the outline is boring, but the colours are dazzling.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

Amusing, but not great

[6/10 · 19 April 2008]

I can't comment on this from the point of view of the book, having not read it, but the film was entertaining, which is as much as I usually expect from a film (meaning I'm pleasantly surprised if it's better than just 'entertaining'). I can't fault the acting and was particularly taken with the character of Thimbletack (Martin Short, I believe). That said, the film never really took off, for me. There was a fair bit of information giving about the book the children discover, the strange creatures they encounter and their family history, but the main part of the story (i.e. their attempts to discover a way of defeating Mulgarath) seemed quite superfluous as a result. There were enough humorous parts to the story to make it worth watching, even for adults, but I suspect it's one mainly for the kids.