The Spiderwick Chronicles (from Abingdon Herald)

The prayers of parents, desperate for something to entertain the kids during Easter, have been answered. The Spiderwick Chronicles is a rollicking fairytale full of magic and mystery, based on the books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, which reveal an alternative reality full of goblins and ogres.

Dazzling computer effects bring the fantastical denizens of this realm to life, with a rich vein of humour that should appeal to the young, and the young at heart. Director Mark Waters demonstrates his flair for fast-paced family entertainment, eliciting strong performances from the young cast whilE keeping a tight rein on the digital trickery.

British child star Freddie Highmore (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) continues to shine in dual roles, playing twins Jared and Simon, who move to the dilapidated family pile of Spiderwick Mansion with their older sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger) in the wake of their parents' failed marriage. The children's mother ( Mary-Louise Parker) struggles to put a brave face on the move.

However, she's powerless to cajole Jared from his sulk, stemming from the enforced separation from his father.

The moody tyke explores the house and discovers a book in the attic entitled Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide To The Fantastical World Around You, a study apparently written by their great-great-uncle (David Strathairn).

Jared opens the leather-bound tome and thus a doorway to a world of goblins, fairies and sprites surrounding the old mansion, which can only be seen through an enchanted "seeing stone" or by the power of a hobgoblin's spittle.

Luckily, a friendly hobgoblin called Hogsqueal (voiced by Seth Rogen) allows Jared to view this hidden realm by expectorating in his eye.

The boy discovers that a shape-shifting ogre called Mulgarath (Nick Nolte) seeks the Field Guide and will stop at nothing to acquire it.

As magical defences surrounding Spiderwick Estate weaken, Jared joins forces with Simon and Mallory to repel the invaders, aided by Hogsqueal and the house's resident guide, a creature called Thimbletack (voiced by Martin Short).

The Spiderwick Chronicles is a brilliant, action-packed adventure that manages to keep one foot firmly in reality, even during the most wondrous flights of fantasy.

Computer effects are woven seamlessly into the live action, including an exhilarating flight sequence on a griffin, gathering in pace for a thunderous finale that includes an exploding oven and lashings of tomato sauce.

Highmore brings out the vulnerability and gung-ho courage of the twins, including some snappy dialogue when they argue.

"It's a book!" rages Jared to his sensible sibling, "I didn't think reading it would unleash goblin fury!"

Despite the PG certificate, parents with very small or particularly sensitive children would be advised to exercise discretion.

The film has a number of quite intense and scary moments, notably when the goblins inflict deep bite and scratch wounds to the Spiderwick kids.

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