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movie review - The Spiderwick Chronicles

the journal of Michael Werneburg

twenty-seven years and one million words

This is a movie about a trio of siblings that move into a rambling and decrepit home of a deceased relative after the separation of their parents. They quickly find that whatever was going on in this house, it's plagued with mouse-like fairies and other critters. The youngest is of course the one that leads the charge on this stuff and soon they're up to their eyes in ogres and other monsters. Will they be able to rescue a lost relation who's caught in a time-bubble-type-deal out in the woods? Can they face off the goblins that grow ever bolder?

It's a well-made piece for the most part, and is certainly a bit off the beaten path in tone and plot. The themes (the anger of children of divorce) are pretty well warn, however. And the animation is 100% uncanny valley nightmare fuel, which I am happy to say has been becoming more rare.

Recommended. But only for "movie night" with the kids. There's not enough there for (most) adults.