the spiderwick chronicles

The three Grace siblings have discovered something unusual at Spiderwick, the estate they’ve inherited from their Uncle Arthur. The twin brothers Jared and Simon (both played by Freddie Highmore) and their sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger) are in for some surprises. Jared reads a mysterious book and the three of them are brought into an alternate reality full of otherworldly creatures. This film is based on a popular series of books, but it’s a worthwhile (and well thought-out) adaptation. The visuals are far-out and the cast, Nick Nolte, David Strathairn, Andrew McCarthy, Martin Short and Seth Rogen, is exceptional. Here’s a champ among fantasy films. -forrest green III