So, yes. Before actually buying the books I've been wanting to buy for years, I watched the movie.

Yesterday after music practice, I decided that I wanted to watch Spiderwick that day—that moment, really—so I got Lori and Mi out of their beds so they could watch with me. (Hehe.) Instant reunion, right there.

The Spiderwick Chronicles movie is based on a series of children's books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black.

Peculiar things start to happen the moment the Grace family (Jared, his twin brother Simon, sister Mallory and their mom) leave New York and move into the secluded old house owned by their great, great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. Unable to explain the strange disappearances and accidents that seem to be happening on a daily basis, the family blames Jared. When he, Simon and Mallory investigate what’s really going on, they uncover the fantastic truth of the Spiderwick estate and the creatures that inhabit it.

--© Paramount Pictures

Review: I knew that I was going to enjoy the movie, but I didn't think that I'd enjoy it as much as I did. Read full post...As Mi said in her blog, the movie sucked us into it.

Freddie Highmore was perfectly believable in acting as the twins: the impulsive, short-tempered Jared and intellectual, pacifist Simon. For me, Freddie wasn't just one kid changing clothes to show change in roles— he was two people entirely. The chemistry of rest of the family was good (although I was a tad annoyed with Mallory in the beginning, but I guess that was how it was supposed to be). Voice acting for the fantastical creatures were great! Cheers to Hogsqueal!

The script? Perfection! Hilarity abounds, and the fact that the actors did a splendid job of delivering punchlines didn't hurt at all. There were serious moments, of course, to add depth to the plot. They were well-placed, and it was not at all as if they were put there just so that drama could be present.

The storytelling was good, the CGI was better, and the music just added to the excitement. And the best part of all this? I didn't notice any of this while I was watching it! They all blended together in a delicious mix, and I only noticed how great each individual aspect of the production was after I left the cinema.

There's only one thing that made me roll me eyes —something that Arthur Spiderwick did— but I won't write it on here because (1) it could be a spoiler, and (2) it's not so very important and I guess people can just let that one slide (I know I did).

My Rating: 85/100. All in all, it was a good movie experience. I recommend watching it on the big screen! Or IMAX if you can.

Kid or no, adventure fantasy fan or no, this movie is something everyone will enjoy.


Linkies:
Spiderwick Chronicles book website
Spiderwick Chronicles movie website