Plot; When he and his family move into an old family estate, a young boy finds a book that opens his eyes to an unseen world of goblins and monsters.
Came out at the tale end of Hollywood's "Get me the next Harry Potter!" phase (which was followed by the "Get me the next Twilight!" phase, which was followed by the "Get me the next Hunger Games!" phase, etc.). Fares better than most, w/solid direction and great performances from a young Freddie Highmore (in a duel role) and Sarah Bolger. Starts off w/a real sense of mystery, but bogs down a bit w/a wonky and undercooked mythology and a villain who isn't present enough to create true menace.
Came out at the tale end of Hollywood's "Get me the next Harry Potter!" phase (which was followed by the "Get me the next Twilight!" phase, which was followed by the "Get me the next Hunger Games!" phase, etc.). Fares better than most, w/solid direction and great performances from a young Freddie Highmore (in a duel role) and Sarah Bolger. Starts off w/a real sense of mystery, but bogs down a bit w/a wonky and undercooked mythology and a villain who isn't present enough to create true menace.