nubby_G Reviews

The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

A decent, fun filled movie that will keep you entertained

[7/10 · 8 February 2008]

I work at IMAX theaters, and we showed an advanced staff screening tonight. Having been surrounded by posters and trailers for Spiderwick Chronicles for months, I was already sick of the film before I even saw it. But I went into it with an open mind, and found myself pleasantly surprised. The plot centers around a broken family that moves into an old house that has been in the family for years, in hopes of "starting over". Freddie Highmore plays two roles, twin brothers Jarod and Simon, and does an impressive job at keeping the two personalities distinct and different. Jarod, the angsty protagonist of the film, discovers a book (titled, the Spiderwick Chronicles) written by his late great uncle depicting in explicit detail the creatures of a "hidden world" all around us. Jarod reads the book, and in the process awakens an evil Ogre and a horde of goblins hell bent on obtaining the knowledge hidden within the book to destroy mankind, and creature-kind as well. The pacing is decent, and the acting works well within the context of the film. Oddly, it's the adult actors that deliver the lamest lines, as they seem profoundly out of place in this otherwise fantasy and child actor filled film. The CGI effects were well implemented too, with various characters and creatures popping up here and there to provide comedic relief, and often, pivitol plot development. The various supporting characters do a great job of keeping things moving, most notable being Jarod and Simons sister, Mallory, played by Sarah Bolger, who delivers a great performance. Having never read the books, I can't make any comparisons, but what I saw in the film I liked quite a bit. Not the most complex of movies, and there are some glaring plot holes here and there, but overall, it holds up pretty well, albeit some wonky script writing here and there.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

What a wonderful film. Totally exceeded expectations.

[10/10 · 15 July 2005]

When I first saw the trailers for this, I thought it looked pretty bad. I am a huge fan of Tim Burton, so I had no doubt it would be interesting, but for the most part, it just looked pretty stupid. But, let me tell you, the trailers are misleading. Any stupid one liners you hear in the trailers or on-line or where ever, are totally hilarious when put into context with the film. The script is well written, and Depp is perfect for the role of the brooding, semi creepy anti social Willy Wonka. The music is wonderful, and captures the crazy world the Dahl created and Burton put onto the silver screen perfectly. With your classic Danny Elfman music, mixed in with some little electronic bleeps and bloops (similar to Invader Zim) the soundtrack is great. The characters, though I felt that we did not see much of them (with the exception of Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket) were well cast and seemingly perfect for the roles that they portray. The sets are colorful and fun, and very imaginative along with some interesting flashbacks that give us some deep insight on the past of Willy Wonka. Roy Deep makes a perfect Oompa Loompa, and the songs that accompany his appearance are really crazy and cool, and the lyrics are also straight from the book. So, all in all, I think this is a fantastic film. Perhaps Burtons best work since Batman Returns. I had my doubts, but PLEASE don't judge this movie on what you see in the ads. Go see it, and then pass judgement on it. I had a blast. It is a lighthearted, kind of dark fantasy that will appeal to almost anyone. So, give it a chance.