The rites of passage from childhood to maturity are difficult enough without the added stress of relocation and divorce. The Grace children must face these onerous burdens when they leave New York City and move into a secluded old New England mansion with their recently separated mother, Helen (Mary-Louise Parker of “Weeds”).

Identical twins Jared and Simon (both played by 16-year-old Freddie Highmore of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) have markedly different personalities. Simon is the quiet, studious type who is destined to be a veterinarian since he is always surrounded with pets. Jared is the troublemaker who is angry and upset about the move.

Their feisty older sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger from “In America”) is proud of her fencing medal and shields her brothers from the real reason behind the impending divorce.

A layer of fantasy is added when Jared discovers an 80-year-old manuscript written by his great-great-uncle Arthur Spiderwick (David Strathairn, who played Edward R. Murrow in “Good Night, and Good Luck”). This field guide describes the magical unseen world all around us.

The treasure trove of creatures includes fairies, sprites, boggarts, goblins, trolls and ogres. This book is the Pandora’s Box that ignites the action.

The bulk of the movie is devoted to keeping the book protected and out of the wrong hands. It places the Grace family in grave danger.

The resident villain is the evil ogre Mulgrath (Nick Nolte in human form and as the voice), who is capable of assuming many shape-shifting forms. Other principal characters include great-aunt Lucinda (Joan Plowright), honey-loving house brownie Thimbletack (voice of Martin Short) and bumbling, hobgoblin sidekick Hogsqueal (voice of Seth Rogen).

The two main messages that make this a must-see film are: power comes from knowledge and nothing is more precious than a parent’s love.

Highmore displays his impressive acting acumen in a challenging dual role. He makes the two brothers so different and unique that you forget it is the same actor.

This engaging fantasy is briskly paced. The sensational musical score composed by James Horner brings out the enchanted atmosphere and heightens the suspense level. Superlative work is achieved by the design team in creating these imaginative creatures.

Parents should use discretion in bringing young children. There are intense scenes of violence and the home-invading goblins are frightening. My suggestion is ages 10 and up to be on the safe side of avoiding nightmares.

The fun and entertainment value provided by this thrilling classic adventure is guaranteed to bring out the “inner child” in all of us. The IMAX version is available exclusively at AMC Studio 30 in Olathe.

Review By:
Keith Cohen, "The Movie Guy"