The Spiderwick Chronicles

"Another fantasy book series enters the cinematic adaptation competition. It loses to Potter, but certainly beats Narnia; coming in at a respectable place just behind The Golden Compass."

"A work of both modest enchantment and enchanting modesty, grounded in a classically Spielbergian realm where childlike wonderment crosses paths with the tough realities of young adulthood."

"A well-crafted family thriller that is truly scary and doesn't wimp out."

"An enjoyable adventure fantasy that pushes all the requisite buttons while still managing to throw in a pleasant surprise or two."

"A late entry in a crowded field, Spiderwick works hard to set itself apart from the competition, and almost entirely succeeds - no mean feat these days."

"But The Spiderwick Chronicles is at least essayed with a bit of flair, some darker than expected moments - a lot of this film is going to be far too intense for anyone under nine or 10 - and a nicely understated visual style that complements the characters, rather than distracting from them."

"It benefits from a great cast, which includes Joan Plowright, the voices of comedians Seth Rogen and Martin Short, plus a cameo from '80s star Andrew McCarthy. It's only let down by a schmaltzy ending. It may also be too scary for the little ones, but my nine-year-old nephew loved it, rating it five stars. Thankfully, there's plenty to keep the adults entertained, too."

"Elegantly condensed from a series of books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, The Spiderwick Chronicles is an intimate fantasy flick: it never aims for the broad-canvas thrills of the Potter or Rings movies, concentrating instead on a small group of characters and a self-contained world."