Because of a recent separation, Helen (Mary-Louise Parker of Weeds notoriety) and her children are moving to the country into an old family home that has seen far better days. The eldest daughter, Mallory (Sarah Bolger), knows that the separation is because their father has a new woman in her life, while the twins Jared and Simon (both played excellently by Freddie Highmore from Charlie in the Chocolate Factory and Finding Neverland) feel that it is their mother's fault that their dad left. Simon is scientifically minded and a pacifist who is in stark contrast to his brother who takes his anger out on walls and tends to be the troubled child of the group. Jared is also really close to his father and seems to be taking the separation the hardest.
When Jared discovers a dumb waiter covered up that leads to a hidden room, and the study of his great-uncle (Arthur Spiderwick), he discovers a strange book that was sealed under lock and key. Attached to this "field guide" is a note asking that no one read it. This, of course, is just begging anyone to break the wax seal, open it up and give it a gander. Unfortunately, as soon as he cracks it open, it sends out a signal to evil creatures that live in the nearby woods and one in particular, Mulgarath (Nick Nolte), who wants the field guide and all of the secrets it contains.
Along with the Grace family, the other forces of good include a brownie named Thimbletack (Martin Short) and Hogsqueal (Seth Rogen), as well as crazy Aunt Lucinda Spiderwick and a griffin. Unfortunately, Mulgarath isn't alone either. Besides a mass of goblins and trolls, he has a second in command named Red Cap (Ron Pearlman), a goblin who stole the clothes off of a civil war fighter.
Suffice it to say, the Grace kids will be thrown headlong into a world they never knew existed and will have to learn all of the secrets of the field guide if they are going to stop Mulgarath. But will they be able to succeed before the spell that keeps the Spiderwick Estate safe is broken?
The Spiderwick Chronicles has a great ending that is both intelligent and perfect. The special features spread across the two discs not only include the standard deleted scenes, but featurettes galore. Among them are talks with the actors, including Bolger and Highmore's training to get rid of their accents, a virtual field guide to learn about the creatures and the standard making-of stuff.
Probably the most impressive aspect of this movie, in my opinion, was Highmore's ability to play two completely different characters, whose personalities and mannerisms couldn't be more different, all while hiding his very Brittish accent. The Spiderwick Chronicles is just a great movie that should be owned, not just rented. It is a good, family-friendly experience that even those who shy away from magic-filled movies will want to experience.
