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The MPAA has rated The Spiderwick Chronicles PG - for scary creature action and violence, peril and some thematic elements.

Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore) is angry about everything. Lashing out in argumentative temper tantrums, the young teen protests his older sister Mallory's (Sarah Bolger) bossy attitude, his twin brother Simon's (also played by Highmore) refusal to show emotions and most especially his mother's (Mary-Louise Parker) decision to leave his father (Andrew McCarthy). No matter what reasons they offer, he can't see why his Mom is getting divorced and moving the family from New York City to an isolated, creepy mansion she inherited from some crazy relatives.

But if the situation seems bad, it is only about to get worse. Chasing what he thinks is a rat lurking in the old walls of their new accommodations, Jared accidentally uncovers a way into his Great Uncle Arthur Spiderwick's secret study where he finds a sealed book. Ignoring the strong warning attached to the cover promising a "deadly consequence" for anyone daring to look at the Field Guide, the curious boy rips it open and begins reading about the fantastical world Uncle Arthur (David Strathaim) observed and chronicled. Although unaware, this reckless act reignites the wrath of a Mulgarath (voice of Nick Nolte), a shape-changing ogre who has been lying in wait to get his evil hands on the volume.

Jared first becomes aware that his Great Uncle's writings are more than just the ramblings of the insane when Thimbletack (voice of Martin Short), a brownie given to severe mood swings, makes himself visible. Scolding the thoughtless lad, the elfish being opens his eyes to the danger he's unleashed -- however the damage is already done. As packs of toad-like goblins surround the house, threatening the life of anyone that unwittingly steps out of the safety zone, Jared realizes he needs his siblings and he wants to keep them safe. In order to do so, he'll have to patch up his torn relationships and rally their support.

Based on a book penned by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi, The Spiderwick Chronicles weaves a web of wonder and adventure. Using a mix of live action and computer-generated characters, the movie depicts the war that breaks out between the children and the power-hungry Mulgarath's minions. These often frightful creatures include clawing amphibians that kidnap and inflict slash wounds and a large lizard-shaped troll with the tracking abilities of a bloodhound. (Some human and green goblin blood is shown.) Then there is the ogre himself who is a fearsome monster in his natural form, but capable of appearing as anything from harmless humans to ravens, snakes and reptiles. Even the good-guys can be a bit alarming, like in the case of Hogsqueal (voice of Seth Rogen), a spitting piggish hobgoblin with an appetite for live birds (that he is seen devouring in a single gulp). Because much of the plot focuses on the battles between these two groups and the ensuing perils, the film will likely prove too scary for young viewers.

While it is disappointing the movie doesn't take more time to portray the softer, gentler inhabitants of the unseen world, such as flowery fairies and dandelion-seed sprites, the story does illustrate the importance of families and the strength of teamwork. As Jared learns to channel his frustrations and serve those he loves, he unveils life's real magic -- the kind that is all around us if only we have eyes to see.

Beyond the movie ratings: What Parents need to know about The Spiderwick Chronicles...

In the fantastical world that Arthur Spiderwick discovers there are various life forms, some are delicate fairies, others are comical critters, but most are quite frightening. The scary ones include sword-wielding toad-like goblins, spitting piggish hobgoblins (who eat live birds in a single swallow), a large lizard-shaped troll and a fearsome green ogre who can shape-change into human, bird, snake and reptile forms. Violent conflicts occur between the dark creatures and the Grace family involving death threats, chases, sword fights, and slashes from claws and weapons (a small amount of red human and green goblin blood are shown). A poisonous potion made of tomato sauce looks a little gory when it explodes all over a room rendering the enemy into little puddles of green goo. A monster is hit by a car and another loses three fingers when they are caught in a door. A human character is stabbed with a knife and another falls from a rooftop. A boy with anger issues vents his feelings by hitting inanimate objects, swatting his siblings and engaging in arguments. Mild profanities and terms of Deity are used as expletives. Slurs are made about people with mental illness. Divorce and infidelity are alluded to.

Talk about the movie with your family...

The ability to see or not see is a major theme in this movie. What can Arthur Spiderwick see that others cannot? What things does he fail to notice, even though they are right in front of him? What is Jared blind to? What experiences help him to open is eyes?

Video alternatives...

Freddie Highmore also starred in another film about a secret land of little people in the movie Arthur and the Invisibles. Siblings learn to overlook their differences and work together while playing a board game called Zathura, which suddenly flings the family into the far reaches of the universe. Many of the magical creatures depicted in this film (such as boggarts and griffins) can also be found in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Donna Gustafson

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