改編自兒童書的魔幻電影《史柏力魔怪書》帶領觀眾展開一段寓意深遠的歷險旅程，結局出人意表。《朱古力獎門人》天才童星一人分飾兩角，演技精湛。
在 The Grand 獨家呈獻的《動感3D立體演唱會》採用最新Disney Digital 3D技術，觀眾佩戴3D立體眼鏡，即有如置身現場，近距離接觸台上光芒四射的Hannah。
導演夫婦冒着受到動物襲擊的危險，用了15年時間去紀錄一隻小北極熊及小海象的成長，將北極的自然美景及生物呈現眼前。紀錄片《小雪熊流浪記》喚起人們對全球暖化的關注。改編自真人真事的《韋氏風雲》講述充滿正義感的德州國會議員如何幫助阿富汗逼退蘇聯。
Thanks to Intercontinental Film Distributors (H.K.) Ltd., I could attend the preview with two of my S6 students. They will write reviews and organize some English activities at school.
The Spiderwick Chronicles is a well-crafted, fast-paced and engaging adaptation of children's fantasy novels. The director successfully condenses five short novels into a 97-minute film and I think it is one of the best fantasy movies coming along in a while. The Spiderwick Chronicles has more CGI creatures than Bridge to Terabithia and its special effects are more impressive. Although its story is less complex than Harry Potter and the Lord of the Rings, the magic is still there, not to mention the yawn-inducing adaptation of "The Golden Compass" and "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe". This small movie with a big heart is highly recommended.
The film delivers positive messages about the importance of family, the power of knowledge and the problems of indulgence. First, the film is about family problems we face in the real world. Parents believe children are disobedient and children think their parents do not understand and trust them. The film also talks about sibling arguments and the effect of divorce on children. The absence of his neglected father, the arrival of Mulgarath and the need to protect his family facilitate his growth. The film would have become a schmaltzy tear jerker if the director had forgotten the target audience, children.
Secondly, the film is about the importance of knowledge. In order to deal with the monsters, Jared has to familiarize himself with the rules stated in Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You. Mulgarath also wants the book to understand the weaknesses of other creatures living in the world. At the beginning of the film, Mallory also mocks at Jared's attempt to read the note, which implies that Jared is not used to reading and he is academically weak. When Thimbletack shouts at Jared, "Can't you read my note?", the director wants to point out the disastrous result of illiteracy. Perhaps, it is time for teenagers to start reading.
Thirdly, the film is about the problems of obsession. When Hogsqueal sees a bird, he cannot concentrate on what he is doing. After drinking honey, Thimbletack becomes mild. Mulgarath badly wants the book and (SPOILER: as a result turns a weaker form). Arthur Spiderwick once had a chance to destroy his book, but he was prideful and unwilling to do so, which leads to the potential extermination of an entire world and the loss of his daughter. Jared is obsessed with his dad and the happy old days in New York. As a result, he hates his mum. At the end of the film, one scene symbolically represents that Jared is no longer obsessed with his father and experiences personal growth. In short, indulgence may reveal one's weaknesses.
Starring in Finding Neverland, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Arthur and the Minimoys and August Rush, Freddie Highmore, one of the best child actors, gives a flawless and convincing performance in the film in which he plays a dual role as the short-tempered Jared and the thoughtful Simon. Above all, although the film is filled with meticulously rendered CGI creatures, the best special effect is Highmore in the dual lead roles. Some members of the audience believe they are acted by REAL twins, thanks to the brilliant CG, Highmore's convincing acting and the intelligent direction. Besides, the characters are well developed and some creatures are memorable.
On the whole, I'm impressed by the charismatic cast, the superb special effects, its craftsmanship and the surprising ending. This action-packed family movie will keep you on the edge of your seats. Don't miss it. 4 / 5
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