Highmore does well playing twins (though one admittedly doesn't do much) but it's the improvements on Mallory's character from the books, Bolger's realistic fencing technique, and the surprisingly fun (albeit not realistic) CGI that work best

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 23, 2024

Tremendously entertaining and, thankfully, self-contained and resolute.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 28, 2020

Above the miscellaneous Harrys, Narnias or Eragones. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 5, 2020

An entertaining and family friendly film.

| Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 24, 2020

Pure escapism of a rare quality - it never panders to children or tries to shove a ham-fisted message down their throat.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 6, 2019

What charm it does have rests largely on Highmore's shoulders. As family friendly fantasy movies go it's pretty solidly in the middle, its resolve to take no chances whatsoever keeping it from ever being more.

| Original Score: 6.5/10 | Apr 1, 2011

Oh, great -- another kiddie fantasy film. How exciting!

| Original Score: 6/10 | Feb 27, 2009

| Original Score: A- | Oct 29, 2008

A run-of-the-mill fantasy adventure.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Oct 18, 2008

The storytelling is economical and brisk. In some ways, Waters approaches it more as a pre-teen horror movie.

| Oct 18, 2008

The result is effective, if too intense for younger children.

| Oct 18, 2008

Young moviegoers will like the way the film empowers their cinematic peers in this battle of good against evil, though smaller children will probably be scared out of their wits.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 18, 2008

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Oct 18, 2008

Enjoyable, well made children's fantasy adventure with likeable characters, impressive special effects and a decent script.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 18, 2008

| Original Score: B- | Oct 18, 2008

Como fábula, não é das mais originais, mas ainda assim tem seu charme em função do carisma de Higmore, dos bons efeitos visuais e do desfecho tocante.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 17, 2008

We just don't get good children's entertainment like this anymore...

| Sep 6, 2008

This movie didn't really blow me away, but it was mildly enjoyable and should keep all of the fantasy fans happy

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 22, 2008

Seen through the eyes of a child, this adaptation my lack originality but is fast paced, contains enough fantasy to balance the family drama and is, at times, very scary.

| Original Score: B | Jul 19, 2008

sacrifices its undercurrent of pain and abandonment to big-budget special effects

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jul 1, 2008