The Secret of Moonacre (2009)

Such a frustrating disappointment

Good concept, poorly executed.

It's funny watching the elements come together in this complicated scam. On one hand, the set-up isn't quite as complex as it seems, but there's an easy sense of fun in every exchange.

It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

I watched this because Ioan Gruffudd is one of the actors. This character can't compare with his role as Horatio Hornblower, but he probably had a lot less to work with, script-wise, with this movie. I would have liked to have known why his character didn't seem to believe in the whole pearl story. Why did he hide the book if he didn't believe? If he did believe, why hadn't he been working to help break the curse, or why didn't he help Maria to do so? Maria's nanny was supposed to be funny, but she was a little too bumbling for my taste. The men in black would definitely be scary for children, so I personally wouldn't let children watch this movie. The lion reminded me of Aslan, which is a good association. Spoiler alert: I'm not exactly sure why Maria was willing to sacrifice her life at the end. It was noble, but I'm not sure they convinced me that she was invested enough in the whole thing to be willing to sacrifice her life. I gave this movie a seven, despite some misgivings, because of Ioan, because it was a pretty clean movie, and because it had a happy ending. Themes of sacrifice and the need for humility fit well with what the Bible teaches about Jesus Christ, so that was also a plus.

Whatever you do, if you liked the book, don't see this movie. The whole idea of the book is rather ruined in order to make it appeal to people who didn't read the wonderful book. Starting with the fact that it isn't actually a fantasy book. So many things are added simply to make it seem more "magical" when that isn't what the book was about, and many things are just entirely wrong or tossed out so there isn't confusion when an idea was really quite simple. Everything is overdone to the extreme. The simple elegance in the description in the book is lost. I would only recommend seeing this movie if all you want is a run-of-the mill fantasy princess movie. I wouldn't say it has spark or shine at all. Don't expect anything new or a decent depiction of the wonderful story and world created by Elizabeth Goudge.

This film is not for people who have read the book. I loved The Little White Horse and was excited about it being made into a film but was very disappointed.They changed a lot of the characters. Sir Benjamin's personality was completely different and Robin's origins and relationship with Maria was completely different. They also gave away some things right at the beginning which you are supposed the discover later. There was a lot of changes to the plot as well they need to make it much longer to fit everything in.Having said that, if you haven't read the book, it's probably a perfectly enjoyable children's fantasy film. It is certainly visually stunning.

I generally like mystery along the lines of "person goes home after a long absence, just to unlock a sh*tload of village/family secrets". This movie made me think I was up to the usual, and with some fantasy background, it sounded even better.In my opinion it didn't deliver. The beginning was good, setting the atmosphere, creating the secret, placing everything in a nice setting. Let me add also that the costume department did a splendid job too. But then the girl actually arrives at the location where loose ends flew in her face. Okay, so she's supposed to make stuff happen to lift some curse that endangers life in general, cool. You would expect a little help from someone, from either side, good or bad. But no, these people enjoy facing doom, and never did seem too interested in changing the course of events. Not the uncle (emotionless, uncaring, basically not a nice type of guy), not the archenemy (not too bright, inactive), not even the people who might actually know things. Actually, no character is worth my sympathy. Even the girl is your typical annoying child.Acting credit, on the other hand, does go the girl. The rest just plays their role, and I've seen all of them doing much better. Especially Tim Curry, whose proved potential isn't even remotely used.Sour feeling at the end. 5 out of 10 for the setting in general.