Preview: The Spiderwick Chronicles (2008)

• Poster: B+; B+

Review:

This poster packs the right amount of intrigue. The mysteries held within the unknown forest and the trepidation in the child's body language as he looks back hoping to make sure he's doing the right thing. It's a great teaser, though I expect some far less tantalizing work before all is said and done.

The second poster is a bit like the first, but with several distinctions. The colors are similar, but the image features all three main characters and in detail whereas the teaser poster showed very little detail. There are some similarities in style to Bridge to Terabithia in that it looks highly airbrushed and colorfully embellished.

• Trailer: C+; C

Review:

Having picked up the overly-childish books shortly after re-discovering good fantasy children's literature (Lemony Snicket and Harry Potter), I was sorely disappointed. This trailer doesn't alleviate that concern and its placement early next year should give cause to worry. But, we must at least remember that the excellent Bridge to Terabithia came out around that time, so there's still hope.

This second trailer confirms my initial concerns that it's being marketed as a children's adventure flick, which immediately calls to mind the disastrous Jumanji. It's possible the film could be better than expected, but that won't be terribly difficult to achieve with expectations this low.

Oscar Prospects:

We'll have to wait and see how Bridge to Terabithia fares at this year's Oscars before we'll know if this film even has a shot at the Art Direction and Visual Effects awards for which it might be gunning.

Release Date:

• February 14, 2008

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (July 14, 2007) Original

-Wesley Lovell (July 28, 2007) New Poster

-Wesley Lovell (November 24, 2007) New Trailer; New Release Date (changed from Feb. 2008)

-Wesley Lovell (January 18, 2008) New Release Date (changed from 2/15/08)

-Wesley Lovell (February 16, 2008) New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled