Back To Index 5 Children & It
 Barnes & Noble Such are the vagaries of film distribution that the wonderful 5 Children and It, like Terry Joness exhilarating take on Mr. Toads Wild Ride before it, bypassed theaters entirely, slipping out on DVD with little or no fanfare. One would think there was a place in the multiplex for a transporting fantasy that engages the imagination with the wonders of wishes and touches the heart with its ruminations on the fleetingness of childhood. This feature-length adaptation of E. Nesbitts turn-of-the-century childrens classic updates the story to 1917. Five siblings are sent from wartime London to live at the rundown seaside mansion of their eccentric uncle (a restrained Kenneth Branagh) and his loathsome son, who performs nasty experiments in his creepy basement lab. The children come across a sand fairy, who grants them a daily wish. The catch is that each wish wears off by sunset and goes horribly wrong, teaching the children the inevitable life lesson in the process. Five Children and It is not as faithful to the book as the 1991 BBC miniseries (also available on DVD), but it does boast better special effects, better acting, and, most important, a better "It," courtesy of Jim Hensons Creature Shop and the sardonic voice of Eddie Izzard, who does for this film what Robin Williams did for Aladdin. Dont expect magic on the Harry Potter scale, but there are some lovely moments. The presence of Freddie Highmore -- Johnny Depps costar in Finding Neverland and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- adds interest for his fans, and may help this gem find the larger audience it richly deserves. At least, thats our wish. Donald Liebenson Interested in the song lyrics? - Check out themostlyrics.com! Looking For A DVD? - Check out dvd-a-rama.com! |
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