Movie Online - Critics Consensus: Spiderwick Weaves Gold, Jumper Goes Over the Shark, Say Yes to Maybe

Critics Consensus: Spiderwick Weaves Gold, Jumper Goes Over the Shark, Say Yes to Maybe

Friday, 15 February 2008

The Spiderwick Chronicles

This week at the movies, we've got supernatural dwellers (The Spiderwick Chronicles , starring Freddie Highmore and Mary-Louise Parker), teleporters (Jumper and , starring Hayden ChristensenSamuel L. Jackson), a dance dance revolution (Step Up 2 the Streets, starring Briana Evigan), and uncertain love (Definitely, Maybe, starring Ryan Reynolds and Rachel Weisz). What do the critics have to say?

For smart family fare, critics say you could do a lot worse than The Spiderwick Chronicles . Condensing five books by Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black, Spiderwick stars Freddie Highmore as a kid who's upset about relocating from New York City to an old Gothic mansion with his mom and siblings. A series of mischevious pranks are blamed on the boy, but it soon becomes apparent the house is loaded with supernatural guests, some kind, some malicious. The pundits say Spiderwick may be a cut below the Harry Potters and Narnias of the world, but it still delivers a solid fantasy/adventure, maintaining a sense of wonderment while addressing the growing pains inherent in the lives of young people. At 76 percent on the Tomatometer, Spiderwick is truly one for the whole family.

"I didn't know there were nude beaches in New England."

Even science fiction films must play by a certain set of rules. Unfortunately, the critics say Jumper is all over the map. Based upon Steven Gould's novel, Jumper stars Hayden Christensen as a young man who finds he can teleport through space and time before discovering that another "jumper" (Jamie Bell) is hot on his trail. Pundits say the film has slick visuals, but betrays its own internal logic and features bland characters and weak dialogue. At 14 percent on the Tomatometer, Jumper isn't making the critics jump for joy. It's also the worst-reviewed film of director Doug Liman's career.

Just another service provided by your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!

Despite its shopworn plot, Step Up was a surprise hit. So what do they do for an encore? In the case of Step Up 2 the Streets , pretty much the same thing, say critics. As with the previous installment, 2 combines culture-clash drama with loads of dance moves. The pundits say Step Up has some nice dance sequences and a decent amount of energy, but watch out for the scenes where people are talking to each other, because the characters are blander than the foxtrot. At 29 percent on the Tomatometer, word on the Street is this isn't all that hot. (Check out our feature on notable dance movies here.)

"Anybody got a cure for the rickets?"

With Definitely, Maybe , Ryan Reynolds seems to have finally ditched the frat boy image that's dogged him since his 2 Guys, A Girl and a Pizza Place days. He stars as Will Hayes, a soon-to-be divorcee regaling his daughter (Abigail Breslin) with the story of three women, one of which would eventually become his wife. Critics say the movie is anchored by the affable chemistry between Reynolds and Breslin, and while it's typically cute and sappy, writer-director Adam Brooks gives the movie just enough wit and light cynicism to keep it from being cloying. At 69 percent, couples will Definitely want to catch Maybe. (Catch our interview with Reynolds here.)

"I'm drunk and I feel like doing something stupid. Want to vote Green?"

Also opening this week in limited release.

The Year My Parents Went on Vacation, a coming-of-age drama from Brazil, is at 75 percent on the Tomatometer.
Ezra, a drama set amongst the rebels occupying Sierra Leone, is at 69 percent.
George A. Romero's Diary of the Dead , a POV film from the king of zombies, is at 66 percent.

"My dream is to be as useless as the guy in Cloverfield."