“The Spiderwick Chronicles”
Based on Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black’s children’s books, the movie offers a dazzling array of magical beings and realms for Jared Grace, twin Simon and teen sis Mallory to explore. Directed by Mark Waters, “Spiderwick” combines the magic effects of more robust fantasy franchises with the story of a family under divorce duress without going too dark. Also helping keep things merrily off-kilter, Martin Short provides the cantankerous voice of the tiny creature Thimbletack. An engaging young actor, Freddie Highmore is most convincing as quieter twin Simon. But it’s angry Jared who must grow. “Spiderwick” is modest, not epic. It’s got thrills but is not allegorically deep or daunting like the Harry Potter or Narnia flicks. PG. 1 hour, 37 minutes. Released today.
“In Bruges”
Don’t be suckered by the trailer; playwright Martin McDonagh hasn’t made a jaunty comedy about two hit men on a forced holiday in the impossibly beautiful town of Bruges, Belgium. No, the author of dark, amusing plays — “The Pillowman” for one — debuted with this elegant (if uncomfortably tart) work of brutality and bigotry, starring Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as hired killers awaiting orders from their boss (Ralph Fiennes) after an unforgivably botched hit. R. 1 hour, 41 minutes. Released today.
“Persepolis”
This adaptation of Marjane Satrapi’s graphic novel about childhood in Tehran and an adolescence abroad is one of the finest memoirs to make it to the big screen. Elegantly rendered in rich blacks, grays and ivories by Satrapi, co-director Vincent Paronnaud and art director Marc Jousset, “Persepolis” is a primer in recent Iranian history, as well as a reminder just how bound our cultural-creative lives are to the political fortunes and misfortunes of our nations. The film is warmed tremendously by the voice talents of Gabrielle Lopes, Chiara Mastroianni, Catherine Deneuve, Simon Abkarian and the captivating Danielle Darrieux as Marjane’s grandmother. French with English subtitles. PG-13. 1 hour, 35 minutes. Released today.
