The Spiderwick Chronicles

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A trio of kids (Sarah Bolger of "In America," Freddie Highmore as twins) isn't thrilled when their newly solo mom (Mary-Louise Parker) moves them out of New York City and into the isolated home of their great-great uncle, who, according to the tykes' institutionalized aunt, was long-ago abducted by fairies. The situation gets even more magical when it turns out Uncle Spiderwick (David Strathairn) really was abducted, that a tiny, honey-loving creature (voiced by Martin Short) lives in the house and that the property is surrounded by vicious goblins who want to help the head ogre (Nick Nolte) obtain Spiderwick's book of fairy secrets.

Big question: Can this fantasy, directed by Mark Waters ("Mean Girls") and based on the popular children's books, create a more compelling new world than "The Golden Compass"?

Catch it: Between a "Jurassic Park"-style monster chase and some legitimately creepy critters, "Spiderwick" is a lot trippier than anything in "Strange Wilderness." Not only will that delight Parker's "Weeds" fans but the freaky, fishy toad beasts will scare and surprise adults expecting the same old hokey kids stuff.

Skip it: If you already knew that the best way to kill goblins is to pour tomato sauce on them or choke them with both hands. I mean, who doesn't know that?

Bottom line: The beings don't look as convincing as anything in "Lord of the Rings" and the obvious family drama--Jared (Highmore) still resents his father for leaving them--creates a weird metaphor that equates finding new love to delving head-first into the realm of magic. But after an exciting and lively fantasy flick that also features Seth Rogen as the voice of a bird-eating piggish thing, you won't care much about the corny parts anyway.

Bonus: Jared demonstrates that not only are iPod headphones helpful when giving your mom the silent treatment, it also helps block out the sound of screaming fairies. Steve Jobs is a pretty lousy businessman if he doesn't find a way to incorporate this into an ad campaign!

What do you think of "The Spiderwick Chronicles"? Email me: mpais@tribune.com

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