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Seth Rogen and Martin Short, two of today’s top comedic talents, have recently captured audiences with standout performances in “The Studio” on Apple TV and “Only Murders in the Building” on Hulu, respectively. Both actors received 2025 Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, with Rogen clinching the award. However, back in 2008, these stars collaborated on the enchanting family film “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” now available for streaming on Paramount Plus.
Paramount Pictures
“The Spiderwick Chronicles” emerged as part of a wave of fantasy children’s book adaptations in the 2000s, inspired by the overwhelming success of the “Harry Potter” series. Directed by Mark Waters, known for “Mean Girls,” the film follows the Grace family’s adventures after moving into a dilapidated country estate inherited from their relative, Arthur Spiderwick, played by David Strathairn. Young Jared Grace, portrayed by Freddie Highmore, uncovers Spiderwick’s detailed field guide to magical creatures, leading him into a thrilling world filled with faeries, ogres, and hobgoblins.
In this fantastical tale, Martin Short lends his voice to Thimbletack, a diminutive, CGI-animated brownie deeply loyal to his absent master. Seth Rogen voices Hogsqueal, a bird-loving hobgoblin with a sorrowful history. “The Spiderwick Chronicles” stands out as a family-friendly fantasy film that delivers a satisfying, self-contained story without paving the way for endless sequels, making it a delightful rediscovery.
With an impressive 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” garnered positive reviews, particularly highlighting Freddie Highmore’s portrayal of the twin brothers Jared and Simon Grace. Critics noted that while the film captivated audiences, its intensity made it potentially too frightening for some younger viewers.
Produced by Nickelodeon Studios and rated PG, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” surprises with its scenes of intense fantasy violence, challenging expectations of a lighter experience. Renowned critic Roger Ebert described the film as “truly scary” and “terrific entertainment,” but advised caution for viewers under the age of eight or nine. The movie features a dramatic goblin siege on the Spiderwick Estate, orchestrated by the sinister shape-shifting ogre, Mulgarath, portrayed by Nick Nolte. CNN’s Tom Charity compared the sequence to a “home-invasion thriller (but with more goo).”
Critics thought The Spiderwick Chronicles was too scary for kids
For younger children, scenes of teenagers wielding knives for defense and goblins dissolving under tomato sauce, their Achilles’ heel, might be overwhelming. However, for older children who favor edgier family adventures like “The Dark Crystal” and “Goosebumps,” “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” now streaming on Paramount Plus, promises an exhilarating journey with a star-studded lineup.
Produced by Nickelodeon Studios and given a modest PG rating, “The Spiderwick Chronicles” nevertheless features intense scenes of fantasy violence that may surprise audiences expecting lighter fare. Chicago Sun-Times critic Roger Ebert called the film “truly scary,” and while it was “terrific entertainment,” he concluded his review with caution: “if you’re under 8 or 9 years old, don’t say you weren’t warned.” The film features a dramatic siege on the Spiderwick Estate by an army of goblins at the command of Mulgarath (Nick Nolte), an evil shape-shifting ogre. CNN’s Tom Charity likened it to “something out of a home-invasion thriller (but with more goo).”
Young children may not be ready for scenes of knife-wielding teens defending themselves, or goblins painfully melting under acidic sprays of tomato sauce (one of their greatest weaknesses). But for older kids who enjoy edgier family films like “The Dark Crystal” and “Goosebumps,” “The Spiderwick Chronicles,” now streaming on Paramount Plus, is a must-see adventure with an all-star cast.
