The Spiderwick Chronicles

After moving into a creaking manor with their mother, the Grace siblings Jared, Simon, and Mallory stumble into a hidden world spilling from a battered field guide. The siblings uncover that their late relative Arthur Spiderwick kept a record of faeries and other strange beings, and that the book holds a map to unseen corners of their world. As mysterious artifacts surface and guardians of this lore reveal themselves, the Grace household becomes a flashpoint between ordinary family life and a dangerous, unseen realm. The kids must split their attention between school, chores, and the perilous meanings tucked inside the pages of the guide. Things get louder. The family learns to trust each other as the clues multiply around them.

Directed by Mark Waters, the film adapts the Spiderwick Chronicles books, translating Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi's world into live action. The film blends practical effects with early CGI. It balances humor with danger through a close knit family cast.

Produced on a 90 million budget, it earned about 164.2 million worldwide, indicating solid commercial performance for a family fantasy and helping it stand out among 2000s releases. The success helped position the studio in the family fantasy lineup globally.

The look of the fairy world and the practical effects left a lasting impression on fans of the genre, contributing to the era's tactile approach to creature design. It sparked home video tie ins and ongoing interest in family oriented fantasy. It inspired fans to revisit the book series.

Reception was mixed to positive among critics, with many praising the brisk pace and the emphasis on siblings and family. The film explores loyalty, bravery, and the responsibilities that come with protecting loved ones. Audiences rated it about 6.7 out of 10 from 2,788 votes. Some critics found it familiar.