The Secret Of Moonacre
THIS plunges us into a children’s adventure that falls far short of the magic we have come to expect from the Harry Potter and Narnia chronicles.
Based on Elizabeth Goudge’s Forties’ novel The Little White Horse, the film version stars Dakota Blue Richards as Maria Merryweather, a Victorian orphan sent to live with her eccentric uncle Sir Benjamin (Ioan Gruffudd).
Warned never to venture into the woods, she soon disobeys and discovers an ancient curse and a bitter feud that only she can resolve.
Routine special effects merely add to the impression that this is a second division fantasy.
(Cert U; 103 mins)
OUR VERDICT: 2/5