The cinematic adaption of Enid Blyton's book series The Faraway Tree is now in cinemas. Director Ben Gregor adapts the books which started in 1939 for modern day audiences in The Magic Faraway Tree. Will the film charm audiences the way the books have for decades? Unfortunately, for a film that should be full of wonder and magic, it falls flat for the majority of the run time, unable to reach its full potential. There is a healthy dose of whimsey, but not enough to save it. Read on for my full review, spoilers will be minor.
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There are a few outcomes when adapting novels into films. Some are a triumph, the world we've imagined coming to life beautifully off the pages. And other times the transition just does not work, which is the case with The Magic Faraway Tree. That's not to say there is nothing to like about the film, but it is one of those films where the trailer is more enchanting than the actual film. Style wise we get a Paddington look, a colourful, quirky timeless style that works perfectly within the Paddington universe but here it just looks like a copy. This style is also becoming overused in British films, its charm diminishing with every film. In this case this type of style doesn't perfectly reflect the whimsy of the narrative nor the characters. The film takes on its own style once we enter the magical realm, which is exciting. The lands in the sky which are accessed by a ladder are the best part of this film. The worlds in the sky are well crafted, if limited. Only four of these lands are actually shown in the film, the Land of Sweets is fun and colourful, it truly feels like a place a child would dream up. The Land of Birthdays is limited, there is a buffet of food but nothing else like balloons, ball pits and bouncy castles which would have made it even better. The Land of Dame Snap is bland, and we get an intriguing look at the Land of Potions but the time there is ruined on a random musical performance. There are a number of other lands that we do not even get to see, which is a shame. A quick montage of the lands would have been a nice addition to really showcase the variety and the uniqueness of the world.
Narrative wise, The Magic Faraway Tree is a bit of a jumble. There is some great commentary on the impacts of technology on children and family life. But the exposition, where much needed build-up and context should be given, is rushed to give children raised on technology instant gratification. We jump straight into the Thompson family leaving London to begin a new life in the countryside. Warnings about a haunted woods and a glimpse of a fairy happen within minutes of one another, never allowing any intrigue to build. As the film progresses, some great context is stuffed in haphazardly. There are several moments such as the musical performance which feel out of place. But nothing is more out of place and forced than the Villain Dame Snap (Rebecca Ferguson), she is not even mentioned until halfway through the film. The film would have been the same without her, which is never a good sign when Villains should leave an impact. There are some gems scattered throughout as well like Tim (Andrew Garfield) believing he will just one day be able to speak Italian and oldest daughter Beth's (Delilah Bennett-Cardy) birthday wish which is the true issue to overcome in the film. beyond this the bonds between the Thompson's, Tim and Polly (Claire Foy) and their three children are fun to watch as they develop and learn. Turning to a life of innovation, fun and play, without screens and disconnected family values. I really do love the overall message.
Now if you were a child that had just discovered a magical world, you'd be full of wonder, excitement and probably an inkling of fear. You certainly would not be expressionless. Now this isn't just an issue with The Magic Faraway Tree, but there is a flatness to the performances of characters in really exciting situations. There are no excited expressions, or running or general merriment, it's just bland. Which makes it difficult for audiences to feel excited by the magic. The magical inhabitants of the tree, Silky (Nicola Coughlan), Moon Face (Nonso Anozie) and SaucePan Man (Dustin Demri-Burns) also lack magic and enthusiasm. Most of the time they made little sense as characters, with no motivators, they were surface level, neither creating a lasting impression or an emotional connection. The build-up to their induction was halfhearted which did not help. Not even the acting brilliance of Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy can distract audiences from the overall bland acting from the majority of the cast.
Overall, The Magic Faraway Tree should have been a magical whimsical film, instead it is bland and muddled. There was a lot of potential here for a really fantastic, enchanting film. Children will probably still enjoy it and hopefully the massage of getting away from technology and back to playing will resonate with audiences in a positive way.
2.5 Stars.
Thank you for reading xx
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