For me, it is very hard to pass up a fantasy film. And when I had the chance to see this, I didn't think twice. I thought the movie would be in the same league as Harry Potter or Chronicles of Narnia series, but it falls short. The way the film is executed makes it seem quite silly. Based on the novel 'The Little White Horse' (which I hear is good) by Elizabeth Goudge, the film tells the tale of two ancient powerful families who fall out with one other. The Moon Princess is believed to bring them together, or else, predictably, the world will end. The movie is partly adventurous and partly funny. The funny moments are never funny for the adults, but the children will really enjoy the movie. It has underlying themes like pride, the power of love and honesty. Dakota Richards makes you like the movie because she seems so immersed in her character. Natascha McElhone, Tim Curry and Ioan Gruffudd never come off as authentic and it hurts the movie. They all have a very short fuse and could blow off like a six year old kid if they are pushed too much.

An orphan girl, thirteen year old Marla Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) inherits nothing but a book of family secrets, 'The Ancient Chronicles Of Moonacre Valley', from her dead father. Without a proper home, she has no choice, but to move in with her grumpy uncle, Sir Benjamin Merryweather (Ioan Gruffudd) at Moonacre Manor along with her nanny, Miss Heliotrope (Juliet Stevenson). The book that her father left her tells her of an ancient curse placed upon her family. The daughter of Coeur De Noir (Tim Curry), Loveday (Natascha McElhone) is the Moon Princess and she has been gifted magical pearls which will give the power enormous power to control everything. Sir Merryweather and Loveday are in love and are about to be married. On the day of the marriage, the pearls have their effect on Sir Merryweather and Coeur De Noir and they show their true colours. Loveday runs away with the pearls and goes into hiding. But Coeur and Sir Merryweather think that the pearls are with the other one and they are bitter about it. Loveday has lost her powers and Maria is the apparent heir to the Moon Princess title and she has to save them all before the ascension of the moon for the 500th time.

While the story seems to be fascinating, director Gabor Csupo, who was also responsible for the wonderful 'The Bridge To Terabithia', cannot really get the magic working here. Dakota Richards as Maria comes across as a cross between shy and adamant, without being able to really establish her true nature. Tim Curry who is quite popular in these kinds of films doesn't really have much to do in this film. He is supposed to be sinister and menacing, instead he is an idiot. Ioan is a troubled man who doesn't stick to his decisions and keeps acting like a baby, as does Natascha's character. The costumes, sets are authentic and the special effects, which is the most important requirement in fantasy films are good enough not to appear fake or over the top. There are unicorns and black lions which will give you a sense of wonder. Not a bad watch as long as you don't think more than a 12 year old kid would.

6/10

Young Maria Merryweather (Dakota Blue Richards) loses her father leaving her orphaned and penniless. She goes to live with her uncle Sir Benjamin (Ioan Gruffudd) at the mysterious Moonacre Manor. Maria finds a world of ancient feud with the De Noir family. She is the last Moon Princess and she must find the magic pearls before the next moonrise or else a dark curse will doom the Merryweather family.

There is a lot of history and backstory to go through. Based on book The Little White Horse, there's a lot of explaining for the first half. There is a lack of magic in this fantasy movie. The Moonacre Manor is supposed to be rundown, but it's ruined state has no atmosphere. It looked cheap rather than moody or Gothic. That goes for all the other sets and FX. All of it looked cheap. The story rambles on and on. It lacks adventure, tension, and importantly joy. The great actors can do nothing with this mess of material.

This movie is based upon a book which influenced JK Rowling. There are similarities between this movie and the Potter series.

1)Both have character names which fit the character. The "evil" people have a French name (dead English giveaway) De Noir.

2)Characters are quirky.

3) Maria, who is orphaned at an early age discovers she is of royal bloodline.

4) Both have magical objects such as a magic mirror.

5) Both have a secret book in a library.

6) Luna Lovegood was clearly based on Moonacre character Loveday.

Maria is orphaned and goes to live with her uncle, who is very cold to her and her caretaker, Ms. Heliotrope. While there, magical things happen and she is instructed not to go into the forest where the Du Noirs roam. (They all dress in black.)

You don't see too much of the unicorn and lion on the cover, but they are in the film.

This is a movie adults can enjoy watching with their kids and also one for people who enjoy the type of names and symbolism one sees in Harry Potter. The movie has magical devices, but unlike Potter there is no real spell casting witchcraft. There is also a Romeo and Juliet element to the story which is revealed about half way through.

A great film especially for young girls, but not so childish adults can't enjoy it. The best of all worlds.