Film Review – The Magic Faraway Tree

“The Magic Faraway Tree” book series was created by author Enid Blyton in 1939, carrying on for four installments which managed to delight young readers from around the world with its exploration of adventure and imagination. It’s taken some time, but now producers are out to launch Blyton’s creation as a possible film franchise, with “The Magic Faraway Tree” the first installment. Screenwriter Simon Farnaby (“Paddington 2,” “Wonka”) is tasked with establishing a fantasy playground, following young characters as they encounter a special world of possibilities while dealing with the colder realities of their lives. Magic is promised in the title, but not entirely delivered by the picture, which strains extremely hard to provide whimsy, only to end up constipated and a bit confused. Earnestness is present at times, but most of the feature is aggressive and oddly structured, making it difficult to get swept up in its sense of wonder. Read the rest at Blu-ray.com