The Magic Faraway Tree

Andrew Garfield just tries too hard to be a cute hapless man-child. Claire Foy is a joy, especially when she is around the family.

Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy anchor a fantasy film that never quite takes flight.

Enid Blyton's book series gets the screen treatment and it's a wonder-filled adaptation, if a little overly cute and long-drawn.

The 110-minute film breathes fresh life into Blyton's pucca prose through state-of-the-art visual effects and racially diverse casting. Colourful visuals and agreeably kooky characters supply humour, warmth and a subtle message about keeping an open mind. The film keeps what's best about Blyton while judiciously excising the egregious bits.

The Magic Faraway Tree, while not being a slavish adaptation of the books, is very much a spiritual reimagining of the series. There is a gentle humour, vivid imagination and a quiet wonder to the film that makes it irresistible. While there is enough to engage and delight Blyton devotees, the film also has enough whimsy and charm to welcome people unfamiliar with the books.