Inkheart Review

RYAN: We were lucky enough to attend the NYC premiere of “Inkheart,” a new fantasy/adventure movie starring Brendan Fraser and Eliza Hope Bennett, one of the kids from “Nanny McPhee.”

CAROLINE: It’s a PG-rated family film, which would almost guarantee that I wouldn’t like it; but I actually enjoyed this. The premise is very clever and imaginative. I know it’s based on a book, but I haven’t read it.

RYAN: I have, and it’s one of my faves. It’s sort of in the vein of the Harry Potter books, though not as intense. As I was reading it, I kept thinking, “If only there were stuff from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ in here!” And I’m happy to report that even though the book didn’t have “Wizard of Oz” stuff, the movie does – Toto, the flying monkeys, the tornado and Dorothy’s house. The movie is more “inspired by” the book than based on it. It’s quite different actually.

CAROLINE: The premise is great. Brendan Fraser plays a guy who makes characters and props from books come to life when he reads aloud. And he looks hot doing it.

RYAN: I think he’s never looked better. Perfect hair, perfect eyes… though sadly he’s not shirtless in this one.

CAROLINE: That was a shame.

RYAN: We did, however, get a shirtless Paul Bettany, who’s clearly been spending time at the gym.

CAROLINE: His character isn’t very attractive because he has bad hair and scars on his face, but his bod was looking good. I liked him in this, and his real-life wife, Jennifer Connelly, even has a little cameo.

RYAN: That was so unexpected! I had no idea she was in this and it was a pleasant surprise. I adore her. I also loved Jim Broadbent, whose voice in this movie reminded me of his Harold Zidler character in “Moulin Rouge!” And Dame Helen Mirren is fab as always. She plays a fun, eccentric character.

CAROLINE: It was very cool to see which literary characters they would choose to come to life. There are tons of famous stories referenced, like Rapunzel, the glass slipper from “Cinderella” and the red cape from “Little Red Riding Hood.” It’s fun to revert back to your youth and remember your favorite childhood stories and see them onscreen. I really can’t believe I liked this movie, but I did.

RYAN: I’m so glad. It is really fun to see those iconic images on the big screen. The special effects are also really good, but on the way out of the theater, you said to me, “This movie’s kinda scary for kids – is it really rated PG?” I felt the same way, even though it’s not a scary movie by any means. But at the very end, there are some moments that might make you cower.

CAROLINE: I think very young kids might be freaked out by the ending. And there are a couple slightly violent or disturbing scenes to watch out for; so exercise caution when taking your young ones. There are a few freaky images.

— BOTTOM LINE —

RYAN: I loved this book and I love the movie. Of course, there were parts of the book that were cut from the movie that I missed, but all the “Wizard of Oz” stuff made up for it. Fantasy is my favorite genre, and I loved this cast. It’s a must-see on the big screen because of its size and the effects.

CAROLINE: I don’t see a lot of kids’ films but this is definitely one of the better ones. I really liked it and would recommend it for families. Parents won’t have to suffer through this one; they’ll probably enjoy it.

RYAN: This is a red letter day! I’m so excited that you actually enjoyed a family film with me.

CAROLINE: Just don’t get used to it.

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