Certificate: PG
Running time: 100 minutes
Starring: Dixie Egerickx, Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Edan Hayhurst, Isis Davis, Maeve Dermody, Amir Wilson
Directed by: Marc Munden
The story: When her parents pass away, young Mary is sent to live with her uncle on a remote country estate where she discovers a secret garden.
The verdict: Based on the 1911 novel of the same name, The Secret Garden has been adapted for the screen several times previously. Does this version bring anything new? I don't think that it does, however that doesn't mean that it is not worth watching.
This version does take a few liberties with the source material, so fans of the book may find themselves grumbling about this - though rest assured that the novel's main principles are still there. The film is still very much recognisable, it just doesn't stick to exact times and settings.
The cast of The Secret Garden may boast Academy Award nominated Julie Walters and Academy Award winning Colin Firth, however if you come to this film primarily for them then you might be disappointed. This is predominantly Dixie Egerickx's film and the young actors take centre stage here.
The Secret Garden does at times rely too much on CGI, which is a slight shame as the natural scenery feels beautiful enough. But in general I really liked the design of the actual secret garden. It had an almost TARDIS like feel to it, much bigger on the inside and seeming to stretch onwards as far as the eye could see.
The Secret Garden has received mixed reviews from audiences. I don't think that this is because there is anything inherently bad about the film, it is just because it feels slightly redundant. That all being said, I did actually thoroughly enjoy this film because it is just a simple family film that captures the imagination and is a perfect watch for a rainy Sunday afternoon. And in these times, I feel like you cant go too far wrong with a film like that.
The rating: ★★★ and a half
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