Le Jardin des secrets

The Story of the Treasure Seekers is the first of the "Bastable" series by E. Nesbit, an English author of children's books who is practically unknown outside of England. This adaptation is most notable for its excellent cast, including early appearances by Felicity Jones and Keira Knightley, an over-the-top bad-guy performance by Ian Richardson, and Peter Capaldi before he developed his more colorful vocabulary. (Most of the other players, both major and minor, will be immediately recognizable to anyone who watches British TV or movies.) There's not much plot, and there are so many characters that you don't really anchor to any (Camilla Power and James Wilby probably have the biggest roles), but it manages to be fairly entertaining throughout. Overall it feels like it would fit in well among the better of the live-action Disney movies of the 60s and early 70s.

Well, it falls apart under logical scrutiny, but it's so chock full of charm, it doesn't matter.

Five kids pull together to save the seemingly doomed House of Bastable. Their ideas on how this should be done are bizarre, outrageous, generally unsuccessful and great fun. Digging a trap hole in the garden to catch bailiffs is just one of them! Meanwhile, distracted dad works clumsily towards inventing the fridge!

An all star cast (mostly buried under fake moustaches) make this even more enjoyable as they all embrace the silliness with their best efforts. It's a feel-good fairy tale and, of course, things work out well in the end! Wonderful stuff for the whole family!

Don't be deceived by the title of this movie. If you're expecting a rousing adventure yarn involving pirates and sailing the bounding main or perhaps a race against both time and baddies to retrieve a long-hidden hoard then you're going to be disappointed. Rather this is a much quieter affair centering around the efforts of a bunch of siblings to save their home and family from financial ruin. That being said, this is a very pleasant movie. It is British-made and so eschews the clichés you'd expect from a Hollywood-made flick and it stars some familiar and talented British actors. The plot is intelligent and, needless to say, the acting is excellent. It's all very low-key though and while it's definitely suitable for families, younger kids might find it a bit dull. Older kids will enjoy it though and, I'm pleased to say, their parents will too.

Dora (Camilla Power) is the oldest of five children of a widowed father (James Wilby). The family is in fairly dire straits. Father works but expenses are great and the clan is in danger of losing their home. Happily, there is an iron in the fire in that papa has a knack for invention and is working on a mechanical icebox. But, what if he does not complete it and who will provide the backing to make it come to fruition? The children, aware that the situation, decide that they will dig for a buried treasure. Its not found, but, they do meet a real life German princess, along with other new pals. Dora, who bears the heaviest burden, finds work outside the home as a secretary, in addition to being in charge of her younger siblings. Best of all, the kids meet a woman doctor (Gina McKee) who proves to be an invaluable friend. She is especially interested in the invention, for she knows that many hospital medicines need to be cool. Will it all work out for this hard-working, close-knit family? This is a lovely period piece, a true treasure for those who want to share quality films with their families. Although it is British, it has clear English and situations that are universal and the cast, especially McKee, is quite nice. Naturally, the Victorian setting and costumes are beautiful and the photography is also quite wonderful. The plot, at times, seems to dart from one new event to the next, causing a bit of confusion, but it works to a good end. Do seek out this movie, you cinema fans with high standards who also crave hefty entertainment and diversion, too. As stated, this one is a treasure, certainly.

GLORY BE, a movie without any undesirables? Hard to believe! If you want a great, clean, fun movie to watch with kids, the family or grandparents, you have landed upon one of very FEW that fit into this category. Many that are in the good, clean and fun category are (sadly) quite lame. This one ISN'T. I am going to buy it!

If you are looking for the average, standard fare movie with sex/sensuality, violence or high drama, this one isn't for you.

OK, so it won't let me post unless I add more, but I really don't have a book length review-just wanted to pass on the info that this REALLY IS a clean, fun and worth watching movie!

:)