I was lucky enough to come across a copy of this movie at the local video store. It was faithful to the book and where it wasn't, I didn't feel it betrayed it in any way. I enjoyed the added in scenes and differences as much, and maybe more, than if it had followed the book exactly. Maybe this was because it was so much in character and fit in so well that I felt the changed parts could just have easily fit into the book.
The actors fitted the characters perfectly in most cases, and again, where they didn't (such as Tassie) it seemed an improvement or just as good as the original, considering the times. The film has been very gently and effectively modernised (though is more than a decade old now), yet cleverly manages to remain true to the book at the same time.
The film has just the right amount of humour, suspense and thrills - there wasn't a moment we found slightly less interesting and looked away! It was very exciting to watch, perhaps because the kids behaved in such a natural way it was so easy for us to relate to them - the tricks they played on each-other, the antagonism between brother and sister, etc.
The "Enid Blyton Adventure Series" was great, but this adaptation seemed somehow more real, more relatable, and even MORE fun! The episode of the Adventure Series "The Woods of Adventure" was adapted from the same book, yet if you have seen both you will realise they are vastly different from one-another. "The Woods.." is very much changed from the book and is practically unrecognisable. (Could this have been due to copyright laws???). In any case, this version is a must-see if you are lucky enough to find it!!
I really couldn't think of anything I disliked about this film, which is why I gave it 10/10.
I wish they'd play it on TV as the video store no longer has its copy, and I would love to be able to see it again despite that I'm older now!
