Lots of magic in Five Children and It

Five Children and It

Director: John Stephenson

Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Zoe Wanamaker, Eddie Izzard (Voice)

Cert: PG.

Taken from E. Nesbit's children's classic, we here meet the children who are sent to live with eccentric uncle, Branagh.

They come across a sand fairy - terrific contribution from the vastly talented Izzard - and there's lots of magic and adventure. There's also a lot of 'messages' about not being selfish and being good children.

But that aside it's the sort of yarn which might appeal to some young 'uns; daddy and mummy will have to stop themselves longing for escape through the nearest exit.

Charm can be spread in too thick a dollop.

Star Rating: 2/5