Character development lets down 'The Secret of Moonacre'

Director: Gabor Csupo

Cast: Ioan Gruffudd, Tim Curry, Dakota Blue Richards, Natasha McElhone

Cert: G

Dark and evil secrets from the past lie at the heart of this tale that might appeal to early-teen girls.

It’s certainly a good-looking film but the major problem is that the characters are not given much depth or time to fully develop.

Richards plays 13-year-old homeless orphan Maria who is sent to live in crumbling Moonacre Manor, a place where those dark secrets reside and await uncovering, with eccentric uncle Sir Benjamin (who else but Curry for such a role?).

Little Maria has to untangle the past to save herself and the Manor … your average fantasy tale that doesn’t quite match the excitement of its original source, the book 'The Little White Horse'.

Star Rating: 3/5