What's sad about this film is that its source material (a Newbery winning book series) is apparently much richer than this adaptation would suggest, weaving elements of uniquely British myth and folklore into its magical coming of age story, all of which makes nary an appearance in the film itself. No amount of step printing, quick cuts, slo-mo and CGI can cover up the hollowness and "been there, done that" at the core of The Seeker.

Director David L. Cunningham's incessant use of extreme close-ups (and close-ups of bizarre elements, like ears and nostrils) becomes increasingly distracting and annoying as the film progresses. Attempting, apparently, some amount of visceral excitement with quick handheld dolly shots, he ends up framing his final post-dolly image ineptly, so that we are left with something like 1/4 of someone's head. The screenplay also lurches from improbability to improbability, with each ostensible "twist" telegraphed to anyone who has ever seen a film with a real twist.

The film does boast an affable lead performance by juvenile actor Alexander Ludwig, and the production design is excellent. The other youthful actors rounding out the hero's family are similarly likeable, bringing a nice touch of reality to an otherwise largely unbelievable (even with huge doses of belief-suspension) story. The supporting cast is solid, if unremarkable.

Fans of the book series which spawned this effort are up in arms that this adaptation strays so far from its source. That leaves one to wonder where the potential audience for this film lies, something I personally think Fox executives are going to be seeking for some time.

Recommended as a rental for young adolescents when the DVD becomes available, if they show any interest in it. Otherwise, it's skippable.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet