In the latest adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s ”The Secret Garden,” the walled-off garden is a mystical sanctuary, an escape.
Agnieszka Holland’s movie is too. It dishes up a story, suspense, characters with depth and an alternately brooding and lush texture without four-letter words or violence.
It’s a welcome respite for families.
But will the kids relish what’s actually good for them?
Katie, 11; Cecelia, 10; and Gregory, 7, did.
They were unanimous in awarding the movie a thumbs up and recommend it for children age 5 and up.
Katie found the story about 10-year-olds believable, ”like it was really happening.”
Cecelia found merit in the story about friendship and healing: ”It kept you on the edge of your seat.”
Gregory liked the transformation of bratty Mary Lennox and Colin Craven, played by Kate Maberly and Heydon Prowse, to more likable chums. ”The acting was really good,” he said.
That goes for the whole cast. Maggie Smith’s pursed lips and hand-wringing made Mrs. Medlock a Gothic Nurse Ratched. Laura Crossley was mischievous and nurturing as Martha the servant girl.
But the best testimony about this movie was given by the many youngsters at the Saturday matinee.
Not one left the theater during the film and the only noise and movement in the place was spontaneous applause when the lights came up.
This movie grew on Hargreaves and the junior road crew at NewMarket Shopping Center.
