there's an enchantment to this movie that's enriched by positive messages, even if they are a little contrived at times; a fun-filled, and entertaining fantasy that easily passes the time
the plot kinks keep the route to the predictable climax lively, as does Caine's nicely crotchety voicework as the Psammead: a winningly wily (and explosively flatulent) creation in a children's film that manages to be feelgood but never too cutesy
the mix of the magical with everyday angst makes it into a captivating story for younger audiences. With beautiful scenery and the brilliant CGI, this film will hold all the family's attention this Easter
the kids and Caine are good, but this lacks the magic of its source novel(s). Younger children may enjoy it, but its attempts to entertain older viewers mostly fall flat
it's like a children's film from the 60s, in many ways, despite the modernity. It's been a while since I've seen a silly baddie get the seat of his trousers set on fire, run around squawking, and then sit down in a water trough with an ecstatic sigh
"Four Kids And It" is a winningly old-fashioned family adventure; It lives beneath the sand and has the power to grant wishes, but the children soon discover that's not necessarily a good thing. This film is whimsical, but in a good way
by Fiona Francia [HeyUGuys ]
by Anna Smith [Empire Magazine ]
