OK for kids 8+
Disappointing adaptation of a great kids' book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that one scene in this fantasy movie stands out as too much for younger kids: Hundreds and hundreds of snakes attack people in a church, pursuing the teen hero to a crypt littered with skeletons (one of which briefly comes to life). Black birds gather in droves and attack, and Will is constantly pursued by a dark force, most often in the form of a masked man on horseback. The forces also threaten Will's whole family; at one point, giant icicles rain down on them. Will witnesses some violent events in his time travels, including the pillaging of a medieval village and the start of a cockfight in a tavern. In anger and frustration, he sets off a fiery explosion. Adults drink a little ale and wine.
- Families can talk about the themes in this movie that they've seen in other fantasy movies and books -- like dark riders, forces of light and dark, the gathering of signs, time travel, and reluctant heroes. Which specific books or movies does this one remind you of? Why? If kids have read the book, they can talk about the differences in this telling (expect them to be talking for a long time...).
The good stuff
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Messages: Not an issue
What to watch for
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Violence and scariness: Teams of birds and snakes attack at different times -- the Old Ones are completely covered in snakes at one point (they seem oddly calm about it). A crypt is littered with bones -- there's one shocking close-up of a skull. The masked Black Rider is always in pursuit -- sometimes with black, curtainy emptiness swirling around him, sucking up everything in its path. Will sets off an explosion in anger and knocks his brother out with a punch. Mention of a kidnapping that devastated Will's parents. A medieval village is pillaged. A bar in 1690 stages a cockfight (not shown). Giant icicles crash down on Will's family, and they're threatened by forces of the Dark to get to Will.
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Sexy stuff: Teens engage in mild flirting. Teasing about puberty and body changes.
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Language: Not an issue
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Consumerism: iPod and Xbox
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some wine and ale drinking by adults. Two men let themselves into a pub during the snowstorm and pour themselves pints.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
A young teen's persepctive by deangelobeth
From the perspective of a young teen, it was good. Having read the book, it was pretty much like the book, but added items of interest for the audience like romance. Wasn't too far off the mark though. At times it was confusing because there were short flashes of scenes (memories or transitions to another time). At times was pretty scary for a 9 year old and younger.
1
Garbage by MemphisBelle17
The problem with the book THE DARK IS RISING is that the descriptions of all the bizarre space/time bending as well as all the action are so vague that it's impossible to conjure a mental picture of what's going on. That spelled doom for the film before it was even made. How do you render something that can't even be properly put into words? Not that this film even attempted to be an accurate rendering of the book. It's really only inspired by the book. The filmmakers took extensive liberties. But beyond all that, it's just a bad film. The kid is terrible, as is the usually sharp Frances Conroy. Even Ian McShane comes off badly. To sum, don't waste your time or your $11 on this crap.
5
Had a great time with my daughter! by Jim Lawson
I really enjoyed the movie. It kept moving and was not at all dissapointing as some reviews I've read. I felt that it was well acted and and interesting storyline. I would spend the money to see it again. Especially since my daughter enjoyed it as much as I did.
5
Awesome by jsjjennfier
Great movie....Gotta see it, great movie, exciting but not too scary for kids.
Cool special effects...Just so ya know, any of you book fans....Its very different, still great!
4
for parents of young kids by bsmact
this movie was very "clean." there was no cursing and no sexual references. it was scary enough to keep the parents interested, but may be too scary for small children. the end was a little cheesy, but overall the movie was entertaining. probably not an "adults-only" movie, but worth taking the kids to. of course, the theme is your typical good vs. evil (light vs. darkness), and it was fairly predictable unless you were expecting a twist. if you have kids, take them to see it, but be prepared for suspensfully scary scenes that may be too much for the young ones.
4
The Seeker,The Dark Rising by dumbo63
This was a great movie. Good for pre teen and above. It's a bit spooky in parts. It's special effects were great and my 9 yr old really enjoyed it. I would definately recomend it to others!.
1
Sigh, heavy sigh. by ObiSama-Chan
They completely ignored the actual book when making this movie. The characters had the same names, and they said something about the Old Ones; those were the only similarities. If they had changed it and still made a great movie, I wouldn't care, but it, honestly, sucked.
The best part was that Christopher Eccleston (the ninth Doctor from Doctor Who) played the Rider, who pretended to be a doctor. lol
I had hoped the movie would be great, and I would love it, and everything would be fine. And maybe the sign of fire would exist. What's up with that? A soul instead of fire...
Anyway. The cinematography was actually pretty cool. I remember when Will is running from the Rider in the woods and they show him upside down. It was cool. Some of the editing is... I guess 'choppy' is a good word.
The Stanons are supposed to be kind, loving people, even when they tease each other. In this movie, they just seem mean.
Sadly, even childhood memories can't redeem this one.
3
why forget the book it's based on? by sciencedude
I've always loved the book. I know when you make a movie of a book, things get left out. But this movie adds things in and changes things. Twin brothers, the family is from the USA, & different endings? It tries to be science-y and mystical at the same time. Finding a sign at the Mall?? And what's with a girlfriend for big brother that Will falls for? I was really hoping to see the Wild Hunt, but they wrote it out. As a movie Seeker:The Dark is Rising is So-So. As an adaptation of a book, it is Oh No!
4
The Seeker: The Dark is Rising by skmccaslin
I was eager to see this new film, having heard so much about the books from friends - and it did not disappoint! It has components to draw young and old alike. My 10-year-old son enjoyed it and really related to the main character, while I enjoyed it both as a parent and as a scifi/fantasy lover. The story is compelling, the cinematography is incredible, and the acting is excellent. While it might be a little too intense for younger children, I would highly recommend this movie for children over 8 as well as for adults who are lovers of fantasy films.
1
Stay at home and read the book instead by bandersnatch42
This is a record-breakingly awful adaptation of an excellent book. The changes they make for the sake of clarity only serve to muddy the plot and make this movie look like a ripoff of Harry Potter. Guys, just don't go. Biggest waste of time I've ever seriously been offered.