The Secret of Moonacre - Region 2 DVD

That book, however, is the catalyst to what happens next in The Secret Of Moonacre, as the story bursts to life, throwing Maria into the middle of a feud between two families, the Merryweathers and the De Noirs. As she eventually makes her way through the book, Maria understands what she needs to do, and realises that the fate of Moonacre Valley could well be in her hands.

Co-starring Tim Curry, Ioan Gruffudd, Natascha McElhone and Juliet Stevenson, The Secret Of Moonacre does take a little time to warm up, with a tepid first act not the best of beginnings. But then the the steady hand of director Gabor Csupo--previously responsible for the underrated Bridge To Terabithia--kicks in, and things soon pick up. Csupo’s movie boasts striking visuals and genuinely impressive production values, and while it doesn’t quite match his earlier film, it still emerges as solid family entertainment that’s been well realised. What’s more, Dakota Blue Richards does her credentials no harm at all either, turning in another impressive performance that eases the film through its weaker moments. Recommended. –-Jon Foster