Olivia Hoyes

I've never read the books, but from what I've seen from those who have is not much different from I have to say. I loved the 2008 Spiderwick Chronicles movie as a kid, and can honestly say it still holds up as one of my favorite films (purely because of nostalgia). This show is nothing like the movie; which is fine, if the show was good on its own. But it is not. It's bad. Like, really bad. The set design and props are beautiful (which is why I've given it 1 star). But the writing. Oh my god, the writing. It's cliche and predictable with outdated dialogue trying to be "hip". The acting isn't even that bad, the actors are just crammed into unlikeable, flat characters that leave no room for self-expression or individuality. I have no problem with the cast (except for Thimbletack's voice actor, who was just way off) including more people of color. I think that's great. It's just the writing. The pacing is rushed but also agonizingly slow, which I don't even know how they managed to achieve. There are numerous plot holes and entire scenes that don't make sense. The aging-up of characters does not, in my opinion, diminish the plot; if anything it enhances the show's ability to explore darker themes like mental health and absent parents. But when the majority of the show revolves around Jared and his mental health, all other scenes, characters, and world-building details lack substance. I truly could not get over the dialogue. At multiple points in the show, I found myself with my head in my hands wondering why I continue to sit through this torture. I endured this show because I loved the movie so much and I was so hopeful, just waiting for it to get better. But it doesn't. It gets worse. Learn from my mistakes and just watch the movie instead.