The Magic Faraway Tree

by Mike McGranaghan

If Monty Python made a movie for kids, it might look like The Magic Faraway Tree. This screen adaptation of Enid Blyton’s children’s book has wacky characters, a sense of humor that ranges from the sophisticated to the lowbrow, and even a cameo from Michael Palin. At a time when Disney is cranking out drab, ugly-looking live-action versions of its animated classics, it’s refreshing to get a family film that’s bright and effortlessly charming.

When inventor Polly Thompson (Claire Foy) loses her job, she and her husband, stay-at-home dad Tim (Andrew Garfield), decide to move into a decrepit old barn out in the countryside so they can pursue a longtime dream of opening a home-grown tomato sauce business. Their three children – Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), Joe (Phoenix Laroche), and Fran (Billie Gadsdon) – are none too happy with this development.

Fran’s attitude changes after she discovers a magical tree way out in the forest. Inside the massive tree lives an assortment of fascinating creatures, including a fairy named Silky (Nicola Coughlan) and the literally-named Moonface (Nonso Anozie) and Saucepan Man (Dustin Demri-Burns). Yes, his body is covered in saucepans. They have her climb a ladder that stretches up into the clouds, where there are additional mesmerizing worlds. One is made of candy; another is designed like a gigantic birthday cake. Danger also exists in this world, courtesy of nasty school headmistress Dame Snap (Rebecca Ferguson).

The Magic Faraway Tree has a tough challenge in trying to marry the emotional, down-to-earth family drama with the over-the-top fantasy aspects. Although there is certainly some tonal whiplash, the movie mostly pulls it off. Garfield and Foy give sincere performances that get us caring about the family situation, and the material involving the tree eventually ties into it, so the threads don’t feel entirely disconnected. Director Ben Gregor moves back and forth at a good pace, giving both halves their due.

On top of that, the film is just great fun. There are many clever sequences, from one staged in reverse to another that finds Fran and siblings being granted poorly conceived wishes. The visuals are appealingly done, bringing the various worlds to life. Kids’ senses of imagination will undeniably be stirred by what they see onscreen, especially with so many colorful characters providing big laughs. Best of all is the supporting turn from Rebecca Ferguson, who deliciously chews the scenery as the wicked Dame Snap. She’s clearly having a ball playing an unrepentantly mean character, and the fun is contagious.

The Magic Faraway Tree can be a bit manic in spots, but the movie is so good-natured and funny that it scarcely matters. You’ll be swept away by the winning combination of humor and heart. And parents will definitely appreciate the story's reliance on joy over cynicism.