The cinematic adaptation of a rather unknown book series impresses with humor and heart.
Children’s books have long been used by Hollywood as a popular template for film adaptations – often with great success. The “Harry Potter” series, for example, is one of the most successful film series in cinema history. The charming bear Paddington has also thrilled audiences in recent years. In Austria and Germany, the films about “The School of Magical Animals” also attracted millions of audiences to the cinemas.
Now another adaptation, “Der Wunderweltenbaum,” is running on the big screen. The film is based on the children’s book series “The Faraway Tree” by Enid Blyton, who is also known for the “Five Friends” series, among other things. The story does take some time to get going. But ultimately it develops its charm and offers entertaining cinema for the whole family, even if the film does have its weaknesses.
Scene from “The Wonder World Tree”
That’s what the film is about
When the siblings Beth, Fran and Joe turn their backs on the big city with their parents against their will and move to the country, an unexpected journey into the unknown begins for them. In a mysterious forest nearby, they come across a magical tree that reaches into the clouds: the Wonder World Tree. Strange and fascinating creatures live inside.
The children soon become friends with characters such as the fairy Silky Hair, Moon Face and the Pan Man, who take them into new, fantastic worlds. There they experience exciting adventures until one day they end up in the dark world of the strict school principal Madame Klaps. At the same time, the family’s life is thrown into disarray when the newly started family business causes unexpected problems.
Scene from “The Wonder World Tree”
Children get their money’s worth
“Der Wunderweltenbaum” is clearly aimed at a young audience, which is particularly reflected in the simple narrative style. Topics such as childhood and family cohesion are presented in a child-friendly manner, but at times they seem a bit too simple. The humor is also primarily aimed at younger viewers and primarily relies on situational comedy.
Director Ben Gregor manages to create a solid production with a decent narrative pace. But not all visual effects are convincing. The sometimes immature CGI always takes you out of the story. Screenwriter Simon Farnaby could also have put more emphasis on the imaginative elements surrounding the wonder world tree. Whenever the plot focuses on family conflicts, the film loses some of its entertainment value.
A film with charm
Despite its weaknesses, “The Wonderworld Tree” is a thoroughly charming family film. Above all, the imaginative characters – including Moon Face, the Pan Man and the Fairy Silky Hair – provide many funny moments with their idiosyncratic humor. The characters are wonderfully strange and contribute significantly to the entertaining tone of the film.
The various fantasy worlds also impress with creative ideas. In addition, the film scores with a lot of heart and a sensitive approach to important topics. The reversal of classic role models – with a working mother and a father who takes care of the household and children – gives the story an unexpectedly modern touch. The finale shouldn’t just make a young audience emotional.
Scene from “The Wonder World Tree”
Great ensemble
The film is also convincing in terms of acting. Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy embody the married couple Tim and Polly Thompson with convincing chemistry – it’s refreshing to see them not in an intense drama, but in a family-friendly material. Rebecca Ferguson plays the stern Madame Klaps with visible enthusiasm, but remains somewhat underrepresented due to her limited screen time.
The imaginative characters are embodied by actors best known from television: Nonso Anozie (“Game of Thrones”) impresses as Moonface, while Nicola Coughlan, who celebrated her breakthrough with “Bridgerton”, gives the fairy Silk Hair a warm touch.
Conclusion
“The Wonderful World Tree” stands out pleasantly from the oversupply of superhero films and sequels in the cinema. The book series, which has largely been forgotten today, is lovingly staged and offers entertaining entertainment for viewers of all ages.
3 of 5 fairy silk hairs in front of a moon face