By Amelia Morris
“The Magic Faraway Tree” was a breath of fresh air. The movie takes the audience along for a magical trip to unique lands.
“The Magic Faraway Tree” centers around a wholesome family, the Thompsons with three kids absorbed in their speedy, tech-filled, city lifestyle. The kids lack imagination, creativity and inspiration— leaning into this generation’s “iPad kid” stereotype.”
When the mom, Polly, quits her job, the family decides to start over in the countryside and pursue their dream of becoming tomato farmers. The family, especially the kids, deserve a fresh start.
After arriving there, the kids, Beth, Joe and Fran, all explore the one forbidden place near their home, the Wood. Once there, they meet fairies and pixies and uncover a world of magic.
At first, the magical creatures are weary of humans, but then they learn to love them. As time goes on, the children learn to love their new home and in turn the magical creatures learn lessons about themselves too.
Even the parents learn that a little magic is in everything. By the end, the family comes together, rekindling their bond. Turns out, moving to the countryside was the best change for them.
Overall, the movie was an excellent feel good watch. It was a great change of pace with no external agenda or massive franchise pushing the title.
Even though it was a good watch, the movies’ vibrant, oversaturated colors were off-putting at times. It certainly felt like overstimulation station. Unfortunately, this oversaturation seems to be the trend of kids movies lately. However, the colors began to be less of a distraction after the plot picked up.
Despite the oversaturation, the movie truly does transport the audience to a magic, faraway place. The colors provide a means with which to create each distinct land. As a result, the movie felt more alive and magical.
Additionally, “The Magic Faraway Tree” does an excellent job transitioning between a multitude of settings. Each land feels completely unique, with its own succinct tone, characters and rules.
The costumes and sets were extremely well done and over the top in the best way. The audience became fully immersed in the unique and distant lands on screen.
In its entirety, “The Magic Faraway Tree” is the serotonin boost everyone is seeking. While it’s not perfect, the movie does a great job creating characters that the audience can root for and relate to while having fun along the way.
Granted, it is a kid’s movie so the plot is a little thin, but it redeemed itself with the overall themes. Dreams were realized, wonder was uncovered and the characters learned to be happy again away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The movie was a welcomed return to family values on the big screen. What started as a divided family became a team that worked together to save their tomato farm.
Both the parents and children learned lessons along the way. The kids remembered how to have fun away from screens but also enjoy the world around them. The parents learned to remember the magic in the little things.
“The Magic Faraway Tree” is making its exit from theaters but it has not yet received the love it deserves. While there are bad reviews out there, these are inaccurate. This movie is a sweet, wholesome time allowing viewers to just have a fun time and not be too serious. Everyone should rush out and see this colorful, whimsical, family-fun movie.
“The Magic Faraway Tree” is currently in theaters.
Amelia Morris is a sophomore journalism major and writer for Cedars A&E. She loves her dogs, music, reading and exploring nature.
Photos courtesy of Neal Street Productions and Elysian Film Group.
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