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Inkheart
2009
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entertaining
whimsical
wonderful
convoluted
magical
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36 %
38 %
Rotten
$ 62 Million
See Where to Watch
Inkheart
Positive Reviews
46
Negative reviews
34
Average Rating
2.7
/5
entertaining
whimsical
wonderful
convoluted
magical
All
Positive
Negative
3.0
In Funkes universe given voice in a screenplay by fantasy friendly playwright David Lindsay Abairea literature lover named Mo (Brendan Fraser) possess ..
EW
2.5
I never knew reading was so dangerous.No child seeing Inkheart will ever want to be read to again, especially if that child loves its mother, as so ma ..
Rogerebert
3.0
And this one, for all of its entertaining allusions and literary jokes, isnt awe inspiring enough to please the series many young fans.The films more ..
Common Sense Media
3.3
Its a familiar tale, but one told with gusto, wit and visual flare.
Time Out
1.9
Essentially a series of chases interrupted for far too long with glowering stare offs between the male principals and underwhelming character clowning ..
3.5
Director of photography Roger Pratt makes the most of the sumptuous locations.
3.0
To resist its forbidding pace and style is to deny oneself its rarefied rewards.
Telegraph
1.3
Seemingly intended as a celebration of the power of books, its an occasionally incoherent, sleep inducing picture that reduces narrative to mere mecha ..
San Francisco Chronicle
3.0
Magical, if messy this gets by on a good heart, high adventure and an unashamed love for books.
1.0
Its annoying how the movie changes its rules willy nilly like how books that lose characters can draw in actual people, except when characters are onl ..
Ny Daily News
3.5
Inkheart is a fantastic read, and I wasnt expecting the film to live up to it at all. Much simpler than the book, the film is still a pretty fantastic ..
JoBlo
2.5
As an adventure flick, Inkheart is not all that adventurous. It goes to places and falls on tropes that many fantasy films most notably but not exclus ..
The Globe And Mail
2.0
A visually overstuffed but emotionally undernourished piece of whimsy...yet another big, overblown fantasy movie that never takes flight.
One Guys Opinion
1.5
It all smacks of that overdone passion for literature common in English teachers who send any healthy minded kid running from books.
Village Voice
3.1
The movie wants to be a sprawling excursion into fantasy and imagination but the screenplay limits it.
ReelViews
2.5
If the goal of a fantasy is to invite a viewer into a unique and imaginative new world, then Inkheart forgot to send out invitations.
Combust Ible Celluloid
2.0
Sad to say, Funke wrote two followups to this mess and if one thinks of what became of Shrek in sequels that is a dispiriting thought indeed.D+
3.1
Its a shame that by its conclusion the movie feels like just another special effects driven story.
Usa Today
3.1
Inkhearts relentlessly erratic narrative results in a lack of momentum that only worsens as the story unfolds, and it ultimately does go without sayin ..
Reel Film Reviews
2.0
Written by prize winning playwright David Lindsay Abaire (from Cornelia Funkes novel), the movies obvious inspiration is The Neverending Story, but ev ..
News Review
3.0
And thats because whenever someone moves over from the literary to the real world via his reading, someone in his presence is sent the other way.
Screen It
2.0
Adapted from the best selling novel by Cornelia Funke, this makes a splashy fuss about the magic of books, and yet undermines our imaginative instinct ..
Independent
3.0
To that end, the effects work is excellent, particularly during the exciting finale.That said, the film is ridden with plot holes and the storys inter ..
View London
3.1
Entertaining enough for young teens, but a little more thought could have made it appealing to adults as well.
News Day
1.9
A flea market of fairy tales and hocus pocus, Inkheart makes as much sense as an inkblot.
New York Post
2.5
A Harry Potter, for example, keeps its non magical world drab and Hogwarts lush, but Inkheart doesnt effectively utilize its production design or make ..
Film Journal International ..
2.5
Bettanys wonderful performance is as compelling as the movie itself is lackluster and downright dull.
Internet Reviews
3.5
Inkheart is entertaining enough, if not always easy to follow. And if it does nothing else, at least it may inspire kids to read, if for no other reas ..
Az Central
2.5
Most scenes sit on the screen like bullfrogs waiting for something to happen.
Boston
3.0
On the upside, its an ingenious tale with some witty literary jokes.
Smh
3.0
The climax here is filled with possibilities that are never explored, suspense that never quite comes off, haphazard editing, and a flat footed sense ..
Mountain X
4.5
Theres risk here not, perhaps, risk that will resonate deeply with adults.
3.8
plenty of thrills, a smart although oft confusing script, delightful scenery chewing scenes from stalwarts like Helen Mirren, Jim Broadbent and Andy S ..
Toronto Star
3.0
Inkheart is a case of a good childrens tale assigned to the wrong director, Iain Softley, whos unable to bring the magic of the German best selling no ..
Emanuellevy
3.0
CGI fantasy adventures in the post Potter, young adult, old child mode are not quite my taste, but this one is likably boisterous, and Iain Softley di ..
Guardian
4.5
But its definitely an entertaining one, especially for fantasy fans.
Reel Talk Reviews
2.5
The concept is worthy but the execution leaves viewers heads caught in the library and their feet in the cineplex.BORING ADVENTURE.
Reel Talk Reviews
2.0
And the film is tame by the standards of modern action adventure.As for its deeper themes, such a film should make us think a little more about the di ..
Daily Mail
2.5
Young Eliza Hope Bennett is fresh faced and credible as Meggie, and the film looks splendid, the effects are terrific, costumes and setting lavish, lo ..
3.0
Maybe its approach is too Euro and lost on boors like us.But I dont think so.
Movies
3.8
The main attractions are the Serious British Thespians cutting loose and having fun while still displaying convincing commitment to the fanciful mater ..
Mr Brown Movies
2.5
The finished product teases, but does not fulfill, with what could have been. Having seen Inkheart only days ago, its details have already begun to fa ..
The Movie Boy
2.5
Unfortunately, the grown ups let this charming young adult adventure down, which is really saying something considering you have two British master th ..
Bullz-Eye
1.5
The Curse of La Llorona cast members Raymond Cruz, Patricia Velasquez and Linda Cardellini, along with director Michael Chaves, share some personal La ..
Calendar Live
3.0
The entire cast is wonderfully in tune with the whimsical tone of this inventive and clever story.
Hollywood
2.0
Latest Entertainment Videos Director Iain Softley lacks a certain sense of wonder at the potential of the premise, but he also avoids the busy, breath ..
Seattle Pi
2.0
Winged monkeys and a minotaur that you dont get a good look at make up some of the mediocre special effects in an unsatisfying kids movie.
Coles Mithey
2.5
Instead, much like a forgotten piece of pulp fiction, this film evaporates instantly from memory, the book closing on this ones chances of success lon ..
Movie Freak
3.0
Kind of a NeverEnding Story lite, Inkheart never makes full use of its strengths. The ideas about reality and fiction have already been explored bette ..
3.1
Surely thats what the producers of the new PG rated kids adventure must have been thinkingthat and Ya think we found the next Harry Potter this time
Groucho Reviews
3.1
If theres a problem for me with Inkheart, it is one of scope. This feels like it should be an epic movie, but its not.
Aisle Seat
2.0
The story is great on concept, but it never quite delivers what we are promised in the trailers.
7M Pictures
2.0
Like the best fantasy ideas its simple, but it opens up a universe of possibilities.
Oregon Live
2.5
The real problem with Inkheart isnt that its badly made but that it simply shouldnt have been made at all.
Boxoffice Magazine
2.0
While the story proves the pen is mightier than the sword, this flaccid adaptation proves the book is mightier than the film.
E Online
4.5
This adventure fantasy film doesnt have the special effects depth of a Lord Of The Rings movie, nor the charm of the Harry Potter franchise, but it is ..
Film Ink
2.5
For a fun filled fantasy film, Inkheart isnt entirely a letdown, boasting first rate special effects and well paced action, which puts this inventive ..
3.0
Filled with the prerequisites of talking animals, an appealing young heroine and some heinous villains, all the ingredients are there, although an ove ..
Mirror
3.5
But Mo only has the power to bring characters alive OUT of a book.
Varia Gate
3.0
This is an action comedy, but its simply not effervescent or exciting enough to really work.
Abc
4.5
Like being ordered to have long hair and smile on stage, but wondering how to smile with a trombone in your mouth.Or repeatedly told youre not good en ..
News Blaze
2.5
Beautiful cinematography, good direction, solid supporting actors, interestingly enough story, despite its predictability, but the main character felt ..
Ross Anthony
4.0
SOAP TEARS Emmerdale fans shed tears of joy as Sarah changes mind over lifesaving surgery
The Sun
2.0
there is nothing that resembles fun anywhere. No sense of emotional involvement by anyone on screen, and certainly no breathtaking and/or lurking sens ..
Killer Movie Reviews
2.0
Inkheart isnt impossible to follow, it just feels utterly impenetrable, thanks to direction from Iain Softley, which lacks any semblance of a proper b ..
Brian Or Ndorf
2.5
There are moments of absolute wonder to be had. Just not enough to make the film anything more than a painless misfire.
Antagony & Ecstasy
3.1
Brendan Fraser does his usual fine job here, though its hard not to feel like perhaps hes done one too many family films in such a short span.
2.8
Although its much less cringe worthy, juvenile and bland than Bedtime Stories, it lacks the awe inspiring thrills, brilliance and imagination that mak ..
Nyc Movie Guru
2.5
Inkheart never captures the imagination like a Harry Potter or Star Wars, but that is alot to ask.
Waffle Movies
1.9
Parents should think twice about choosing this for quality family time not for its content, but for its pacing.
Js Online
3.0
Gamely played and impressively filmed (in the Liguria area of Italy), its good, Saturday matinee type fun. If it were a book...you couldnt put it down ..
Sky
4.0
September 21, 2018 Henry Jamess tricks and traps; how to read Anglo Saxon poetry; the modern context of USIran relations; dissent, protest, satire and ..
Entertainment Times Online ..
2.5
The films storybook Alpine vistas are lovely to behold, and bits of humor pop out in welcome moments (nice duct tape joke).
Chron
3.0
Thats the enchanting concept at the heart of Cornelia Funkes original novel.
Metro
3.0
Those themes keep the film from falling apart under the logic gaps.
Dvd Talk
2.5
Its countless missteps earn nothing but scorn even as its wonderful intentions make us ashamed to voice them.
Scifi Movie Page
2.0
Much of this comes across as a labor of love, with a classy cast frolicking in Iain Softleys whimsical direction of a lushly imagined adaptation by Da ..
Guide Live
1.5
Its handsomely mounted, with supporting turns by Helen Mirren as the girls flinty aunt and Jim Broadbent as the author of the book that caused so much ..
Chicago Reader
3.0
Throw in some fun adventure sequences and solid direction from Iain Softley and you have a nice mid winter family diversion.
From The Balcony
3.0
A convoluted story but otherwise this is solid fantasy fare, nicely performed and handsomely made.
Film4
2.5
When you have to question every other scene and a ferret steals the show, you know youre in trouble.
Movie Metropolis
2.0
For a movie about the power of books and stories, its a bit ironic that Inkheart is itself so poorly thought through.
Film Blather
1.5
Any grown ups deputized to accompany kids to this picture should find the usual watch checking squirm factor to be surprisingly minimal.
M Tv
2.0
The movie has no personality. It flops from scene to scene and crisis to crisis with no passion, no intensity and%u2014worse%u2014no fun.
Tri City Herald
2.0
You all like your pretty little movies.Well, Ill give you a movie thatll bring you back to my world!
Can Mag
2.0
So while we can appreciate the decent effects, the bang up settings and a good cast, we can only hope they got some sight seeing in on their days off. ..
Orlando Sentinel
2.0
Even if it cant quite conjure up the movie magic it intends, Inkheart does serve as public service announcement promoting literacy. And as such, your ..
Detroit News
2.0
A convoluted plot and forgettable star derail this well meaning adventure.
Movies Ign
1.5
While the film does a serviceable job staying true to Funkes vision, it never manages to capture the magic of her written words.
World Wng
2.5
Theres nothing terrible or offensive about Inkheart, but until a hero decides to read letters from Penthouse Forum, lets can it with the things coming ..
Metromix.com
1.5
Despite its interest in creative expression, Inkhearts hurried pace, shorthand characterizations and regularly scheduled set pieces obliterate all but ..
Cinematical
3.8
Better an adventure movie for families that (however paradoxically) extols the value and wonder of books than yet another movie that celebrates violen ..
Gomemphis
2.5
As far as movies based on books about books go, its anything but a pageturner.
Sfx
2.5
Brendan Frasiers Mo may be able to conjure magic, but the same cant be said for this film.
Brandon Fibbs
3.0
Even though Brendan Fraser might be one of the worst actors out there, his co stars and a clever script keep this movie alive and entertaining.
1.0
This shrill, moronic and often ugly family adventure feels cobbled together from spare parts, with a script that cant even be bothered to follow its o ..
MSNBC
1.9
Inkheart finds Brendan Fraser getting out acted by flying monkeys and Toto the dog.
Washington Times
3.0
We leave doubly convinced that words are better left squat, inert, and black on the page
Ie Weekly
3.0
Its a strong concept from original novelist Cornelia Funke storybook characters forced into a world they dont understand handled well by director Iain ..
2.5
Well, Mudgee wants you to know theyre more than equipped to entertain your visitors and you too if you fancy a sweet mini getaway.
Time Out Sydney
3.0
Readers who want to exercise their imaginations may prefer to stick to the written word. If a story gets boring, you can always skip a few pages and m ..
The Australian
2.5
Inkheart has an engaging premise in its notion of a Silvertongue and a refreshing love of books.
KPBS.org
2.0
Similar to the movie adaptation of Philip Pullmans The Golden Compass (Knopf, 1996), the filmmakers shoehorn most of the books plot into a small amoun ..
1.5
Bit by bit, Inkheart gets backed into a very moribund soundstage finale with loose ends either rapidly wrapped or abandoned entirely.
See Where to Watch
Inkheart