The Magic Faraway Tree (2025), directed by Ben Gregor

The beloved Enid Blyton tale has been tastefully updated for this film that features a stellar cast and appealing children. Polly quits her job as an industrial designer on ethical grounds and she and house husband Tim uproot their three city kids and move to the country to pursue an old dream. No surprises that the kids are not impressed, especially moody teen Beth. But the youngest, Frannie, discovers magic in the woods, literally finds her voice and leads her siblings to accept and even embrace their new life in the natural world. The best children’s films operate on several levels to provide entertainment for all ages. This is not that film, with messages that are worthy and a little heavy-handed. Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield are lovely as the parents , the kids are great and the supporting cast includes Nicola Coughlan, Jennifer Saunders and a string of well-known actors, such as Rebecca Ferguson, Lenny Henry and Judi Dench, in tiny roles. There are a few laughs, the cinematography is beautiful and the magical lands at the top of the tree are brought to life well for the most part in a sweet, but ultimately forgettable film.