WISH YOU WERE HERE?
With the UK still on lockdown thanks to the coronavirus, a trip to the beach with new book adaptation Four Kids and It could be just what the doctor ordered, writes DAMON SMITH
BE CAREFUL what you wish for when you already have everything you need to be happy.
That’s the underlying message of Four Kids and It, an energetic adaptation of Jacqueline Wilson’s bestselling novel for children.
Originally earmarked for cinema release before the COVID-19 pandemic closed venues across the UK and Ireland, director Andy De Emmony’s cautionary tale premieres on Sky Cinema where the script’s gently effervescent mix of comedy, romance and wish fulfilment could be a tonic for families in need of a fleeting diversion during lockdown.
A cameo from Cheryl as an officious manager of a global pop star is a momentary distraction in the film’s slow-paced middle section.
Thankfully, Russell Brand is firing on all cylinders as the well-to-do pantomime villain.
The enchanted creature voiced by Sir Michael Caine, who casts a spell over feuding characters, would be powerless to permanently conjure away the nagging fears of our current predicament. However, for the best part of two hours, De Emmony’s picture holds the attention of younger viewers without excessive fidgeting, and that is surely magic.
David (Matthew Goode) spirits his children, 13-year-old Ros (Teddie-rose Mallesonallen) and eight-year-old Robbie (Billy Jenkins), away to a seaside cottage in Cornwall.
Ros clings to the hope that her divorced parents might reconcile until David’s new girlfriend Alice (Paula Patton) arrives at the cottage with her brood: aspiring singersongwriter Smash (Ashley Aufderheide) and cherubic Maudie (Ellie-mae Siame).
The emotionally bruised moppets clash and battle lines are drawn when they encounter an ancient being called a Psammead (voiced by Caine), which lives in the sand of a secluded beach. The benevolent creature promises to grant one wish each day. Ros, who has read Five
Children and It by E Nesbit, is wise to the hidden caveats: the wish lasts until sunset and each heart’s desire will invariably have a sting in the tail.
Regardless, Smash, Robbie and Maudie call upon the Psammead and arouse the suspicions of demented local laird Tristan (Brand).
Four Kids and It is whimsical family entertainment.
Digital effects, which bring the Psammead vividly to life, are slickly executed.
The young cast is ably led by the engaging Malleson-allen while Goode and
Patton kindle a few sparks of chemistry.
Author Wilson makes a brief, glowing appearance during the end credits to provide her seal of approval.
■ Streaming on Sky Cinema.