Five Children and It
Seen it?2004 | 88 min | Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Weeknight WatchWhy it’s a Weeknight Watch
With a lukewarm 5.6 out of 10 from audiences and a box office loss, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans, adventure fans and families. If you loved Peter Pan or Cinderella, start here.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 28 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
The Psammead is an 'it', an ancient, ill-tempered sand-fairy with a spider-shaped body, bat-like ears, and snail-like eyes. It is grumpy but has the power to grant one wish a day, which must be made before sunset. Five siblings—Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and infant Hilary—encounter It and experience the highs and lows of frivolous wish-making.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesBelow par
5.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$5 million worldwide on a $16 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 35K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
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Cinderella
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed family film.
Pan
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The Legend of Ochi
Sunday Safe BetAnother family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Ella Enchanted Weeknight WatchAnother family film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by John Stephenson
- Tara FitzgeraldMother
- Freddie HighmoreRobert
- Alex JenningsFather
- Jonathan BaileyCyril
- Jessica ClaridgeAnthea
- Poppy RogersJane
- Zoë WanamakerMartha
- Kenneth BranaghUncle Albert
- Suzy Eddie IzzardIt
- Duncan PrestonSergeant