The Secret of Moonacre [PG]

When her father dies, Maria Merryweather is forced to leave her luxurious life in London and live with her strange and bad-tempered uncle in Moonacre Valley. Whilst pouting about being there, Maria discovers a dark and mysterious curse that has been placed upon the Valley and it's up to her to bring peace to Moonacre.

This is an instant fairy tale classic. I'd never even heard of it, but we received it at work and it had such great actors in it that I could not resist. I am so glad that I got it out. The Secret of Moonacre was a completely enchanting movie.

When her father dies, Maria Merryweather is left an orphan with no home. She is forced to leave her luxurious London lifestyle and live with her strange and reclusive uncle Sir Benjamin in Moonacre Valley. Whilst she is there, Maria discovers that a dark and mysterious curse has been floating over Moonacre for many many years and it's up to her to restore peace between the two families of Moonacre before the next rising of the moon. But with another curse, the curse of pride, working against her, Maria soon finds that this will be no easy task.

This was a brilliant film. It is the truth universally acknowledged that the films that you never hear of are often the best films you've ever seen. As we all know by now, I'm a complete sap when it comes to kiddies' films and magical movies. This is one of those.

I have to say though, that it was really the costumes that won me over with this move. They are absolutely stunning! All old-fashioned high society London type clothing, corsets and big flowing skirts. Very glamorous and simply beautiful.

Dakota Blue Richards is our leading lady and she is gorgeous. I fell in love with her in The Golden Compass, and in this movie she was just as brilliant. Feisty and vivacious, she brings both the sugar and the spice to this movie.

Behind Dakota stands a line of familiar faces including Ioan Gruffudd, Juliet Stevenson, and Tim Curry. All of them wonderful. Juliet is very funny and Ioan can really be a grumpy bugger when he sets his mind to it.

Based on the book The Little White Horse by Elizabeth Goudgres, The Secret of Moonacre was an enchanting fairy tale that had me completely entranced. Magical for the family.