They ultimately share expenses with an austere, cultured widow (Joan Plowright) and a gorgoeus, bored aristocrat (Polly Walker).

NEWYORKER: Enchanted April

That said, these intense sequences are offset by moments of whimsy and humor, by Caleb Deschanel's beautiful cinematography, James Horner's warm score and the benign presence of old pros like Strathairn and Joan Plowright.

CNN: Review: 'Spiderwick' is worthwhile journey