I love family films. Sadly, they are few and far between these days, so I was overjoyed to be provided the opportunity to watch and review one! The Magic Faraway Tree brings a bit of magic to the big screen. The film stars Phoenix Laroche, Billie Gasden, and Delilah Bennett-Cardy as Joe, Fran, and Beth Thompson, along with their parents, Tim and Polly (Andrew Garfield and Claire Foy).
The family hits hard times and must move far out into the country. Tim’s plan for the family’s survival is to grow a tomato crop to make spaghetti sauce to sell.
The building they move into can barely be considered a house, but slowly the family makes it a home.
The children are warned not to go into the woods. Of course, the youngest daughter ignores this and discovers a magic place filled with an array of amazing characters!
The film takes us to imaginative places where the kids must learn lessons that will improve their lives. The characters who inhabit these locations are different from us, which made them especially remarkable to me.
The Magic Faraway Tree is a wonderful story that young and old(er) viewers will enjoy! I know I did!
I believe in magic! I believe in magic! I believe in magic!
Director: Ben Gregor
Cast: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Nonso Anozie, Nicola Coughlan, Jessica Gunning, Jennifer Saunders, Rebecca Ferguson, Phoenix Laroche, Billie Gasden, Delilah Bennett-Cardy
MPA Rating: PG (for some rude humor, mild action, and brief language)
Selig Rating: 5 Stars
Runtime: 110 Min.
Release Date: 08/21/2026
Language: English
Genre(s): Adventure, Family, Fantasy
Trailer: THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE Official Trailer
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.