The Famous Five

Like watching an amateur dramatics group doing a role play exercise, this feels like a camera was pointed at a group of actors and they were told to just make something up. There's nothing of any substance in the script - no fun or wit or tension - or if there is, it is completely lost in the delivery. Whether it's the editing, direction or acting, it never seems to pick up any pace or excitement. My kids and I were bored by it. It doesn't help that the 80s style soundtrack is completely incongruous with every other aspect of the production.

Which is a shame, because it feels like the four children are good enough to carry a decent story. But they don't get very much to do. Jack Gleeson is poor, trying a hammed-up child catcher routine that is neither creepy nor entertaining. Maybe there just isn't enough for him or the rest of the cast to work with. It's so disappointing.