Brendan Fraser, Sienna Guillory, Eliza Bennett

Mo has the special talent to bring characters out of books. One night he brings out three characters from Inkheart, a story set in medieval times and filled with magical beings. Capricorn and Basta, t...( read more  read more... )wo villains, and Dustfinger, a fire-eater. Now, 10 years later Meggie discovers the truth and it's up to her to escape Capricorn's evil grasp.

Flixster Users

52% liked it

24,264 ratings

Critics

39% liked it

131 critics

PG, 1 hr. 46 min.

Directed by: Iain Softley

Release Date: January 23, 2009

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DVD Release Date: June 23, 2009

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Flixster Reviews (10,883)


  • July 29, 2009
    "You barbaric piece of pulp fiction!"

    Well, fantasy films are on the top of the producers wish lists, so pretty much all books that have potential are being adapted to the big screen. This time, it is 'Inkheart's' turn to try to win the audience. Sadly the vast potential is not ...( read more)being used properly.

    Think about it. The two main characters in the film, Brendan Fraser's Mo and Eliza Bennett's Meggie, are so called Silvertongues, who by reading out loud books can transfer the characters from the books to our world. Sounds like an idea that could be amazing. Well, there's really not that much use of it. All we see are glimpses of known fictional creatures, such as the croc from Peter Pan, a minotaur and a unicorn. And let's not forget everybody's favourite dog Toto...

    I haven't read the novel that 'Inkheart' is based on. I'd like to read it now just to compare the results. I felt kinda disappointed because the story isn't really that interesting. The story (and the main characters) jump from scene to scene without any bigger explanation. It all seems so easy for them. Not enough background information isn't given of the characters so I didn't become that fond of 'em either.

    The only really interesting character, and the actor who steals the film completely, is Paul Bettany's character Dustfinger. He does once again an intense and emotional performance. Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent seem to have a lot of fun with their characters as well and give some necessary humor to the movie. Brendan Fraser hasn't changed much from his previous films. At times it looks like he's a bit bored... Maybe he's done too much fantasy films lately?

    The special effects are good looking, especially the thing called Shadow. It has some resemblence to the demon of 'Lord of the Rings' but anyway... Looks good. In the end there ain't that much use of SFX's so that is another thing that bothered me a bit. A fantasy film without any greater use of SFX should have a strong story and acting but 'Inkheart' doesn't have that.

    'Inkheart' starts in an interesting way but when you've waited for a half an hour to get it on properly, you may get bored as I did. The films last quarter is so silly and makes too many compromises which resulted in me not liking the film that much. 'Inkheart' is easy fun for the viewers that love any kind of fantasy but those of you who crave for more will surely be disappointed.
  • July 15, 2009
    I love love love Brendan Frasier and his movies. Why is he so damn perfect for these "magical/adventure" movies? This was very very cute. Once again a great flick for generations to share. Sat down with my mom and daughter and we all enjoyed it equally. The story was different an...( read more)d that was a nice change and the cast was wonderful. There are a couple more books from that series and I would be delighted if they made thopse into movies too. Like i said this was really cute and great for the whole family!!
  • July 5, 2009
    Something got lost in translation from book to screen because it's clumsy and confusing at alot of times though it all seemed to come together decently enough by the end.
    Overall its a family friendly fun fantasy.
  • June 30, 2009
    I have not read the original source material but the movie has a nice wholesome quality with good direction, well used but not overused CGI. I would say a much better job of adapting a fantasy book to big screen than others, IE things like the Seeker Dark Is Rising or even Goodki...( read more)nds TV series. Overall I enjoyed the show.
  • May 10, 2009
    At first it started out as an interesting premise and then just becomes a typical lame fantasy romp.
  • November 8, 2009
    Not my kind of movie, but not bad overall (probably because I don't remember the book)
  • November 8, 2009
    the movie was good. funny lines and some fairytale. just what i needed :).
  • November 7, 2009
    Heard the books were good, I may see it if I have time.
  • November 4, 2009
    first hour of this movie is pure crap.. and than its all about special effects which is not worth watching.. so dont curse yourself by watching this movie
  • November 2, 2009
    The movie was good but the book is so much better!!

Critic Reviews


January 26, 2009
Kurt Loder, MTV

Any grown-ups deputized to accompany kids to this picture should find the usual watch-checking squirm factor to be surprisingly minimal. full review

January 23, 2009
Pete Hammond, Hollywood.com

A whimsical, exciting and entertaining family flick. full review

January 23, 2009
Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

Seemingly intended as a celebration of the power of books, it's an occasionally incoherent, sleep-inducing picture that reduces narrative to mere mechanics. full review

January 23, 2009
Stephanie Zacharek, Salon.com

Over and over again, characters in Inkheart wax eloquent on the power of books. But there's nothing in the movie as haunting or as compelling as the sound they make when they speak for themselves. full review

January 23, 2009
Colin Covert, The Minneapolis Star Tribune

The overqualified cast gives its all, but logical lapses and sober-sided direction siphon off the fun. full review

January 23, 2009
Amy Biancolli, Houston Chronicle

The film's storybook Alpine vistas are lovely to behold, and bits of humor pop out in welcome moments. Other than that, it never quite springs to life as intended -- not in your kitchen, and not on sc... full review

January 23, 2009
J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

It's handsomely mounted, with supporting turns by Helen Mirren as the girl's flinty aunt and Jim Broadbent as the author of the book that caused so much fuss. full review

January 23, 2009
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe

Inkheart illustrates an obvious problem with making a movie about the joys of reading when the movie made is labored and sludgy looking: Why bother seeing it if you can stay home and read a book instead? full review

January 23, 2009
Michael Sragow, The Baltimore Sun

Cold, bland and gimmicky. full review

January 23, 2009
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune

Inkheart was a busy, crowded, hugely successful book to start with....the film version retains nearly all of author Cornelia Funke's story complications. It's a mixed bag and a serious load for a movi... full review

View more Inkheart reviews at RottenTomatoes.com

Comments


  • GHOSTRiderX
    February 6, 2009
    Boring...zzzzz
  • Daughteroftwilight
    January 25, 2009
    wooow

    im not seen the movie yet

    but im sure its a mazing Movie

    best wishes
    (Sweetheart of the rain)
    Noora Bloom
  • Rosepetal75
    January 24, 2009
    http://www.inkheartmovie.com/
  • AsianNorthOfThailandGeneration
    January 22, 2009
    Glitter Graphics

    Glitter You Rock Graphics


    I'm wishing would like to watch it
  • huehuetecti
    January 22, 2009
    I haven't seen the movie but i plan on it, cos the book is really fantastic. probably way better than the movie, so i would really recomend reading it. there is also a sequel, which cruelly enough ended with a cliff-hanger so we must now wait for the third part. but i'm sure it'll be well worth it.
  • brklngrn
    December 12, 2008
    I want to see the movie cause I want to compare it to the book (which is the BEST and will DEFENATLY be WAY better than the movie) but I don't because it doesn't look real promising
    I wonder why they would have Meggie be played as someone with a british accent, but Mo is just normal engish. I wish Meggie didnt have an accent.
    I kind of thought as Capricorn of looking more evil than he does. I also wonder why Elinor is dressed that way (with the turban thing on her head)
  • crystalzip2002
    December 9, 2008
    Of course they will ruin the book!
    Very RARELY that doesnt happen.
    I hope they dont ruin it but I hate to get my hopes high. Its not ..worth it.
    Hopefully with this movie the trailer isnt the only part that covers the book.
  • cantaloupecorpse
    June 19, 2008
    AWESOMELY AWESOME BOOK! i can't wait for the movie! i just hope the won't ruin the book by making a sucky movie...
  • Duckydude21
    March 26, 2008
    Inkheart... pretty much one of the best stories EVER! But it looks to me like they've changed the storyline a little bit. I'm a big fan of Cornelia Funk and I really hope they do well with this movie. It stinks they moved back the release date! Well, whenever it comes out, I'll be there to watch it first thing.

    I <3 Inkheart!
  • haleyhere
    March 16, 2008
    i read the book and it was really good i can't wait to see the movie

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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Inkheart Trivia


  • What movie based on a novel by Cornelia Funke, comes out this summer (07)?  Answer »
  • The soon to be movie, Inkheart is based on a fantasy story written by what author? And who plays Meggie?  Answer »
  • This actor starred in: George Of The Jungle Inkheart The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor Journey To The Center Of The Earth Looney Tunes: Back In Action  Answer »
  • What pet animal was seen in Inkheart?  Answer »

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