The Magic Faraway Tree
“Touch grass, but make it magical.” ✨
The Magic Faraway Tree follows a family who discovers a magical tree that can take them to different lands, full of fantastical wonder. Basically, it is one giant whimsical side quest where the kids climb a tree and unlock new fantasy DLC every few minutes.
And honestly? This was CUTE. Not life changing. Not peak cinema. Just cute.
It has that very British children’s movie energy where everything is bright, weird, slightly theatrical, and powered by the belief that a magical ladder can solve family problems. The worlds were fun, the colors were popping, and the whole thing felt like a children’s book that got a budget and started whimsy maxing.
Andrew Garfield being a cozy magical dad was also very important to the plot, actually. Like why were the kids on their devices when Andrew Garfield was right there in glasses and a sweater??? Ungrateful behavior, truly.
That being said, the first part was a little rough. The kids were kind of annoying at first, especially Beth, and I had to remind myself that this is literally a movie for younger audiences. Still, some of the “family conflict” moments felt like they were written by an AI fridge trying to understand emotions.
And then the family song happened... I’m sorry but the second they started singing, my soul left my body. Like please. It just hurted my mental state deep inside.
Still, I can’t fully hate it. The movie has charm. The magical tree is fun, Moonface had the drip on, and every new land felt like sugar rush. It is not perfect, and it definitely gets cringe, but it also has a sweetness that makes it hard to be too mean.
Overall, The Magic Faraway Tree is colorful, silly, and very much made for kids, but there is enough whimsy to make it enjoyable.
Sometimes you just need a movie that inspires you go outside, climb a tree, and stop letting the iPad raise you.