dvd Inkheart

4* "Inkheart" (dvd 2008) makes more sense than some of Cornelia Funke's book and smashing special effects. Bookbinder Mo (Brendan Fraser) accidentally read his wife Resa (Sienna Guillory) into the Inkheart book, others out, such as villain Capricorn (Andy Serkis). Flame-thrower Dustfinger (Paul Bettany) wants back in, back to his family (made more of in book #2, #1 puzzling, has him wishing for mischevious fairies, the film finishes his story better without a sequel). Helen Mirren is slender, elegant unlike dumpy dowdy Elinor, same cranky bibliophile, more comic relief and brave savior.
Just as many foolish mistakes, like the author Fenoglio (Jim Broadbent) who gets caught and reveals Mo's daughter Meggie (Eliza Bennett) has the Silvertongue ability. Just as unlikely that Meg can read in public as write under pressure. Unlike the babysitting grandpa in the book, here Fenoglio is lonely, and pines for his creation, so his end is fitting too. The finale is altogether more complete, satisfying that the book as start of a series.
The only extra is Eliza reading concluding paragraphs

"Writing is a kind of magic too".

Stars: Brendan Fraser,Paul Bettany,Eliza Bennett,Helen Mirren