The Magic Faraway Tree review – spruced up Blyton with Foy and Garfield proves fruitful

2026-03-23 - 09:10

Paddington 2 co-creator Simon Farnaby branches out with adaptation of children’s classic boasting lively performances and some sharp gags The estimable Simon Farnaby got hall-of-famer status for co-creating the film Paddington 2, an achievement which by common consent is basically up there with the moon landing and the Sistine Chapel ceiling. Now this screenwriting powerhouse of British movie entertainment has adapted and modernised Enid Blyton’s Faraway Tree books from the late 1930s and 40s – all about a huge enchanted tree whose branches are a canopy of magical wonder. The result is a thoroughly likable and sweet-natured family fantasy film for the Easter holidays, with acres of innocent jollity and eccentric quirkiness. Continue reading...