The Seeker

NEW YORK (CNS) -- Based on a series of award-winning children's books, "The Seeker" (Fox Walden) tells the tale of an ordinary boy with a unique destiny. Although slight and occasionally obvious, the film nonetheless has a spirit of adventure that keeps it entertaining.

As his 14th birthday approaches, Will Stanton (Alexander Ludwig), an American whose family has moved to rural England, sometimes feels lost in the shuffle, given that the household includes, besides his parents (John Benjamin Hickey and Wendy Crewson), a sister (Emma Lockhart) and four boisterous older brothers (Gregory Smith, Drew Tyler Bell, Edmund Entin and Gary Entin). Will's birthday brings an unexpected revelation of his true uniqueness, however. He learns that he is "The Seeker," the last in a succession of supernatural warriors known as the Old Ones. Under the leadership of four village locals who turn out to be more than they appear -- Merriman Lyon (Ian McShane), Miss Greythorne (Frances Conroy), Old George (Jim Piddock) and Dawson (James Cosmo) -- the Old Ones have been fighting the forces of darkness, embodied by The Rider (Christopher Eccleston), for centuries. Now the time has come for The Seeker to play his part. According to an ancient prophecy, The Seeker will be able to turn back the rising power of darkness -- which threatens to engulf the entire world -- if he can manage to gather together six magical signs. By the time he learns of his own destiny, however, Will has only a few days left in which to accomplish this task. Despite his new supernatural powers, Will still lacks self-confidence and wonders whether he is equal to the job, especially as he finds himself distracted by Maggie Barnes (Amelia Warner), the attractive local girl one of his brothers is dating. Can Will overcome these obstacles and achieve all that has been foretold? The thin plot of director David L. Cunningham's film is counterbalanced by an evocative atmosphere, fun special effects and positive moral values. Thus Will must resist the temptation to be self-centered and instead display dedication to his mission, along with a spirit of cooperation and trust. He must also learn to believe in himself and in his own ability to fulfill his heroic vocation. The film contains passing references to puberty and a few scenes that may frighten very young children. The USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-I -- general patronage. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG -- parental guidance suggested. Some material may not be suitable for children.

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