Movie Review: MRS. PEPPERCORN'S MAGICAL READING ROOM

Here is a review done by Daniel Sarath from our friends at NapiersNews.com.

Mrs. Peppercorn's Magical Reading Room is a short film that's gained some tremendous buzz over the last couple of months. Not only has it been brought to the attention of major studios, but there are also plans for it to become a three-part franchise that will rival that of the bespectacled wizard's adventures. We went to the premiere at BAFTA in London to see what the buzz is about.

As the lights dimmed, Kevin Kliesch's atmospheric score filled the room, the fairy tale voice-over of Penny Ryder began and we are thrust into a long tracking shot through the streets of a Cornish fishing town, it became perfectly clear what the buzz is about.

Made on only £31,000, Mrs. Peppercorn's Magical Reading Room looks absolutely stunning. The production design is good enough to rival even the biggest fantasy films with excruciating detail being placed on every location as they transform the Stockport village of Marple Bridge into a true fantasy set reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow. Furthermore, the special effects are enough to make the likes of James Cameron turn green with envy especially in one scene that sees our hero magically opening a locked door.

However, as cinematic and glorious as Mike Le Han's film is, it's impossible to discuss Mrs. Peppercorn without at least touching on the heartwarming story that complements the visuals. Drawing somewhat on the influence of Pan's Labyrinth, it's a gorgeous story of childhood loneliness as we follow a curious young girl, Eloise, who without friends and her birth mother finds recluse in her books. As she moves to this new village, she discovers the mysteries of a magical room of books and old woman who, thought many villagers say she died, looks after the location.

8 year old Emily Coggin carries the title role with the grace of a real star in a performance that feels so natural you can't help but warm to her instantly. The fact that it's so good is one of the few disappointments about Mrs. Peppercorn; it draws you in to such an extent that you want to see more of her character than the short film provides and continue on the journey she's embarked on.

Imaginative and spell-binding, I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I eagerly anticipate what Mike Le Han and his proposed Mrs. Peppercorn franchise have in store for us.

8.5/10