Under the Mountain (2010)

From New Zealand comes “Under the Mountain,” a fantasy that marries the adventurous pace of “The Hardy Boys” to the imagination of a J.R.R. Tolkien-like story. Here, a twin brother (Tom Cameron) and sister (Sophie McBride) are sent to live with relatives after the death of their mother. The house of their aunt and uncle sits near a volcanic lake and an old mansion with creepy crawly owners. Lurking about is a stranger (Sam Neill) who appears to have created fire with his hands. Did he? It’s a cute, fun, small-budget film that rightfully stays within its own sandbox, but even the most forgiving of happy film-goers will wonder aloud at the plot holes and inconsistencies. (A last minute forced edit?) The teens are OK. But not much else. Neill adds spark as the wise old guide who is grouchier than Gandalf ever dared to be. C+