Honestly, I am 23 years old. I watched this movie because it was written and directed by Zach Helm, who did "Stranger Than Fiction". I was hoping for something as creative and meaningful as that movie, but I was disappointed. This movie is for children, and it's special effects are now(2010) severely outdated(and not in a charming way). The plot is similar to "The Neverending Story", except newer and more complicated. Some of the "magical" scenes seem to drag on awkwardly long and don't add anything to the story. Dustin Hoffman delivers a respectable performance as does the young outcast boy, but Natalie Portman is not at her best. I do not recommend this film to anyone. Even for children there are better movies that deliver the same message.