The movie got it all wrong!!!! Wrong! Wrong! Wrong! It ruined a wonderful story. (spoilers from the book ahead) Will Stanton did not have a twin brother, though two of his older brothers are twins, Paul and James. Paul plays the flute and James loves to sing. Neither of them got kidnapped by the way. Will is the youngest of a very close and tight knit family. Will always felt loved, supported, and protected. He is also a responsible, well mannered, and thoughtful child. No dysfunction there! Imagine that!!! The oldest, Tom who died in infancy, is mentioned in the book but does not play a roll in the story. The second to the oldest, Steven, whom Will loved and looked up to, is in the British Royal Navy. Steven gave Will his attic bedroom because Will absolutely loved it. Will was 11 years old when the story took place and had no interest in girls at the time. He found his abilities, at times, a burden. Unlike in the movie, Will takes Merriman?s advice and teachings very seriously. He is British, NOT an American. The movie does not resemble the book at all, not even close!! Did the producers and directors even read the book!! I think not. They forgot a very important rule, Never Americanize British Novels!! Those who have not read the books are in for a surprise when they do. "Is this the same story?" they will ask. Those who have read the books will be sorely disappointed and will ask the same question. I don't mind movie adaptations of books. Quite of few are very well done such as "Lord of the Rings?, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and they even did a fair job with "Harry Potter.? The entire Celtic Mythology and Arthurian Legend have been removed in the movie. The producers and Directors really butchered the "Dark is Rising." There are 5 books in the complete story of the "Dark is Rising." The 1st one is called, "Over the Sea, Under the Stone", the 2nd, "The Dark is Rising," The 3rd, 'the Green Witch", The 4th, "The Grey King"-- Newberry award winner, and the last book is called "Silver on the Tree." Very excellent books and a wonderful read. Skip the movie. Read the books!!

Based *loosely* on the award winning books by Susan Cooper. And judging from the reviews, very loosely indeed. You'd be better off going to the library.