We get all kinds of films in theaters during the summer. It’s a time that’s often dominated by blockbusters, many of which are aimed at older viewers. But it can also be a time when you want to get away with your family, too. Which is what makes this week’s release of The Magic Faraway Tree a welcome addition to the late summer landscape.

Based on the fantasy book series from Enid Blyton, this builds a rich world of magic. It’s also a beautifully crafted story of adventure and finding the treasure in your own family. It’s one that will be a fun time at the movies for audiences of all ages.

The film focuses on the Thompson family. As we meet them, they’re living in London. Polly (Claire Foy) has a high-powered job that affords them a comfortable life. But as a family, they’ve drifted apart. When Polly’s job ends, Tim (Andrew Garfield) suggests a new adventure. They move out to the country, where technology and connections don’t exist, to follow his dream to plant tomatoes and make his own pasta sauce.

This doesn’t go over well with their three children—Beth (Delilah Bennett-Cardy), Joe (Phoenix Laroche), and Fran (Billie Gadson). But Fran opens herself to the potential magic of the place, and soon a hidden world is revealed to her. She finds a magic tree that leads to a world of imagination.

Fran recruits her siblings, and together they make friends in this new realm. That includes a fairy named Silky (Nicola Coughlan) and their leader, Moonface (Nonso Anozie). This new world opens up possibilities as they embrace magic and have a new family adventure.

This is a fantasy series based on books that won’t be as familiar with domestic audiences. The film opened earlier in the year in the United Kingdom, and now gets a late summer release. There is already talk of a second installment, showing the interest that it has thus far generated.

And it doesn’t take long to see why. This is a fun story, populated by dynamic characters and an engaging world. I enjoyed the ride and the strong cast—which includes Rebecca Ferguson and narration from Judi Dench. The adult cast does a nice job, particularly Garfield and Foy. It’s a fun ride.

I like the world of fantasy and the flow of the story. I don’t know how it compares to the books, but I was taken with the way it’s brought to life on screen. There are some laughs, some charming moments, and even some touching and emotional beats. It makes for a great watch for the whole family, and a fun way to enjoy time at the theater to end the summer.

The Magic Faraway Tree opens nationwide on Friday, August 21.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.