The Spiderwick Chronicles: Of Boys and Men

Throughout the movie, Jared has been a bit of a jerk. He hits things when he's angry. He refuses a connection with his mom. And he obviously has a history of such behaviour since they all look at him when something goes wrong.

His anger stems from his dad's departure from the family. Still, the boy is sure that his dad will return. Together, they will leave the creepy mansion in which they've found themselves and return to New York. Their lives there will return to normal, and dad, hero in his son's eyes, will be the warrior he has always been.

Only, things don't go according to plan. Dad doesn't come. He doesn't return any phone calls. Finally, Jared's older sister, Mallory tells him the truth. There's another woman now; Dad moved in with her. They've all been betrayed.

Jared tears up, but that's about all he does. Suddenly, there is no more warrior to save him. Dad's gone for good. Mom doesn't believe him. Mallory's helpful, but she's looking to him now. Simon's a pacifist, doesn't like conflict. No help there.

Jared becomes the warrior. His siblings are looking to him, following his lead. Even his mom, once she's in on the fantasy, is looking to him to know what to do. With goblins throwing themselves against his front door, Jared grows up. He takes charge. There is no longer anyone to take the blame for things going wrong in his life -- except him. He's in the lead, and the lives of his family rest on his young shoulders.

After the battle, when all has been won, his mother calls him to her. "You're my protector," she says.

That is a man's place: protector of the women and children. Jared learned this the way no child should have to learn, but, unlike some, he learned the lesson that was before them. He became a leader. And that is all that could be asked for from such a battle.