Bridge to Terabithia (B+ or 3/4 stars)
Love can build a bridge. This is evident in 'Bridge to Terabithia', a family/fantasy film directed by Gabor Csupo & based on Katherine Paterson's novel. 11 yr. old, Jesse (Josh Hutcherson), becomes fast friends with new-girl-at-school, Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb). They venture into the woods one day and use their attuned imagination to create a fantastical world of their own, Terabithia. Although they reign as 'King' & 'Queen', they still must defy imaginary creatures, trolls, giants, & various evils. Although they create this kingdom to escape their real world problems, some things are inescapable. Some thematic elements are shockingly emotional to both children and adults alike. But you'll be hard pressed no to enjoy this film about friendship, family, & the healing power of imagination.
Jesse is not a happy camper. This adolescent time before becoming a teen is anything but easy. His family is of lower-middle class. His mom has to deal with 4 daughters (with him in the middle). The father works hard & pays little attention to Jesse's interests. He has some daunting chores/tasks that need to be accomplished to keep the family afloat. On top of all that, he's relegated to wearing his older sister's hand-me-down pink running shoes. And he's picked on at school by boys & girls (including a mean Janice, played by Lauren Clinton) alike. The only thing that keeps Jesse grounded is his drawing book, of which he's very over-protective. Things start to change though when a young, free-spirited Leslie movies next door. As newcomer to the school, she's as unaccepted as Jesse.
But now they have each other, & their lives are changed forever. Leslie is skilled at imaginative writing, Jesse is skilled at drawing. They put their minds to good use and create a secret kingdom in the forest near their homes. It's so secret that even Jesse's younger sister, May Belle (an adorable, spunky, funny Bailee Madison) is uninvited. A bridge would be necessary to access the 'kingdom', but for now, May Belle can't even swing across the lake on the rope that her brother and Leslie use to reach Terabithia. But tragedy soon strikes the town. And Jesse, his newfound friends, his sister, & his father have to accept and grow from the life-changing incident at hand.
So much of the movie depends on the performance of the two leads here: Josh Hutcherson & AnnaSophia Robb. Hutcherson, in particular, is immensely impressive at enabling us to understand his joys, sorrows, & sympathize with him in this confusing, tumultuous stage of his life. Zooey Deschanel is effective as the music teacher whom Jesse has a crush on. And Robert Patrick is believably exasperated, yet loving in the father role. And the fantasy moments (complete with CGI elements) are satisfyingly standard. I viewed this film with an adult & 2 children; all of which enjoyed the film, stayed the sad/dramatic moments, & each came out of the theater with something different to take away with them. With no expectations coming in, I'm surprised to have liked the film as much as I do.
I'd consider this film to be a Pan's Labyrinth … extra light. Many elements are similar. It is clear, by mass response, that the previews of this film are misleading unless you've read the book. I'd suggest finding a little more out about this film before viewing it; the adult & child audience may be better prepared for some darker elements later on in the film. Deep topics such as religion, family morals, life, and death arise, but its treated extremely well & blends into the storyline without being preachy, at all. This isn't the 'best' family film of all time: it takes a while getting started, and I've witnessed superior displays of acting & special effects. But the true magic of 'Bridge to Terabithia' is in its gentle sincerity, and how it illustrates the power of open-mindedness and wondrous imagination.
Jesse is not a happy camper. This adolescent time before becoming a teen is anything but easy. His family is of lower-middle class. His mom has to deal with 4 daughters (with him in the middle). The father works hard & pays little attention to Jesse's interests. He has some daunting chores/tasks that need to be accomplished to keep the family afloat. On top of all that, he's relegated to wearing his older sister's hand-me-down pink running shoes. And he's picked on at school by boys & girls (including a mean Janice, played by Lauren Clinton) alike. The only thing that keeps Jesse grounded is his drawing book, of which he's very over-protective. Things start to change though when a young, free-spirited Leslie movies next door. As newcomer to the school, she's as unaccepted as Jesse.
But now they have each other, & their lives are changed forever. Leslie is skilled at imaginative writing, Jesse is skilled at drawing. They put their minds to good use and create a secret kingdom in the forest near their homes. It's so secret that even Jesse's younger sister, May Belle (an adorable, spunky, funny Bailee Madison) is uninvited. A bridge would be necessary to access the 'kingdom', but for now, May Belle can't even swing across the lake on the rope that her brother and Leslie use to reach Terabithia. But tragedy soon strikes the town. And Jesse, his newfound friends, his sister, & his father have to accept and grow from the life-changing incident at hand.
So much of the movie depends on the performance of the two leads here: Josh Hutcherson & AnnaSophia Robb. Hutcherson, in particular, is immensely impressive at enabling us to understand his joys, sorrows, & sympathize with him in this confusing, tumultuous stage of his life. Zooey Deschanel is effective as the music teacher whom Jesse has a crush on. And Robert Patrick is believably exasperated, yet loving in the father role. And the fantasy moments (complete with CGI elements) are satisfyingly standard. I viewed this film with an adult & 2 children; all of which enjoyed the film, stayed the sad/dramatic moments, & each came out of the theater with something different to take away with them. With no expectations coming in, I'm surprised to have liked the film as much as I do.
I'd consider this film to be a Pan's Labyrinth … extra light. Many elements are similar. It is clear, by mass response, that the previews of this film are misleading unless you've read the book. I'd suggest finding a little more out about this film before viewing it; the adult & child audience may be better prepared for some darker elements later on in the film. Deep topics such as religion, family morals, life, and death arise, but its treated extremely well & blends into the storyline without being preachy, at all. This isn't the 'best' family film of all time: it takes a while getting started, and I've witnessed superior displays of acting & special effects. But the true magic of 'Bridge to Terabithia' is in its gentle sincerity, and how it illustrates the power of open-mindedness and wondrous imagination.