Bridge to Terabithia Review
by Steve Rhodes (Steve DOT Rhodes AT InternetReviews DOT com)February 13th, 2007
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2007 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): ***
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA is a wonderfully old-fashioned kids' film -- the type that reminds one fondly of old series like "Spin and Marty" that used to play on the "Mickey Mouse Club." The simple story relies heavily on imagination but is always grounded in a completely believable reality.
In addition to the strength of the narrative -- the delightful script by Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson is based on Katherine Paterson's novel -- the movie works marvelously because of the talent of the two young lead actors. Josh Hutcherson, who was so terrific as the lead in ZATHURA: A SPACE ADVENTURE, plays Jesse Aarons, a boy of about 13 who has trouble finding his place in life. With four sisters, of whom he says that he'd "trade 'em all in for a good dog," and not much money in the family, Jesse has to make do with pink sneaker hand-me-downs from one of his older sisters. The only thing that he believes that he is special at is running, so having to race in girl's sneakers is especially embarrassing to him.
Jesse's humiliation increases when Leslie Burke, his new next-door neighbor and fellow student, outruns him and all of the other boys in a competition normally assumed to be only for the guys. A tomboy and a fashion rebel, Leslie possesses a killer smile which Jesse eventually finds as compelling as that of his art teacher, played winsomely in a throwaway part by ELF's Zooey Deschanel.
As Leslie, a girl filled with spunk and imagination, AnnaSophia Robb gives a scene-stealing performance. Although she looks like she might be the younger sister of Alison Lohman (MATCHSTICK MEN), she is no relation. Robb's breakthrough role came when she starred opposite Jeff Daniels in BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE.
Although Jessie and Leslie both fight back from their ostracism at school, their salvation comes from a magical land that Leslie's discovers -- well, "invents" would be more accurate. Using one of those rope swings which are so popular in childhood but are increasingly forgotten at the movies, Leslie swings across a small river to a land populated with mythical creatures. At first, all of these forest animals are just imaginary beings that no one sees. Actually, I would have been happier if the filmmakers had left it like that, but, using some of the special effects team from THE LORD OF THE RINGS, the movie introduces some non-human characters. Since all of them are nothing more than something crafted from Jessie and Leslie's minds, I am happy to report that the mythical beasts don't appear very often.
The sad last act is a real surprise on several levels. First, something happens that you don't expect. Second, the final resolution of the tragedy isn't what you probably expect. And, finally, the emotional impact is much stronger than I would have ever guessed. I teared-up, and I suspect you will too. A good story, filled with positive and realistic messages, it is a fine family film that deserves a wide audience. Take your kids to it. You'll all enjoy it.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA runs 1:36. It is rated PG for "thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language" and would be acceptable for all ages.
My niece Liana, age 10, was really touched by the movie and gave it ****. She thought the movie was funny and loved the dog in it. Her brother William, age 12, thought the film was "pretty good" and gave it *** 1/2.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, February 16, 2007. In the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the AMC theaters, the Century theaters and the Camera Cinemas.
Web: http://www.InternetReviews.com
Email: [email protected]
***********************************************************************
Want free reviews and weekly movie and video recommendations via Email?
Just send me a letter with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
More on 'Bridge to Terabithia'...
Originally posted in the rec.arts.movies.reviews newsgroup. Copyright belongs to original author unless otherwise stated. We take no responsibilities nor do we endorse the contents of this review.
