B+
Bridge to Terabithia
Rated PG; Directed by Gabor Csupo; Starring Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison
Man, why didn’t someone warn me? Going by the previews I thought that the Bridge to Terabithia was going to be another kid’s CGI filled adventure story with little story line. Never reading Katherine Paterson’s novel I was totally unprepared for the involving young-adult story that focuses on a special friendship…and only uses computer animation in small doses. I also wished someone mentioned bringing a hankie. Yeah, Bridge to Terabithia isn’t always a happy movie. I needed that hanky.
Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) isn’t enjoying his life. Between the bullies at school and a home life that has its own cares, Jesse finds solace in his art. His life changes when Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) moves in next door. She’s a little different, which is a good thing. They slowly become friends and are soon exploring the nearby woods where their imagination creates a make-believe world called Terabithia. But Jesse’s newfound happiness faces a terrible challenge. I’m telling you; hankies, bring ‘em.
The movie offers audiences a moving and engrossing tale. The only drawback is the use of the computer animation. It almost draws us out of the story. I kept imagining how Paterson must have described these scenes in her book and wished the director had found another way to show the imaginings of the two adolescents. Still, it’s a mighty good story with the two young actors creating believable pre-teens. Zooey Deschanel stands out as a music teacher who appreciates Jesse’s art.
Bridge to Terabithia deserves an audience. Just understand that the previews are misleading. And I am warning you, tears will fall, so have that hanky ready.
March 19, 2007 at 9:05 pm
[...] just a story about pre-teens dealing with life by using their imaginations. So, here’s my review of Bridge to Terabithia. Posted in Film, Entertainment, [...]
March 28, 2007 at 12:53 pm
THat was a sad movie!!! I almost cried1!!!
April 4, 2009 at 7:57 am
This movie was definitely marketed badly? Wrongly? Well, how about “unfittingly”? (Come on, that is not even a word.) You are right, it came out at a time when movies like Narnia were bringing in the box office take. It tried to sell itself in that vein.
But this movie, aside from its fanciful name is really not like those other films. I am not sure who this movie is for. A little sad a slow for kids and a little sad and juvenile for adults. Not that I am above juvenile media. (Just take one look at my site! Ha.)
It comes down to expectations. What you got may be okay to some, but chances are not the “some” that went to see it. A decent movie with decent production values and decent acting. However, it was a shoe that did not fit IMHO.