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"Run to the Movie
Theatre as Fast as You
Can!!!" |
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Directed by Gabor Csupo
- Written by David
Paterson & Jeff
Stockwell
Starring AnnaSophia
Robb, Josh Hutcherson,
Zooey Deschanel, Robert
Patrick
Distributed by Disney -
2007 - 95m - Rated PG |
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Richard Propes'
Review
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B+ |
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When I first watched the young AnnaSophia Robb, in the underrated
"Because of Winn-Dixie," I became convinced that Robb could easily
turn into a remarkable young actress along the lines of Dakota
Fanning or this year's Oscar-nominated Abigail Breslin.
Mission accomplished. |
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In "Bridge to
Terabithia," a film based upon the Newbery Medal winning children's
book by Katharine Paterson, AnnaSophia Robb cements her cinematic
arrival with a performance that is mature, captivating, innocent and
complex.
Much like "Because of Winn-Dixie," "Bridge to Terabithia" is a bit
of a throwback film to the days when plot mattered in kid's films,
characters were fully developed and when special effects occurred
they were intertwined with the story...not THE story.
While Disney seems to be marketing the film as a bit of a fantasy
film along the lines of "Chronicles of Narnia," the film actually
has much more in common with the aforementioned "Because of
Winn-Dixie" and another remarkably underrated film, "When Zachary
Beaver Came to Town."
The film introduces us to Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson of "Zathura"),
a 10-year-old more interested in creative pursuits than sports or
play...a fact that makes him the frequent target of school bullies
until the arrival of Leslie (Robb), who adores writing and becomes
the target of bullies (for awhile by Jesse himself).
Ultimately, their common interests create a marvelous, dreamlike
friendship that is both innocent and intriguing and never, much like
"Winn-Dixie," ventures into a flirtfest. Instead, the friendship
between Leslie and Jesse becomes a safe place for both of these
young kids, for whom life is often challenging and for whom the
mutual friendship becomes a place to dream, explore, express and
believe.
While there are fantastic moments and touches of the "Narnia"
feeling in "Bridge to Terabithia," the film is clearly and
beautifully centered on friendship, imagination and dreams.
Fans of Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia" will know what to expect
from this film, and young people who've read the books won't be
surprised to find a film that doesn't talk down to them and, in
fact, obviously respects their thoughts and feelings. There are
moments of great sadness in "Bridge to Terabithia," and I'd venture
to say that both adults and children alike will experience
teary-eyed moments during the film.
The adults in the film, including a teacher who discovers Jesse's
talent (played by Zooey Deschanel) and Jesse's father (Robert
Patrick) are wonderful complements to a film that is clearly
centered upon the children's lives.
Director Gabor Csupa (who founded the studio that gave us the "Rugrats"
films) has created a wonderful world that in many ways feels like a
child's version of the already childlike "Pan's Labyrinth." While
the film occasionally dips a bit too feverishly into the fantasy
themes, the performances of both Hutcherson and Robb always seem to
pull it back and keep it centered.
One should note that the film does include a scene of rather intense
tragedy towards the film's end that, while still feeling
age-appropriate, should also leave room for a serious parent/child
conversation after the film.
The disturbing thing for me is not that "Bridge to Terabithia" is
brought to us by the same studio that brought us "Santa Clause 3."
The disturbing thing is that, somehow, "Santa Clause 3" type films
somehow always seem to make more money.
So, hear this and hear this loudly.
Parents...
"Bridge to Terabithia" is family cinema the way it should be
done...intelligent, entertaining and age-appropriate for both young
children and adults. You skipped "Because of Winn-Dixie" and odds
are you've not even heard of "When Zachary Beaver Came to Town." Do
yourself and your child a favor and head out to your local movie
theatre to see "Bridge to Terabithia."
Without a doubt, "Bridge to Terabithia" is the family film highlight
of early 2007! |
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© Written by Richard Propes -
Email Me! |
TC Candler's Comment
This is
absolutely one of the best family films I have
seen in a long while. It's not often that I get
to describe a film as "lovely"... but this
surely qualifies.
Both performances, from AnnaSophia Robb and Josh
Hutcherson, are superb. They are complex,
intricate, interesting and sympathetic
characters that earn every minute of screentime.
I wouldn't be surprised if these two efforts end
up as some of the best of 2007... period.
I am disheartened by the fact that the studio
marketed the film as a fantasy adventure along
the lines of "Narnia", "Labyrinth" or "The
Princess Bride"... Unfortunately, they are
acutely aware that people will stay away if they
hear how real and literate and powerful the film
truly is. Parents seem to prefer fluffy,
brightly colored, noisy junk over this more
meaningful fare.
However, I think kids will love this film if
given the opportunity to see it and discuss it
with family and friends. I think adults will
also be moved to tears by the story.
I really cared for this movie... it will
assuredly be THE family film of 2007 and it will
contend for a spot in my year-end Top 10 List.
Jacob Hall's
Comment
n/a
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