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Jesse Aarons is a small town kid, whose parents are financially
struggling, school is no better and he remains a misfit in
both his home and school. He finds solace in the fantastical
pictures that he creates. Having spent all of one summer training
to win a race, he is mortified when new, rich girl Leslie
Burke beats him. From this inauspicious start the two are
drawn together by their imaginations. Together they create
the Kingdom of Terabithia where they can escape from the problems
of the real world...
Bridge
to Terabithia (2007) was directed by Gabor Csupo, based
on the novel by Katherine Paterson and adapted for the screen
by Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson.
The
trailer and advertising for this film will give you the wrong
impression of the films content, Weta Digital handled the
effects, which in conjunction with the trailer give the idea
that this will be a film full of special effects, like The
Chronicles of Narnia (2005). Whilst there is CGI in the
film it is really an adjunct to the main action rather than
a major part of the film. That said this is a great movie.
I
have watched more films than I care to think about which has
an emotional numbing effect, but this film made me cry, much
to the amusement of the other half until she too burst into
tears. This coming of age movie has periods of triumph over
adversity, of pubescent love, and a gut kicking about an hour
in. I wont divulge what happens, as it would spoil your enjoyment
of the film, just remember to have the hankies ready. I am
always of the opinion that if a film can really touch you
then it has done it work well.
The
two leads do a fine job. AnnaSophia Robb, who had previously
appeared as Violet in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
(2005) is like a younger version of Keira Knightley, in that
she is able to project the same combination of strength and
vulnerability. Josh Hutcherson carries the film well as Jesse.
It would have been easy to make the relationship between them
either too mawkish or to have dealt with the situation in
a way which did not engage the audience. Csupo, however, deals
with the relationship with an intelligently sensitive touch.
You might want to watch the film for the CGI, but you will
find yourself just as captivated by Jesse and Leslie's real
life as much as the imaginary world they create.
The
rest of the actors work well within their roles, though, for
the most part they are there as backdrops to the pair's life,
that said, two do stand out. The first is Bailee Madison who
plays Jesse's little sister. Not only is she as cute as a
button, but is also a good enough young actress to form one
of the emotional connections both in Jesse's life and in the
life of the film. Another strong performance is also given
by Lauren Clinton who plays one of the pair's nemesis's, Janice
Avery, who starts the film as the school bully and ends it
as just another vulnerable human being. Not an easy transition,
but Clinton pulls it off with ease.
The
DVD is presented in 16:9 anamorphic with the choice of either
5.1 or DTS. The quality of the print on the review disc was
flawless. There is quite a good selection of extras, a Behind
the Book featurette as well as one on Bringing Terabithia
to Life. Being a multi-talent young lady AnnaSophia Robb
appears in a music video and there is a gallery of pics for
you. There are cast interviews and three audio commentaries,
one from the director, one from the cast and one from the
cast and crew. On the down side the PR Blurb seems to think
that the Icon Trailer Reel is a good thing, normally I don't
mind these things, but I get really pi**ed off when they put
them in front of the film so that you have to fast forward
it every time you but the DVD in.
Overall
this was masterful adaptation of the book which will touch
you with its portrayal of the two friends. Well worth an hour
and a half of anyone's time as it is without a doubt the best
family film made in many years.
 
Charles
Packer
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