Susan Granger’s review of “Bridge to Terabithia” (Disney/Buena Vista)
It’s always risky to dramatize a beloved children’s book, particularly one that ignites a young reader’s imagination – but Disney does it brilliantly! It’s the first “must see” movie of 2007.
Sixth-grader Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) has been practicing all summer to be the fastest kid in school. But in a race, he’s beaten by a tomboy, Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb), who’s just moved in nearby. While they’re both tormented at school and ride home on the same bus, Jess and Leslie couldn’t be more different.
Saddled with three sisters, Jess is a quiet, country kid whose parents (Robert Patrick, Katrina Cerio) are struggling financially. His only outlet is a passion for drawing. In contrast, Leslie’s a free-spirited only child; her parents are well-to-do fiction writers who encourage her imaginative play.
“Just close your eyes and keep your mind wide open,” Leslie tells Jess – and that’s the creative plane on which Jess and Leslie become friends. Together, they devise a fanciful forest kingdom called Terabithia with whimsical creatures: fairylike Dragonflies, Hairy Vultures, Giants, and Squogres (squirrel-like ogres that resemble the school bullies).
Based on multiple Newbery Award-winning Katherine Paterson’s best-seller, it’s been astutely adapted by her son, David Paterson, and Jeff Stockwell who expand the complex, metaphoric scope while maintaining the novel’s respect for creativity and positive values.
Hungarian director Gabor Csupo (“The Simpsons,” “Wild Thornberrys”) delicately grounds this reality-based, coming-of-age story, utilizing just the right amount of Weta Digital fantasy so as not be overwhelming. The acting is top-notch; six year-old Bailey Madison enchants as Jess’s tag-along little sister. On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “Bridge to Terabithia” is an enchanting 10, the most heartwarming family film since “Stand By Me,” “October Sky” and “E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial.”
