Walden Media, the folks that brought us the amazing adaptation of C.S. Lewis’ “Chronicles of Narnia” is bringing another classic to the big screen: “Bridge to Terabithia.” Adapted from Katherine Paterson’s award-winning, iconic children’s book, “Bridge to Terabithia” also blends poignant child and adult issues with fantasy.
It seems the most recent trend in marketing movies to the younger crowds (which also pulls in parents – a double whammy for the studios) is to adapt children’s books. Most of them, like “Holes,” “Narnia” and, of course, the Harry Potter franchise, have been both entertaining and successful.
This film version is no different. It satisfies and stays true to the original material.
Director Gabor Csupo (a creative force behind “The Simpsons” and “Rugrats”) gives a tour-de-force in his live-action debut. Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson, Katherine’s son, adapted the screenplay. Along with the special effects team from Weta, the powerhouse behind all of Peter Jackson’s recent films (“Lord of the Rings” and “King Kong”), the story comes to life while beautifully weaving in some of the darker undertones.
The movie begins with Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson “RV” and “Zathura”), a fifth-grader who wants nothing more than to be the fastest kid in school. The film incorporates some entertaining moments not included the book to show that life with four sisters isn’t easy for Jess. The star of the film hits it home when he uses marker to color of the pink and white of his hand-me-down sprinting shoes.
The day of the race a new girl in class, Leslie Burke (Annasophia Robb, Violet Beauregarde in “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”), puts all the boys to shame by outrunning them. She’s chastised, but Jess sticks up for her and they quickly become best friends.
Terabithia itself is an enchanting kingdom created by Leslie, who’s quite the “imaginician.” Slowly she pulls Jess into her world as they don the roles of king and queen of Terabithia. Leslie gets him to open up his mind even further to their magical adventures when they take on giants, ogres and other enchanted beings. It’s through these outings that Leslie inspires him to have faith in himself and become the artist he wants to be despite his family’s wishes.
Both Hutcherson and Robb easily swing into their roles the way their characters swing across a stream to enter Terabithia. Jess and Leslie face a lot of complex issues for children their age, and their counterparts handle the roles with great maturity. Robb easily plays the girl that is wise beyond her years, and is reminiscent of a young Natalie Portman.
But one thing is misleading to viewers who saw the trailer and know nothing about the story. Unlike the “Chronicles of Narnia,” not all that much time is actually spent seeing Terabithia. Glimpses of it appear here and there, but I was half expecting Jess and Leslie to explore the world more and to see some cool special effects. Instead, most of the time the story takes place in reality.
For those of you who have heard the story as kids, it follows the book very closely. The filmmakers don’t want the press to reveal some aspects of the story so as to preserve your full experience when you go see it – but just in case, remember that you might want to have a Kleenex in hand along with your ticket.
