The Newbury Medal winning novel is made into a fine film by Disney and Walden Media. For a children’s book and movie this deals with some heavy issues, but I think kids are smarter than we give them credit for and see why this book is so well read and the movie is also excellent.
What the back of the box says:
It's a secret land where they reign supreme among the giants, ogres and other fantastical creatures they create. As their imaginations soar and their friendship deepens, they discover how to rule their own kingdom, fight the forces of darkness and change their lives forever. Based on the Newbery Medal-winning book, Bridge To Terabithia will take you on a journey you'll never forget.”
The kids seem to get so much pabulum that ends up on screens for kids today, Bridge to Terabithia (referred to as Bridge from here on out) exploring such heady issues as death and religion seems like a breath of fresh air. I think that Hollywood mostly seeks to get their little behinds in the seats and don’t think that there happen to be brains attached to the bodies that they want to buy tickets. It certainly gets the gray cells of even the old coots like myself doing a bit of running around.
Bridge is the story of two unlikely friends who dream up an imaginary world together, until the tragedies of real life intrude and change both of their worlds. I think that Bridge proves that the audience doesn’t need to be talked down to for it to “get” what the picture is about. Youngsters AnnaSophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson are truly excellent and the movie is extremely moving. The supporting cast is a delight with Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, and young, cute newcomer Bailee Madison all deserving praise for their performances as well.
Though a word of warning – it does dealt with some tough issues and younger children may not be prepared for the issues that it discusses. You should also keep a box of tissues close to the recliner in the TV room because you’re liable to have a few tears when the final credits roll.
The theatrical trailer emphasized the fantasy nature of the film, so those expecting another Chronicles of Narnia will perhaps be disappointed but if you stick with the film then you’ll come away from it thinking and emotionally moved.
Bridge to Terabithia is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions. A fullscreen version is available separately. Special features include two audio commentaries. The first is from director Gabor Csupo, writer Jeff Stockwell, and producer Hal Lieberman. The second is from actors Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, and producer Lauren Levine.
The “Music and More” section features the 3 minute music video “Keep Your Mind Wide Open” by AnnaSophia Robb. The “Backstage Disney” section features the real meat of the special features section (well, beside the commentaries). The 14 minute “Behind the Book: The Themes of Bridge to Terabithia” covers the impact of the book and the making of the film. It has interviews with Ilene Abramson (Director of Children’s Services at the Los Angles Public Library), teacher Leanne C. Marquez, Zooey Deschanel, AnnaSophia Robb, Nonie Smith (Adjunct professor of children’s literature), librarian Melissa Messner, author of Bridge to Terabithia Katherine Paterson, Josh Hutcherson, producer/co-screenwriter David Paterson (who is Katherine’s son and the inspiration behind Bridge).
The 5 minute “Digital Imagination: Bringing Terabithia to Life” covers brining the mythical country to live and interviews executive producer Alex Schwartz, producer Lauren Levine, director Gabor Csupo, Cary Granat (CEO, Walden Media), digital effects supervisor Dan Lemmon, Richard Taylor (WETA Workshop), art director for visual effects Michael Pangrazio, and lead animator David Clayton.
A film for both the young and old that deals with issues that we will all eventually have to face. It does both justice to the original work as well as giving the translation into a new medium new life.
You might want to use some judgment since the extremely young might be scared by some of the events, but all watchers should expect to be emotionally moved before the final credits roll.
Bridge to Terabithia is now available at Amazon . As of yet, there is not a release date for the UK. Visit the DVD database for more information.
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