Movie Review: Bridge to Terabithia

By Maura Reilly Feb 16, 2007, 9:54 GMT

Based on Katherine Paterson\'s Newbery Award-winning, best-selling novel, \'Bridge to Terabithia\' taps into the mixed emotions and changes associated with coming-of-age. Jess Aarons funnels all his efforts into becoming the fastest runner in his grade, but that plan falls short when a new kid comes to town who is faster. The added complication is that new kid happens to be a girl. That would be quite a bitter pill for ...more

A beloved young-adult book comes to the screen, helmed by first-time feature director Gabor Csupo.  'Bridge to Terabithia' is a bittersweet coming of age story about Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson: ‘Zathura,’ ‘RV’), a shy 5th grader whose hopes of being the fastest kid in the school are dashed when the new girl in class Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb: ‘Because of Winn-Dixie,’’ ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’) beats him soundly. 

A genuine friendship grows between the two outsiders spurred on by their collective imaginations and the new world they create in the nearby woods. They rely on each other as they face foes imagined and real, dismissive adults and nosy siblings.

Tragedy strikes unexpectedly and Jess must learn some valuable lessons, one is the true gift of friendship and another opening yourself up to the world and its many adventures.

This whole film rests on the shoulders of its young stars Hutcherson and Robb. Both actors show maturity and gravitas while maintaining a youthful appeal.

Robert Patrick breaks from his usual heavy roles to play Jess’s hard-working dad who’s maybe just a little too firm with his only son in a house full of women.

Zooey Deschanel gets to show off her vocal chops as the sympathetic music teacher Ms. Edmonds.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t add that Bailee Madison who plays Jess’s younger sister May Belle steals every scene she’s in.  She is absolutely delightful. 

Integrity runs throughout the whole production. The author Katherine Paterson’s son David is one of the screenplay writers. Director Csupo, a famed producer of animated shows like “The Simpsons” and “The Rugrats” handily maneuvers through heavy subject matter and the fantastic Terabithian scenes with ease.

Weta Digital provides their per usual top notch special effects to bring Leslie and Jess’s fabled kingdom to life.

Much has been made about the (mis)marketing of this film. In the previews and TV spots the focus has been on the CGI fantasy world of Terabithia while those who have read the Newberry Award winning book argue that the true story of the film is the friendship between Jess and Leslie and their real-world issues.

I can confirm that this is a faithful adaptation of the book and its tragic ending may come as an unwelcome surprise to some viewers and prompt some tough questions from younger children. 

But that aside it is a beautifully crafted and moving film. Bring tissues; you’re going to need them.

Bridge to Terabithia
Running Time: 95 minutes

Opens wide USA February 16, 2007. MPAA: Rated:  PG for thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language.