| Overall Grade: |
A- |
|
| Story: |
A- |
|
|
| Acting: |
A- |
|
|
| Direction: |
A- |
|
|
| Visuals: |
A |
|
|
Imagination triumphs in 'Bridge to Terabithia'
by Yahoo! Movies User (movies profile)
May 2, 2008
522
of
557 people found this review helpful
Dont be fooled by the CGI-laden, Narnia-lite trailers for Bridge to Terabithia Far from a computer generated escapist fantasy, this film is an unpretentious and touching tale of preteen companionship and loss. 'Bridge to Terabithia' is an example of a movie that does not deliver what the marketing campaign promises. Instead, it delivers something richer and more meaningful. I think that Disney, in its infinite wisdom, is trying to make the film look like a watered down 'Harry Potter' or 'Chronicles of Narnia'. 'Bridge to Terabithia' illustrates that the best escape from a less-than-ideal reality is through imagination and friendship. In broad strokes, it recalls 'Heavenly Creatures,' 'Pan's Labyrinth,' and 'My Girl,' but the way in which director Gabor Csupo brings the tale to life is different from each of these. The film shows how a true meeting of like minds can lead to a flight of fancy that defends against the harsh realities of school bullies, neglectful parents, and the mundane grind of chores and homework. Although the movie is presented through the eyes of fifth graders and is entirely suitable for younger viewers, the themes are mature and fully developed. Adults will find much truth in what 'Bridge to Terabithia' offers. This is not a shallow motion picture that plays only to a narrow age range. There is manipulation, but it is artfully done, and the movie doesnt resort to the kind of easy conclusion one might expect. 'Bridge to Terabithia' ends on a hopeful note, but it does not make everything all right - even in the land of make-believe. Director Gabor Csupo of Rugrats fame steer clear of cutesy tween stereotypes, but its Jesss relationship with his father, played by Robert Patrick, that elevates Terabithia from a good kids movie to a classic contender. My bottomline: This is easily the best family feature of the early year. "Terabithia" is a delightful and sometimes dark fantasy-adventure never loses touch with reality, even though much of the film takes place within the limitless imagination of two young kids. |
My Public Profile 
