Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Rating:

Its advertising campaign may have misled many, necessitating moviegoers with excitement to catch it on its first day of showing hoping for a wild special effects fantasy film, yet the film doesn’t fail to blow them away. I, for one, am more-than-satisfied a misled moviegoer. Yes the film does feature gigantic monsters, magic and fairy tale might but only in small nips. It’s not all about enchantment as what it has been campaigned to be about but the expanse of one’s imagination and the mind’s possibility to process responsibility, love and grief. It may not be the film many anticipated it to be but its moving and compelling story makes them reconsider and have them glued on to their seats deeply appreciating this heartbreaking production in the end. The film effectuates a sense of warmth and good feeling.

Jesse is a middle school boy living with a financially struggling family and is coping with bullies at school. Considering all his other siblings are girls, he grows isolated not mingling with anybody even in school and just preoccupies himself with his artworks. Leslie, a new girl in school who defeats all the other boys in a supposed “boys only” race, tries to befriend him but he shows no interest in her. Persistent, Leslie is able to draw him by offering a stick of gum. The two start hanging out together and eventually become best friends. This marks the start of them spending the time together venturing into the woods and eventually making a whole world—Terabithia.

The film doesn’t bank on special effects in raking appreciation but on developing characters that are definitely going to stay in the audience’s system long after the movie has ended. Compelling, the film has achieved developing two intelligent characters that will be remembered and loved. Impressive acting from a cast of youngsters is what bowled me over the most. Anna Sophia Robb gives Leslie a vibrant life giving a definite and sharp performance. Josh Hutcherson as Jesse is as always concentrated and focused. Bailee Madison as Jesse’s younger sister May Belle surprisingly amused me with her convincing performance, reminds me of Holden’s little sister Phoebe in “Catcher in the Rye.” She’s definitely going a long way.

The film touched on Jesus and the Bible in one of the discussions these youngsters have. A number of people may dissent Leslie’s views on this sensitive topic but the film sides nobody anyway. This one scene, which others consider a flaw, just further establishes the recognition that these youngsters have a mind of their own.

This film shouldn’t be missed.

© 2007 Jonathan Susvilla