It may be a story about struggling to deal with the real world, and have that fantasy world to control, but it is not about the effects to create the fantasy world. As Jesse and Leslie create a friendship, they find a commonality in a vivid imagination, an common piece that is put to use. They have created a world to play in that takes them away from the troubles of their lives, but it is more than that. The imaginary world helps build them up in a way to be able to process the troubles of reality, from absentee parents, to bullies, to an overworked father.
I cannot adequately convey how much I enjoyed this film. I loved how the effects were used in small doses, how the characters felt genuine, how the script wasn't dumbed down, how everyhting wasn't wrapped up nice and neat, and especially how it seemed completely real. All too often we get family movies like Deck the Halls or Arthur and the Invisibles, it is much more rare to get a family film that has the strength of its convictions. There is a heart and a spirit in this film that brings it to life, it is vibrant and emotional, and all those things I walked in thinking it was not going to be.
Much credit goes to director Gabor Csupo. Never heard of him? Neither had I. This is his big screen debut, and his first directorial outing. He has spent most of the recent years working on Nickelodeon properties, like The Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys. With Bridge to Terabithia he has delivered a fantastic family film, injecting heart into the proceedings. It really is a wonderful film. Also to be commended are the screenwriters, Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson, working from the novel by Katherine Paterson. David is the son of the Katherine, adding an interesting full circle feeling, especially considering that Katerine wrote it for her son during a time when he needed help dealing with aspects of life. I so not know the specifics, but it does offer up an intriguing piece to the story.
Bottomline. This is not a movie to be missed. It is not an effects show, it is not a fantasy film, it is not a spectacle. It is a sweet story filled with life, one that is not all roses, this is firmly grounded in a reality where death is final and the repercussions long reaching. It is a story that will touch your heart and hold you at attention. In some ways it could be compared to Pan's Labyrinth, high praise indeed.
Highly Recommended.
3 comments:
Thanks. I am gonna watch this film!
Is this an independent movie? it does not seem to be running in local arts theaters?
No, it is actually a pretty big release through Disney and Walden Media. It was the number 2 top grossing film of the weekend, and the best new film of the young year.
sorry but i don't like the movie my mom thought that it was horrible :(
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