Review of Bridge to Terabithia (2007) by Sadie H — 27 Dec 2013

From the novel by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia, arises a fresh film about adventure, friendship, and family with a slight addition of fantasy added to portray the active imaginations of main characters Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Burke (Annasophia Robb). Jess Aarons keeps to himself, yet is a very active participant in the school running races. His entire summer leading up to fifth grade is spent pushing towards his goal to be the fastest runner in the middle school, but when the time of the significant race finally arrives Jess is beat. And surprisingly, by a girl, Leslie Burke, who conveniently enough is Jess' new neighbor. The two, seemingly outcasts, soon hit it off. Leslie a storyteller and Jess an artist, their talents so similar that they soon bond the two even closer. Their similar social hardships at school with bullies and even teachers become a bind that also bonds them tighter and even causes them to begin to desire to get away and go anywhere, even if that place happens to be imaginary. Together they create Terabithia, a place for both of the genuinely shy peers to stand tall, be strong and to be purely themselves.

I think that the film is very successful and has become a very good family movie for, controversially, all ages. As well, I believe that the movie has not strayed far from the original book yet there is one major plot change that adds a greenhouse to the farm and a few major climaxes that deal with this added location. I think that this change is wise and still fully portrays all traits of the characters and how they react to certain types of situations. It shows this by substituting multiple events at different places with one main location and series of events. This may have been a time or money saver. Also found in the movie but not the book is the overall message of open mindedness. I agree with the addition of this twist but am still curious where that idea originated.

A few areas of praise I have for this movie; the camera angles are excellent, the special effects are sparsely added yet added just enough and the background music is not to overtaking, yet necessary. Three very memorable camera angles used in the movie are on the first day of school when an XCU of the dreaded fifth grade teacher's mouth is found strictly giving demands to the students, another being an XCU (surprise, surprise) of Jess' eyes when Leslie reads a poem to him, the iris becomes filled with the reflection of fish (poem topic) as the powerful and moving words are VOed. The third of the memorable shots takes place during the first race of the year, previously mentioned. There are at least 10, if not more, different shots of the different participants of the race from all angles, I suppose that this quick change of shots is used to show the fast pace of the event being viewed. The fantasy and special effects (SFX) are used to show the viewers the creative, imaginary creatures that live in the magical kingdom of Terabithia. Terabithia is majestic by nature and obviously to enhance that vibe, majestic music can, and is used as a VO regularly.

The motion picture sparks an undoubted wide range of emotions throughout. From laughable moments to moments engulfed with deep morn, this movie allows many messages to be illustrated, and offered to the audience. This range persuades me to recommend it to all ages, even though death is a general theme. I feel that this movie can be a source of advice for many, in a versatile set of situations because of the different characters that all go through different struggles during the book.

I think that reading the book first definitely helped me understand the true depth of the movie when I first watched it, and also to not overlook small touches added that are explained in the book and not in the movie. I felt a bit let down at the differences between the book and the movie but still agree that the movie showed the same basic messages that the book did. If I watched the movie and then was intrigued to read the book, I think I would feel about the same; let down at the differences yet happy that you have a more indepth, visual and inner understanding of the story as a whole. Through my experiences, which ever medium you are introduced to first, book or film, I would recommend viewing/reading the other in addition.

Rating: ?????

I gave this movie a five star rating because I thoroughly believe that all points were met that were included in the book and nothing short. I also think that the intensity of the plot is very captivating up until the very end. I would recommend this movie as a family movie, this film is a perfect option for movie night, kind of bittersweet offering lots to chew on. This outstanding film derived from an even better novel touches the hearts of all of its viewers, and hopefully, yours.