Reviewed by Neil Davey
Stars Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel,
Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison, Judy McIntosh
Written by Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson,
based on the book by Katherine Paterson
Certification US PG | UK PG
Runtime 98 minutes
Directed by Gabor Csupo
The exquisite Bridge to Terabithia is a surprising film for many reasons. It features two juvenile leads who are bearable. It covers a number of very deep, thorny subjects in an intelligent manner yet remains entertaining. It’s also a likely contender for the best film of the year — and when was the last time you said that about a family movie? Bambi? ET? It is simply an exquisite movie. It’s educational to those of similar age to the main characters, a charming paean to friendship — and schooldays — for those of us who are, ahem, somewhat past that age, and it will also prompt healthy discussion on a very, very difficult topic. It works on so many levels, yet never outstays its welcome; indeed, at a mere 95 minutes, you’ll even be wishing it was longer. It’s a genuine, bona fide, modern classic.
Jess (Hutcherson) is a fifth-grader in a rural country town. The only boy in a family of five kids, he’s pretty much invisible, other than when it comes to chores. His father (Robert Patrick) is overbearing and working all hours to make ends meet, so he expects Jess to take responsibility. It makes home life tough but Jess has two ways he escapes. He runs — he’s determined to become the fastest kid at school — and he draws. His plans to be the fastest kid though come crashing down when he finishes second. To a girl — new student Leslie (Robb) who, like Jess, doesn’t really fit in. The two find an uneasy bond that swiftly turns to friendship. Leslie is as creative with words as Jess is with pictures and the two combine to create Terabithia, a fantasy land that provides further escape from their normal lives. A forest near their homes forms the basis of Terabithia, a land accessible only by a rope swing, and populated with strange beasts — that actually bear a striking resemblance to the people causing them problems in real life.
To reveal more will, perhaps, give too much away, although the success of Katherine Paterson’s novel means that many will see the film already knowing the unexpected conclusion. This ‘secret’ knowledge won’t undermine the beauty and immense emotional power the film possesses, but it does seem churlish to discuss it in depth here. Suffice to say, if you know the ‘surprise’, you will adore the film. If you don’t, you will be stunned — and still adore the film. The direction, from Rugrats’ supreme Gabor Csupo, is perfect and the performances are superb — Robb is shaping up to be something very special indeed and, with this and Little Manhattan already on his CV, Hutcherson is becoming synonymous with excellent choices. The story oozes genuine charm and beauty and is quite unexpectedly moving. An unforgettable magical experience and a must-see whatever your age.