Bridge To Terabithia film review

certificate_PG

BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

For the Pevensie children, it was a wardrobe that provided a portal into the magical kingdom of Narnia, for Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Burke (Annasophia Robb) it is a rope that transports them into the fantasy land they call Terabithia. There are obvious parallels to be drawn between C.S. Lewis' Chronicles Of Narnia and Katherine Paterson's 1978 book, which has been adapted here by her son David, for whom the story was originally written. Beyond the fact that both involve the creation of mythical worlds for their young heroes to escape into, both books have made successful transitions to the screen. Director Gabor Csupo has captured the tender and moving aspects of Paterson's story, but it's his renowned skill as an animation artist that enriches Bridge To Terabithia with its wonderful imagery.

Before their heads are subsequently filled with prosaic reality, children are inclined to live much of their time in their own vivid imaginations. In some cases, it's done out of necessity. In Bridge To Terabithia, both Jess and Leslie retreat to their magical Terabithia to find relief from the problems they face at home and school. Jess has a hard time connecting with anyone. The only boy in a family of five children, Jess is desperate to get close to his father (Robert Patrick), who favors his daughters and is insensitive to Jess' longing. He has an equally tough time at school where he is the victim of constant bullying. A gifted artist, he seeks solace in his sketchbook.

When new girl Leslie shows up, Jess finds a kindred spirit. Possessed of a creative mind, and with a punky dress sense, Leslie too is ostracized by the other kids, and so the two outsiders, who are also neighbours, become firm friends. They venture into the nearby woods and when Leslie comes upon a rope, she swings across a stream. Upon reaching the other side, her imagination transforms the forest to a fantasy world filled with all kinds of strange creatures. She encourages Jess to follow and share her vision of the place she christens Terabithia. Here the two youngsters rule as king and queen, battling the giants, and ogres, who are mythical embodiments of their school enemies.