By Claudia Puig, USA TODAY
For a movie about the power of imagination, Bridge to Terabithia is not as clever as you would hope.
Though it's a serviceable translation of Katherine Paterson's 30-year-old book, the adult characters seem caricatured, and only the story's vibrant young heroine, Leslie (an engaging AnnaSophia Robb), draws us in enough to care. The story of two middle-schoolers who play in a vivid fantasy world seems well suited to the screen, but the giant trees, hairy vultures and other fantastical creatures offer nothing new for audiences, particularly after the inventive world of Pan's Labyrinth (a film not suitable for young children). Still, the story is a pleasant enough diversion with a positive message about seeing the troubled person behind the bully and the importance of keeping an open mind. The real-life portions of the movie, such as the hardscrabble home life of Jess (Josh Hutcherson) seem derivative and simplistic. But Jess' emotional tumult over a tragic event feels powerfully authentic, and this is where the film finds its truth and soul. Parents should be happy to have a sweet family-friendly film in theaters, in contrast to inappropriate crass-fests like Norbit or manic time-wasters like Night at the Museum. But a word of caution for those unfamiliar with the novel: The plot takes a sad turn that could be disturbing to some children.
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||