07-07-12 Bridge to Terabithia

Seen: July 7th, 2007
Format: DVD
Rating: 7

I didn't read this book when I was a kid, I think I was a little too old for it when it was published in 1977. It's considered a classic and has won awards. Maybe that's a good thing, maybe it would be a shame to have the book to compare the film to.

Maybe not.

I'm may spoil this for you, so if you're not familiar with the book or film, you may want to jump to SAFE.

There's a mild uproar over at IMDB where folks are voicing their displeasure with this film. My feeling is that it's not Disney enough for them. This isn't a safe, simple film. It doesn't paint a pretty picture of life, where nothing bad happes, issues are simple and easily resolved and everyone lives happily ever after. It's of an older vein, where children grow up in reality, not in some sugar coated facsimile.

I have a friend who states that he won't watch films which place children in jeopardy. I respect his opinion, but I find it a bit unrealistic. Traditional fairy tales place children in jeopardy constantly, and often into abject danger. These are allegories, which teach children about the world, the real world. To constantly present a world of sweetness and light to children does them disservice. Films in which children have to deal with real issues give parents an oppurtunity to actually engage their children in discussion about how they feel about what happened to the characters and how they might deal with it themselves.

As far as being an unrealistic downer, I've lost two best friends, the first at six years of age. This film nails that sense of loss. It also offers and encourages grieving and moving past the event in a positive way. It may not be an oft required lesson, but it's an invaluable one.

SAFE

This film impacted me in a very personal way, and not just because I have a crush on Zooey DeChannel. It's very well presented. It moves from moment to moment, establishing the characters well and letting them and their situations evolve at an appropriate pace.

The two leads do a good job, their performances are solid. While Leslie is the more dynamic character and perhaps more appealing, Jesse is particularly well played. Huthcinson does admirably conveying Jesse's turmoil, isolation and reticence. His execution is subtle and understated and surprises us when Jesse finally does emerge to take his place.

Supporting roles are generally well done, though a bit peripheral . Robert Patrick, though a bit type cast, does a very nice job here. His demeanor helps us understand so much more about Jesse. The difference in the family dynamics is very telling.

This is not a fairy tale. It's not a fantasy special effects movie. Those expecting this will probably be very disappointed. The effects which are required are very well done and serve their purpose without grandstanding the rest of the film.

This is a wonderful film. It deals with so many issues that kids in the real world experience. It doesn't candy coat them, but doesn't present them as insurmontable either. There's a lot of magic and hope here. And it's for sharing.

The Good: Finding someone you can relate to

The Bad: Losing someone close to you

The Ugly: Taking children for granted