Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

by Valorie Delp | More from this Blogger

06 Jun 2008 05:16 AM

I will admit I was hesitant to see this one. You see, I love Katherine Patterson, and frankly, I never feel as if the movie could possibly come close to the book. I have to admit though, I was pleasantly surprised.

Plot Summary

Bridge to Terabithia is a charming story of Leslie Burke, a girl who moves to a new town and finds herself the oddball. Her parents are writers and don't let her watch any television. Consequently, she has an incredible sense of imagination. I think the word "vivid" might be apt.

She makes fast friends with the neighbor boy, Jess Aarons and together they imagine a new world in a field that's across a creek in their backyard. The new world is a place just for them and is complete with anything you can imagine. . .which of course is the point. So the school bully plays the giant, the crows attack and Jess and Leslie find a way to rule their kingdom supreme.

Parental Advisory

Frankly, I think this is one of the great family films. Josh Hutcheson and AnnaSophia Robb who play Jess and Leslie respectively, were nominated and won awards for their performances in this film. Like good literature it is somewhat timeless in theme. Everyone will be able to related to the school bully, the anxiety that comes with being different in school, and it's hard not to enjoy the fantastical world of created Terabithia.

With that said, it is rated PG. I want to note some things that some families might want to be warned about:

WARNING: SPOILER AHEAD

Intensity--There are parts of the movie that would be moderately intense for a younger child. The world of Terabithia is painted as one full of "danger" in the form of ogres and other fantastical creatures.

In the end the character of Leslie Burke dies when she swings on the rope to cross the creek to get to Terabithia on her own. She drowns in the creek that is overly full from recent rain. While an adult might see it coming a mile away. . .a child would not and the movie is a tear jerker. It redeems itself at the end, but consequently I would say that the movie isn't appropriate for the 5 and younger set, particularly the very sensitive 5 and younger set.

Language--There are a three words but they are minor in the grand scheme of things.

Other things worth noting--If you're interested in making this into a learning opportunity, go check out the book Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Patterson. Then watch the movie. There's are teacher ideas on the Disney website.

Valorie Delp shares recipes and kitchen tips in the food blog, and also writes about politics and the occassional movie review. To read more articles by Valorie Delp, click here.

Learn more about Valorie Delp

Hello everybody! My name is Valorie and I am one busy lady! When I'm not writing or editing for families, I am busy trying to get my brood of 5 in line.

View Full Profile | More from this Blogger

Dale Harcombe (10415) 06 Jun 2008 02:48 PM

I haven't seen the movie but it's a great book. I'm a big fan of Katherine Paterson too. One of the books I have on my shelf of hers is a series of lectures and talks she has giving over the year about writing for children.