The Bridge to Terabithia
It’s very hot in New Mexico and I was a bit under the weather so it was time sit quietly and entertained. Netflix had sent THE BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA so we settled in for ninety minutes of what we thought was a fantasy movie. This movie got very interesting reviews, didn’t do well, and I can see why. It’s a bit of a confused mess in terms of communicating what it’s about. Oh, the big theme is clear — the power of wonder and imagination — but it has trouble using the scenes to effectively sell the theme. That being said it is an amazing and fascinating movie about the pain of the outsider, children’s errant cruelty, friendship, and the power of myth and imagination.
There is an amazing turn 3/4 of the way into the movie that took me completely by surprise. And that is hard to do. I can normally sit in a film and be saying “now this is going to happen, and that will cause him to do this with the following result”. I didn’t see this one coming. Since some people hate spoilers I’m not going to give away this twist, but just let me say that it is the last thing you would expect in a kids movie.
I recommend giving this movie a look.
Melinda
July 17th, 2007 at 9:38 am
Len and I saw “Bridge to Terabithia” in its release as part of a rainy day at the movies (possibly the only rainy day we had last winter.) I had seen the reviews, so when we were looking for something to time out, I suggested it. As he said afterwards, he would never have gone to it, but he was really glad he did. Yeah, it does have one sucker-punch of a twist.
I think it is based on a book, but I’ve not read it. I thought the artwork looked like Brian Froud had been involved, but I didn’t see a credit for him.
July 17th, 2007 at 6:09 pm
The book was actually one of my favorites growing up. I’ve been afraid to go see the movie, for fear of changes. Sounds like maybe I should risk it.
July 18th, 2007 at 9:55 am
Do risk it! I read the book when I was a kid, too, but it had gotten hazy in the intervening years. The movie did a great job of not only bringing back the strangeness of the novel, but the actors are actually pretty good as well.
I cringe every tiime I’m about to watch a child actor, not because I don’t like them, but because they are often asked to perform beyond their ability or their experience. It’s always a delight to be surprised by a kid with some acting chops.
July 19th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Hmmm. I must rent the movie; I meant to see it when it came out, but didn’t.
And it’s only _warm_ here in Santa Fe. Christ, but I’d go mad and run amok if I had to live in most places this summer.