Starring Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick
Written By: Jeff Stockwell , David Paterson
Directed By: Gabor Csupo
Studio: Disney/Buena Vista
Buy on Amazon.com link

If you were expecting kid-flick-fantasy-cheesy effects a la disney – well this isn’t the movie for you.

Bridge to Terabithia, Starring AnnaSophia Robb (keep an eye on this one), is actually a pretty sad movie. While the scarce effects keep you somewhat entertained, the story is really about friendship and childhood loss (yawn).
It does in fact tug at the heart strings a bit. Don’t judge this movie by the cover even though AnnaSophia Robb looks a bit like an elf (at least for now) with her freakishly almond shaped eyes. They do grow on you.

Again, expecting a fantasy world filled with fairies and trolls, monsters and awesome CGI scenery, the story takes place in what seems to be somewhere around Kentucky. Farmland, woods and rural dirt roads. A lonely teenager Jesse Aarons, played by Josh Hutcherson, keeps his days busy by doodling and drawing in journals and notepads. Constantly reminded of how miserable his childhood is by his 4 sisters, he befriends his new neighbor Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) who seems to have the same problems. They are outcasts & dreamers. The two of them decide they need a spot all their own – they create Terabithia. Of course this land has its own creatures, made up by both Jesse and Leslie. The movie progresses as does their friendship until tragedy strikes and the entire plot shifts. For better or worse, the story really is good but there are times you forget you’re actually watching a Disney movie.

I’m sure the book was much better since it seems there is a lot of character development to fit in 2 hours here. Other characters including Jesse’s father, played by Robert Patrick, seemed cold and misunderstood. I think with more time he wouldn’t have come off as almost abusive but rather a caring father of 4 girls and one buy, who he hasn’t figured out how to relate too. Another major character in the film, the music teacher Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel) was too creepy for my taste. The student teacher relationship was a bit weird – even for Disney.

All in all, a slow mover. Don’t expect pixies and magic. Just a lot of imagination – and you’ll need it to truly enjoy Bridge to Terabithia.

Features:
-Digital Imagination: Bringing Terabithia to Life
– Behind the Book – The Themes of Terabithia
– Music Video “Keep your mind wide open” by AnnaSophia Robb
– Audio Commentary with Director Gabor Csupo, Writer Jeff Stockwell and Producer Hal Lieberman
– Audio Commentary with Actors Josh Hutcherson & AnnaSophia Robb & Producer Lauren Levine

Audio:
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1
SPANISH: Dolby Digital 5.1
FRENCH: Dolby Digital 5.1

Video:
Widescreen 1.85:1 Color

Subtitles:
French & Spanish

Favorite Scenes: When the kids first discover the rope swing, the way to Terabithia. Brought back many memories.
Rating: PG
Running Time: 96 minutes
Extras Rating:
Overall Rating: