Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

Genre: Drama/ Family

Time: 1h 36mins

Director: Gábor Csupó

Quick Summary: A preteen's life turns upside down when he befriends a new girl in school and they imagine a whole new fantasy world to escape reality.

I'm sorry if you didn't watch this as a child, you really were missing out.

Admittedly I am very nostalgic for this as I loved it as a child. It really locks in on what it's like to use your imagination for fun and how important it can be. It's the perfect escape mechanism for kids, to get away from their bullies and family troubles, which are realistic problems for them. I think there are plenty of important themes in this such as friendships, learning courage, learning to grieve, and other things which most kids' films don't do anymore. It's honestly so mature and manages to balance itself so that it doesn't dumb things down but then events aren't too upsetting for kids. 

I think what makes this so great is just how charming the kid actors are.  Josh Hutcherson pulls his part off excellently. AnnaSophia Robb also gives a great performance. Even if she is my first exposure to manic dream pixie girls, I loved her when I was younger. She was able to be free-spirited natured without becoming annoying or obnoxious. To me, they both were just incredibly sweet and adorable.

One thing I do want to say about this is that this has not one, not two, but three montage moments with music to speed along the film a bit. They really do stick out and feel very strange with the rest of this film. I assume this is to keep the attention of kids, but the music doesn't quite fit. As well there is a moment which to me, is a bit odd. One of the teachers takes one of the kids to a museum. On a Sunday. With no other kids. Sure it seems sweet, and she was probably doing it to help him see more to do with interests, but I guess times have changed as it just rings alarm bells as an adult.

Admittedly, even though I did like the acting, the script for Leslie seems a bit wild. A lot of the things she was saying are very clearly written by an adult, as all her lines are very whimsical and philosophical. Sure you can argue that her parents are writers so her speech will probably be really flowery and she is also pretty extentric already, but it makes her seem a lot older than she is supposed to be. It sort of took me out of the fantasy.

Some of the scenes are dragged out, but the majority are pretty well done. Especially the ones where their imagination comes to life, as they pretend to defend their treehouse from fantasy creatures. Honestly, they weren't bad. Not at one point I thought "Oh that CGI looks awful." Don't get me wrong, it's not great but it's believable. As well, some of the things that the main character gets upset about, adults may struggle to sympathise as a few times I chuckled at them. Like when he gets upset that a girl had beaten him in a race. But these are moments that are so important to kids and one thing to remember about this. It's directed towards them.

This is a very sweet film with a very emotional storyline that will always warm my heart after destroying it. Some adults may find this slow or a bit strange, but for a film for kids, it's wonderful.

6/10

"Leslie: Just close your eyes, but keep your mind wide open."

"Leslie: You are who you are - not your parents."

"Leslie: You're lucky to have a sister.

Jesse: Yeah, I got four of 'em, and I'd trade 'em all for a good dog."