Based on the popular Newbery Award-winning novel, Bridge To Terabithia is a story of friendship, family and the power of imagination. Jess Aarons is an outsider at school and even in his own family. Jess has trained all summer to become the fastest kid in his middle school class, but his goal is unexpectedly thwarted by the new girl in school, Leslie Burke, who competes in the "boys only" race and wins. Despite their awkward introduction, the two outsiders quickly become best friends. Leslie loves to tell stories of fantasy and magic. Jess loves to draw, but until he met Leslie, it was something he kept to himself. Leslie opens up a new world of imagination for Jess. Together, they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia, a magical place only accessible by swinging on an old rope over a stream in the woods near their homes. There, the friends rule the kingdom, fight the Dark Master and his creatures and plot against the school bullies. Thanks to his friendship with Leslie, Jess is changed for good.
Directed by
Gabor Csupo
Written by
Jeff Stockwell (screenplay); David Paterson (screenplay); Katherine Paterson (book).
Starring
Josh Hutcherson (Jess Aarons); AnnaSophia Robb (Leslie Burke); Zooey Deschanel (Ms. Edmunds); Robert Patrick (Jack Aarons); Bailee Madison (May Belle Aarons); Kate Butler (Mary Aarons); Devon Wood (Brenda Aarons); Emma Fenton (Ellie Aarons); Grace Brannigan (Joyce Aarons); Latham Gaines (Bill Burke); Judy McIntosh (Judy Burke); Patricia Aldersley (Grandma Burke); Lauren Clinton (Janice Avery); Isabelle Rose Kircher (Carla); Cameron Wakefield (Scott Hoager). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
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Readers' Comments and Opinions
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A good blend of fantasy and reality
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
It's not often I give a thumbs up to anything in the fantasy genre but Bridge to Terabithia gets my approval for it's entertaining blend of fantasy and reality. The acting of the young cast is impressive with Joss Hutcherson (Little Manhattan) as the amiable Jess, AnnaSophia Robb (Because of Winn-Dixie) as the quriky but cool Leslie, and Bailee Madison as Jess's younger sister May Bella, all showing much promise for the future. The story moves along at a good pace and provides both decent entertainment and a few valuable life lessons for the adolescent audience at which the film is aimed - though surely it is one that many parents will take pleasure viewing as well. An overall favourable and balanced look at going to church and God's attitude towards us was also nice to see, as was a helpful approach to understanding bullying, which doubtless many will be able to relate to.
