CS Weekly Archive > DVD of the Day > 06/29/07

Not What It Appears

by danny munso

David Paterson and Jeff Stockwell
Based on the novel by Katherine Paterson

David Paterson wasn't even a teenager when his mother began writing Bridge to Terabithia, the classic 1977 children's novel. Now, all these years later, he (along with The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys' Jeff Stockwell) is responsible for helping bring his mom's tale to the big screen. The story follows fifth-grader Jesse (Josh Hutcherson), an outcast who takes solace and refuge in drawing. New girl Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb), who shares Jesse's love for make-believe, moves in next door, and the two of them dream up the magical world of Terabithia, which is actually a part of the forest near their homes. If you saw one of the previews for this film and weren't familiar with the book, you probably thought Terabithia was another run-of-the-mill children's fantasy. However, the creatures and magical lands depicted are simply figments of the kids' imagination, and are only there to enhance the visual experience. The story is actually a very real one about loneliness and loss, themes that some young children may not be ready for. Instead of mystical creatures and villains to ward off, the kids face moments of isolation, the struggles of being poor, and the trials of overbearing parents. It's a shame the film was mismarketed, and it's worth your time if your imagination can handle what this story has to offer, as it takes a tragic turn near the end of the film. The extras, meanwhile, represent a missed opportunity. While both Katherine and David discuss the actual incident in David's life that inspired the book, no questions are asked of David on how he went about adapting his mother's book and what a daunting task that must have been. But hey, at least they gave us a music video instead.

Bridge to Terabithia
Walt Disney Home Video
Rated PG; 94 min.
$29.99

Buy it now

Danny Munso graduated from film school in 2004 and can currently be found on his computer working on one of his many half-written screenplays. Or, more likely, he's on the Internet checking the scores of his beloved Bay Area sports teams.

Bridge to Terabithia courtesy Walt Disney Home Video

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