Andrew Robinson
Families across the United States are constantly searching for movies that everyone will enjoy. Not just the kids; not just the adults. Something that is appropriate enough for the youngsters, entertaining enough for the teenagers, and intriguing enough for the adults.
For all of this and more, look no further than Bridge to Terabithia.
Based on the Katherine Paterson-written 1977 book of the same name, Bridge to Terabithia follows a lonely preteen (Josh Hutcherson) who finds wonderment and friendship in the new girl next door (AnnaSophia Robb). Together, the pair creates their own fantasy world in the woods, while trying to survive life at school.
What sets Bridge to Terabithia apart from other kids’ fantasy films is one thing: poignancy. It is impossible to go further into that without ruining a major plot point in the story, but the film is as poignant as it can get by the end.
When writing the novel, Paterson had her eight-year-old son, who was dealing with a significant change in his life, in mind. She emphasized the five stages of grief – denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance – in an effort to help her son through the change. The film follows much of the same idea, as the viewer watches the children go through the harsh rigors of life. Interestingly enough, that very same son – David L. Paterson – produced and co-wrote the screenplay for the film version.
This emphasis on the non-fantastical, harsh areas of life is what makes Bridge to Terabithia the ideal talk-abut-it-at-the-dinner-table film. Particularly in the latter half of the film, scenes occur that children may not fully comprehend, making it the job of the elders in the family to help explain. This is where family-friendly entertainment is great: it provides families with the ability to discuss something that they see, allowing children to understand what is going on around them. Unfortunately, many children’s movies simply don’t feature much of anything that is worth talking about later. Bridge to Terabithia does.
Josh Hutcherson (Jess) – he of Hunger Games fame – and AnnaSophia Robb (Leslie) are both absolutely magnificent. The friendship shared by Jess and Leslie is palpable; their love for one another is evident. Clearly, the two are the best of friends. They can get through anything together, and they make each other happier than anyone else can make them. They share the ideal friendship; this can be discussed with the kiddos.
The importance of hard work is also emphasized, as well as the necessity of imagination and fun. The world that Jess and Leslie dream up is brilliant, but Jess also needs to make room for schoolwork and helping his family out around the house. Leslie is much of the same.
More than anything else, however, Bridge to Terabithia emphasizes the extreme importance of friendship, as well as love, in order to get through the tough times. It has fantasy and wonderment and excitement to keep the youngsters entertained. It has drama and action and a touch of comedy to keep the teenagers from leaving to play Fortnite. And it has important themes and messages to keep the adults engaged.
Bridge to Terabithia is the best talk-about-it-at-the-dinner-table family film out there.
