Brücke nach Terabithia (2007)

Brücke nach Terabithia: Directed by Gabor Csupo. With Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick. A preteen’s life turns upside down when he befriends the new girl in school and they imagine a whole new fantasy world to escape reality.

“A very well mastered family movie with a positive message that addresses topical themes for children in a poignant, focused manner. The children depicted are very real and likable (well, except for the ones youu0026#39;re supposed to dislike, that is), and easy to identify with. The movie is a faithful and touching adaptation of the beloved childrenu0026#39;s classic book.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe two main characters, Jesse and Leslie (splendidly played by John Hucheson and Annasophia Robb) are typical pre-teens, steering their way through the routine ups and downs kids everywhere deal with, and they develop a friendship/first crush due to their common interests and challenges. They find an old tree house, and create a fantasy castle type kingdom complete with magic, and populated by creatures based on people they know. Unlike so many other fantasy movies, this world is just an amusement for them, not a refuge that they actually u0026quot;enter.u0026quot; The animation effects of this fantasy kingdom are skillfully executed in such a manner as to point out the reality that exists alongside the fantasy. For example: a tree begins to move, comes to life and performs an action, then relaxes back into its u0026quot;realu0026quot; position.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe relationships of all the characters, and what they learn from their experiences, are the true focus, with the fantasy sequences only spicing whatu0026#39;s happening. There are many themes touched upon: friendship, tragedy, adventure, creativity, bullies, competition, family life, even making an enemy to a friend. I liked all the characters and the actors that played them; each person helped build the story. Emotional, even heart wrenching in one case, this movie is a gem. Highly recommended.”