A Bridge to Terabithia
The name "Terabithia" is inspired by an island called Terabinthia in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia novels.,The amount of keys on the key ring that Jess retrieves varies between shots: initially it is five or six rings linked together as his dad hands them to him; then it is small and fits easily in Jess' palm after the giant troll catches him; finally, it is five or six rings linked together again as Jess gives them back to his dad.,Leslie Burke: Just close your eyes, but keep your mind wide open.,Typo at the ending credits (from 90:38 to 95:11 on the DVD). At 94:13 (where it is mentioned in the actors' commentary), a drawing in the background of a Squogre is labeled "Squorge".,Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Music & Lyrics/Bridge to Terabithia/Breach/Black Snake Moan/The Lives of Others (2007),Try
Written by Matthew Gerrard, Robbie Nevil, and Mike Krompass
Produced by Matthew Gerrard and Mike Krompass
Performed by Hayden Panettiere
Hayden Panettiere appears courtesy of Hollywood Records,Bridge To Terabithia

I have not read the book and did not see this movie with many expectations.

To begin with, this is a story of Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson). Jesse is the fastest runner in his class and very proud of being so. Frequently picked on by the local bullies, troubled with the financial situation back home and oft ignored by all but one of his 5 sisters, he immerses himself within his drawings as an escape... Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb)is the new-kid in his class. She has a panache for writing which coupled by her ability to outrun all the guys in her class (including Jesse) ensures that she doesn't have the best luck making new friends. However, with their affinity to be picked on, Jesse and Leslie soon find themselves extremely fond of each other and off looking for a place of their own... This is Terabithia...

And this is where I'll end my summary for I do not wish to go into the spoilers for the movie.

All the kids in the movie really shine in their respective roles. As many reviewers have said before me, Josh and AnnaSophia are a wonderful pair! I would also like to mention the young Bailee Madison (playing Josh's younger sister) for her portrayal of May Belle.

However, what truly lifts this movie from "good" to "great" is the simplicity of the whole story. This is a children's movie through and through and but do not expect a typical Disney feel-good comedy. Do not also expect huge CG sequences like say, The Chronicles of Narnia.

This movie is full of heart and everything about it is shown from the eyes of a child. Life, is not a pretty thing and more than the magical kingdom of Terabithia, this is a tale of a young kids' coming to terms with matters of being bullied, being loved, having a true friend and even trying to understand death.

By the end of it all, many people around me were moved to tears and I myself was trying desperately to hold back. The movie, its message and its delivery are all beautiful.

On a critical note, the only thing about the movie that I didn't particularly love was the music. The music in general wasn't very well suited and certain songs were just not needed, but I suppose thats what the MTv culture demands.

In conclusion, I highly recommend it. Go and watch this movie and if you have them, take your children... They'll love it!

9/10,