Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction & Fantasy - Director: Gabor Csupo - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Bailee Madison more
Animation master Gabor Csupo directs his first live-action film in this adaptation of the novel 'The Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson, whose son David co-wrote the... more
Bridge To Terabithia
From the makers of The Chronicles Of Narnia and based on the award-winning novel written ... more
by Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia is a fantasy adventure story of friendship, family and the power of imagination that you'll want to see again and again.Jess Aarons is an outsider at school and even in his own family, until he befriends a new girl at school, Leslie Burke. Leslie loves to tell stories of fantasy and magic. Jess loves to draw and together they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia. A magical place that only they can escape to, 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.
Bridge To Terabithia
From the makers of the Chronicles of Narnia and based on the award-winning novel written ... more
By Katherine Paterson, Bridge to Terabithia is a fantasy adventure story of friendship, family and the power of imagination that you'll want to see again and again.Jess Aarons is an outsider at school and even in his own family, until he befriends a new girl at school, Leslie Burke. Leslie loves to tell stories of fantasy and magic. Jess loves to draw and together they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia. A magical place that only they can escape to, 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.
Allow up to 14 Days for delivery as item is manufactured to order. Your poster is laminated and mounted on High Quality Float Frame resulting in a fine piece of Art for your enjoyment. A modern and popular alternative to framing a poster which also makes an ideal gift. Process is irreversible please see our help information for further details., Manufacturer: MoviePostersDirect
Allow up to 14 Days for delivery as item is manufactured to order. Your poster is professionally mounted on a High Quality Canvas resulting in a fine piece of Art for your enjoyment. A modern and popular alternative to framing a poster which also makes an ideal gift. Process is irreversible please see our help information for further details., Manufacturer: MoviePostersDirect
A Bridge to Terabithia
This is the story of a special friendship between a two lonely children Jess and Leslie. ... more
Together they create an imaginary land called Terabithia which they reach by swinging over a creek on a rope. In this wonderland they seek escape from the difficulties of the real world and also learn how to cope. Until one day tragedy strikes and their imaginary world is seemingly torn apart forever.
Bridge to Terabithia
Jess Aarons wants to be the fastest boy in the class. He's been practising all summer and ... more
he's sure he's going to win. But when a girl named Leslie Burke moves into the neighbouring farm his life changes forever. Not only does Leslie not look or act like any of the girls in school she also turns out to be the fastest runner in the year. After getting over the humiliation of being beaten by a girl Jess begins to think Leslie might be okay - she's clever and funny and not a bit soppy. It is Leslie who invents Terabithia the secret country on an island across the creek. Here Jess could forget his large quarrelsome family his father who thought it was ummanly to love drawing and his little sister May Belle who was always tagging after him. Here he could be strong and unafraid. The only way to reach Terabithia is by rope-swing where Jess and Leslie become King and Queen defeating giants sharing stories and dreams and plotting against their enemies. They are invincible - until tragedy strikes.It is more dreadful than anything Jess had ever dreamed of but as he struggles to cope with his grief and anger he finds that his family value him more than he'd thought and that still King he could even save Terabithia for the future.
Bridge to Terabithia
Now a major motion picture discover the beloved Newbery Medal-winning story of Jess ... more
Aarons and Leslie Burke. Join Jess and Leslie as they form an unlikely friendship and create the imaginary land of Terabithia. There they rule as king and queen until a terrible tragedy occurs that helps Jess understand just how much he has learned from Leslie.
Production Year: 2007 - Science Fiction - Director: Francis Lawrence - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring: Alice Braga, Charlie Tahan, Dash Mihok, Will Smith, Salli Richardson, Willow Smith
A review by blackmagicstar4 on Bridge To Terabithia (DVD) April 6th, 2009
Author's product rating:
Did you enjoy it?
Loved it
Story
Outstanding
Characters / Performances
Good
Special Effects
Good
How does it compare to similar films?
Good
Advantages:
Excellent acting, Great story, Good Soundtrack
Disadvantages:
none
Recommend to potential buyers:
yes
Full review
Bridge To TerabithiaThis weekend while visiting a friend we decided to have a relaxed afternoon and stick on a film and have a glass of wine. As her ten year old son was with us we decided to watch the children’s movie Bridge to Terabithia. I have heard of the film before but didn’t really know much about it. I didn’t know who was in it, what it was about or who made the film which sometimes I think it is a good idea not knowing anything about it. I quite like these children fantasy films like The Narnia films so I thought this couldn’t be too bad. What I like about children’s DVD’s is that they are presented really nicely and this DVD was no exception. It had an outer cardboard cover and the front cover was colourful and looked very magical, which would help attracting kids to buy it (or rather their parents). Another aspect on why I don’t mind watching these films is that most of them are not very long and this film was only an hour and a half which is just right. So having our wine ready and my friends son sat on his bean bag we started it up.
INFO
Director- Gabor Csupo I can’t say I’ve ever heard of him but Gabor has produced and worked in animation for over twenty years. He has only directed four films including ‘The Secret of Moonacre’. Other than movies I would say he is more successful in TV shows mainly for children. Some of these include a favourite of mine- Rugrats, and also The Wild Thornberry’s and he Simpsons, he was involved in all three mainly in producing them and helping with the animation. With this, this film should have quite high expectations but as I had no idea I watched this film with a totally open mind.
Writers- Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson (Screenplay) Katherine Paterson (Novel) Release date- 4 May 2007 Distributed- Walt Disney Pictures Tagline- Discover a place that will never leave you and a friendship that will change you forever. Run time- 96 Mins UK Rating- PG
PLOT
The film follows the life of a young boy named Jesse Aarons who has a tough life in the country. He is bullied at school, ignored at home and doesn’t seem to have any motivation as he is always put down by his siblings. He is incredibly good at drawing which new girl Leslie notices. She is his new neighbour and the two of them become best friends as they are seen as outcasts by the school. Leslie is a very creative girl and has a brilliant imagination. Whilst playing in the woods nearby they create their own world called Terabithia which they escape to after school away from their troubles. However, all seems to be well when one day tragedy strikes them leaving devastation and corruption.
CAST
Jess Aarons – Josh Hutcherson Jess is a very likable character and we follow him through the whole film. You get to really know him and care about his feelings as we see him get bullied and try to gain a relationship with his father who has no interest. Jess is a quiet boy who does as he is told but is quite a sad and depressed person until he meets Leslie. Josh has starred in a few other children’s films including Zathura (2005) and The Polar Express (2004).
Leslie Burke- AnnaSophia Robb Leslie is a fun, creative girl and has a great imagination. She is open minded about everything and ignores those around her who try to upset her. She is a bubbly person who I think creates a positive feeling around those who need it. Even though she comes from a wealthy family, she is also picked on for being different to everyone. AnnaSophia has featured in a few other films including, Jumper (2008), Spy School (2008) and Charlie and the chocolate factory, (2005). She also sings two of the songs featured in the film.
Ms Edmunds – Zooey Deschanel Jack Aarons- Robert Patrick Janice Avery- Lauren Clinton Mary Aarons- Kate Butler Bill Burke- Latham Gaines
OPINIONS
Characters and Cast
I really liked all the characters and think they were casted very well. Jess is very likable and the character development in him is brilliant. We follow him as we see this young sad kid with no real friends struggle through day to day life and then turn into a happy, full of life child with lots of ambition. I liked everything about his character and found it very interesting to see how some children even though they are not being beaten or starved are still being abused in some way which affects their outlook on life. I liked the way the audience gets to feel so involved in his life and his thoughts. Leslie was another brilliant character. She seems older than the rest in her class not in appearance but mentally. Even though she is different to the rest and gets bullied she doesn’t seem to let that affect her. She is always smiling and likes to make other people feel good about them selves. Her character is very likable and she is the main aspect of the magical touch to the film. Other than the two main characters all of the others played their roles well. Jess’s father is played by Robert Patrick who is a very successful and well known actor. I recognised him straight away. For those who do not know his name he has starred in films such as- Balls of Fury (2007), Charlie’s Angels (2003) and Walk the Line (2005). His performance is high class and it shows how ignoring a child really takes a tole on their attitude. His character also develops through the film and it is good to see a high standard actor perform just as well in a child’s film. Another actor/actress I recognised was the music teacher who is played by Zooey Deschanel. She has starred in many productions including Yes Man (2008) and Failure to Launch (2006). She plays an interesting role and also has a positive affect on Jess and his life.
Narrative
The story was absolutely brilliant. There are many important morals which I thought was really nice to see which included- - Bullying. This is a major problem in many schools and young children are affected by this in different ways. Jess is bullied on a daily basis as he is quiet and sits drawing a lot. The popular children think he is a waste of space and he is pushed and called names. It shows how it can affect children and I think the film gave a good aspect on how you can avoid it. Jess comes to understand how just because you are different doesn’t mean anything and shows he doesn’t seem to care. - Children’s Minds. This film showed how children can have such a great imagination. This world was created all by these two children and they become so involved in this world it takes over their thoughts during the day at school. It amazes me how they can create a world with creatures and rules and have great fun playing in them. I also thought how children today have no where like this to go and play which is sad, living in the country has it s positives as their were woods and plenty of games to play. - Parenting. The film shows how different children’s upbringings can be. Jess and Leslie have very different lifestyles but still become best of friends. While Leslie has rich, caring parents she still feels a bit lonely. Jess on the other hand is totally ignored by his parents and is only spoken to when he has done something wrong or is being set chores. He craves a relationship with his father but seems that his father doesn’t want to be around him.
Bridge to Terabithia was adapted by the novel which I really want to read now to compare. The story had a good pace with plenty to keep children interested. I liked the fact that even though it is a PG it had elements to keep the adults interested too. The ending was really outstanding and I was really surprised. It is not predictable at all and I found myself really involved. I think it has a different ending to most children’s films and it is a very unique movie.
Filming and Effects
The filming was good and the movie ran at a great pace. It wasn’t too quick but I didn’t find myself bored either. There were plenty of lovely establishing shots of the woods and where they live. The effects of the creatures were interesting. They imagine them in cartoon and then later plenty of shaped and animals become these creatures. I especially liked the warriors which were dragonflies. Their minds created these little warrior dragonflies to have mini swords and armour. It was great for small children and it was nice to see how children can make things up out of nothing. There were no amazing special effects in it such as films like The Chronicles of Narnia, but when they were looking at Terabithia everything changed around them. The colours of the wood, the animals and their tree house, the visions are captivating and bring a new meaning to fantasy. It is very interesting and beautiful to see these creations from children’s minds.
Overall
There were many criticisms toward the film saying that the trailer misinterpreted what the film included. I think that this was because the film was not overly performed and did not include all this CGI like many new Disney fantasy classics. I liked the different technique used and I think it makes a change to see a Disney film kept quiet realistic and focuses on real life problems. The film won an award for Young Artists which is clearly shown with all the actors, five on the children won awards for this. I think this film is really lovely and beautiful to watch. It includes many aspects of life and a nice look into children’s minds. It has an excellent cast, good soundtrack and a story of a unique friendship. Even though it is rated a PG I found the film quite sad for a kid’s film and a caution for those who cry at films this is one of them! I would recommend this to anyone who likes fantasy and adventure films and obviously those who are fans of the book. I would defiantly rent this again and I think that adults will like it just as much as the children will.
EXTRAS
Official Website- http://disney.go.com/disneyvideos/liveaction/bridgetoterabithia/
The DVD can be ordered from the Disney website and can also be found on all leading DVD stores including Play.com for £4.99.
* Many thanks for reading* Blackmagicstar4- April09. Published on Dooyoo and Ciao *
Advantages: Great script, great sensitivity and imaginative Disadvantages: Adverts are misleading about what to expect.
...unknown to us perhaps because Bridge to Terabithia is only Csupo’s second Directorial contribution since he directed a little known film called Dance in 1980. However, he has worked as producer and writer on a number of television series and films, most of which are aimed at the younger audience including The Wild Thornberrys and The Rugrats films. Notably, he has also worked as Animation Director on a number of projects including several episodes ... ...or more complex dialogue. Bridge over Terabithia does the opposite. It embraces the power these kids have and the script portrays the emotions involved in growing up, dealing responsibility, happiness, grief and guilt. The two main characters in particular were given freedom through the script to demonstrate that kids know more than adults give them credit for. It was funny in the write places, heart-wrenching in others and above all, the sentiment ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Good strong child cast, pleasant innocent story. Disadvantages: a couple of weak adult performances (not bad just out classed by the kids)
Bridge to Terabithis is a light-hearted imaginative childrens tale. Director Csupo is a little unknown this is his second directorial movie and is better known for producing the Rugrats and Wild Thornberrys - don't allow the fact that this is a childrens tale put you off viewing this very artistic portrayal of youth and imagination it is still worth watching here are some of the main reasons -
Josh Hutcherson - someone told me last year to watch ... ...name for himself... star of "Little Manhattan" (2005 Dir. Mark Levin) and "Zathura" (2005 Dir. Jon Favreau) this young lad shines with an outstanding true to life performance. This kid will have Dakota Fanning turning in her crib... watch out for this one at the awards this year!
Anna Sophia Robb - yep another child actor that stands out. Star of "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (2005 Dir. Tim Burton) Anna Sophia adds the element of innocence ...
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12.06.2007
Terabithia Review ofBridge To Terabithia (DVD)by
quiche_nufc
Advantages: great movie Disadvantages: CHILD LIKE
Plot - Jess is a young boy who is shy and attends elementary school. His family is not very well off and are struggling. The new girl at his school is, Leslie, who is a great runner.
Jess does not want to know her at first but she insists on speaking to him. They soon become friends when Leslie Offers Jess some chewing gum on the school bus home.
Jess has a love for drawing but keeps it a secret. He tells Leslie about it as they become closer.
... ...find a rope to swing across a river. Whilst their they find an old tree house. They invent a new world of their own called Terabithia. Through their imaginative eyes the world becomes alive. Back in the real world they stick together and plot against the schools bullies.
Actors - Josh Hutcherson - Jess Aarons - "Little Manhattan"
AnnaSophia Robb - Leslie Burke - "Jumper"
Quotes - *Jesse Aarons: Leslie Burke told me to keep my mind wide open. Ms. ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Great from the start no bit is boring Disadvantages: Non
...bad needs work etc
Bridge to Terabithia
Through the beginning, the movie sets itself up nicely and we are introduced to some of the main characters, and we soon find the story revolving around a quiet boy who is really good at drawing. Then we meet the new girl in town who beats all the other boys in a footrace. Soon we find out that this girl, named Leslie, has quite the imagination, and has a knack for telling stories, which quickly has the two ... ...with the children in this film, especially the two leads. Their performances were wonderful, and at this point the story began to pick up nicely as the two characters began exploring the woods in their backyard, and started to dream up a fantastic kingdom they named Terabithia. I wouldn't have had any other person direct this film other than Gabor Csupo, he really knows how to capture the lively imagination of a child, and I became engrossed in this ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: Good visuals, good acting Disadvantages: Lack of solid plot
Some times I would like to have words with Disney. I mean, what ever happened to the charming musical films they used to make like beauty and the beast or snow white? Although in parts this film was visually stunning i really did feel it was let down by the lack of stoyline. Ok ok maybe they just got caught up in the "what fact of life can we teach kids about in this film" idea and forgot about a solid plot. Although it may seem like a light hearted ...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful
Advantages: Good story, good effects Disadvantages: Not as good as I was expecting, sad!
...for themselves in the end and so the bullies seemed to ease off from their taunts. I think this film does give out a good message to children.
The fantasy in the film was good but I think I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the creatures which Jess had created come to life in Terabithia and the pair of them spend a little more time there as the small bits we did see were very enjoyable.
Without giving too much away about the ending of the film, I really did not expect it to end as it did and I found it quite emotional and moving. I though that the Director did a great job of the way he handled the subject.
The music in the film was good and although I don?t particularly remember any of the tracks I do remember that they were all good and used in the appropriate places.
The DVD which we have is the two disk special edition...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful
Advantages: A great family mvoie with strong characters and sensitive direction. Disadvantages: Not the fantasy epic I was hoping for.
...the kids' imaginations play out, Zigman employs magic-tinged brass and twinkling chimes and ethereal choruses for the rope swing that leads to it. There are epic orchestral themes for Terabithia itself and hectic 50s B-movie horror themes when Jess and Leslie are under attack. In more emotional moments, sad solo piano is used to heighten the mood.
"BridgetoTerabithia" is a solid family film that has plenty of little adventures to keep the kids happy, smatterings of CGI-led fantasy and a strong, universal story that mast viewers will be able to relate to. Gabor Csupo's direction is confident and he has clear affection for his characters without going all mushy over them. However, it's a film you might want to watch with your kids as there are some themes and moments that might be upsetting to sensitive children. Do bear in mind that it isn...
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Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful
Advantages: Interesting - great acting. Disadvantages: A bit bland - overdone.
..., finds it difficult to make friends and is lonely... until she meets Jesse.
The two, although they don't hit it off immediately, slowly become the best of friends, and create an imaginary kingdom for themselves filled with ogres, fairies and fantastical creatures which they rule over as king and queen. This imaginary world leads them on incredible adventures, and draws Jesse out of his shell. Together, Jesse and Leslie are invincible within their imaginary kingdom, and this newfound courage serves them in 'real' life, enabling them to face their fears and their bullies.
'BridgeToTerabithia' is a heartwarming tale that is beautifully acted and directed, however... it is somewhat predictable. If I have given it a 3 stars it is because of the strong acting and the charming special-effects that shine through from the imaginary kingdom...
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Consumer Advice: Contains scary scenes and emotional distress
Video Category: Feature Film
Country Of Origin: United States of America
Release details
DVD Region: DVD
Studio(s): ICON HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Languages
Main Language: English
Hearing Impaired Language: English
Technical information
Special Features: Behind the book featurette, Bringing TERABITHIA to life featurette, 'Keep Your Mind Open' Anna Sophia Music Video, Director, writer, producer commentary, Cast commentary, Competition winner photo gallery, Creature paintings and credit roll, Icon trailer reel
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound: DTS Surround 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1
Professional reviews
Review: With a positive message about seeing the troubled person behind the bully and the importance of keeping an open mind....A sweet family-friendly film... (New York Times, 26/04/2007)
DVD Description
Animation master Gabor Csupo directs his first live-action film in this adaptation of the novel 'The Bridge to Terabithia' by Katherine Paterson, whose son David co-wrote the screenplay and serves as a producer. Jess (Josh Hutcherson) is misunderstood. Despite Jess' talents as an artist, the school bullies pick on him, his father (Robert Patrick) belittles his dreams, and his four sisters invade his space in the family's cramped house. Jess' bleak world changes when Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) moves into the house next door. Bright, creative and outspoken, Leslie also finds herself an outsider in their school. Soon the two are thick as thieves, spending their after school hours exploring the woods beyond their backyards and on the others side of a creek, which Leslie deems the kingdom of Terabithia. Here, they create their own magical world, complete with a Dark Master and his minions, dragonfly soldiers, giant trolls and a treehouse fortress. In Terabithia, the two friends let their imaginations run wild and control their destiny, far away from school bullies and the pressures of adolescence. Hutcherson and Robb are well cast as Jess and Leslie in this coming-of-age tale. Hutcherson handles both the melancholy intensity and unbridled joy of his character beautifully, and Robb's smile and charisma are infectious. Zooey Deschanel also stars as Miss Edmunds, the music teacher who befriends Jess. Terabithia and its creatures are created by WETA Digital LTD, the same company that did the effects for the LORD OF THE RINGS trilogy and KING KONG.
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Listed on Ciao since : 08/05/2007
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