Spinning live-action, family- friendly flicks out of award-winning novels seems to be a no-brainer in the movie biz. And from time to time, there have been awesome outcomes: “The Wizard of Oz” and “Mary Poppins” hurry to mind.
Philip Anschutz’s Walden Media embraces this by-the-book strategy, churning out with varying success an ambitiously persistent slate of big-screen adaptations.
Some have been the very good – “Holes” and the first installment of “The Chronicles of Narnia.” Others have been charming: “Because of Winn-Dixie.” There also have been the middling: “Charlotte’s Web” and “Hoot”; and the unfortunate: “Around the World in 80 Days.” Now comes “Bridge to Terabithia,” based on Katherine Peterson’s Newbery-garnering novel.
Directing his first live-action feature, animation producer Gabor Csupo delivers a film that has inspired moments but too often feels like an extended after-school special, albeit one with good production values.
Local charmer AnnaSophia Robb (“Because of Winn-Dixie”) and Josh Hutcherson (“Zathura: A Space Adventure”) star as outcasts Leslie and Jess.
The two become fast friends and create a world of their own one short rope swing across a creek.
Terabithia is a land of lush forests, cascading streams and a wonderfully ramshackle treehouse. The kingdom is not without dangers. Hostile creatures rush the duo. Weird birds dive at them. It’s a fantastical territory firmly influenced by Jess and Leslie’s daily lives on the other side of the stream.
A bus ferries the two and Jess’ impossibly dear little sister May Belle (Bailey Madison), to school. There, Janice, a hulking eighth grader, stands like a troll collecting payment at the bathroom door. She makes a transformed appearance in Terabithia. So do other ruffians.
On a daily basis, fellow students intimidate or are oblivious to each other’s miseries. The exception to this vibe takes place in Ms. Edmonds’ class. Zooey Deschanel plays the believably encouraging purveyor of art and music appreciation. In fact, Edmonds’ very awareness makes it hard to buy a plot point that has her taking Jess on a field trip without his parents’ permission.
But then, parents just don’t understand. Or in Leslie’s case, her folks are writers who burrow into their offices, leaving their daughter to her own fantasies. When they resurface they’re decent and fun.
Jess’ family is mired in econominc realities. They have a struggling business, assorted jobs and a brood that keeps the couple brooding over bills.
Surrounded by sisters, it’s a wonder Jess finds a perfect companion in Leslie. But each has an artistic soul.
Robb’s character is a blast of possibility. Her mantra: “Just close your eyes and keep your mind wide open.”
Early on, Jess and Leslie’s make-believe feels forced. But a disciplined mix of special effects and old-fashion pretend wins out.
“Bridge to Terabithia” has touching twists. The finest is a theological debate about Jesus and hell that Leslie, Jess and May Belle dig into after a Sunday church service.
Discussing the hardest would be a spoiler.
Walden Media could use a bit of Leslie’s spirit, her will to plunge into fresh imaginings. In the meantime, this solidly crafted “Bridge” poses a question for the education-minded producton company: Must playing it smart mean always playing it safe?
“Bridge to Terabithia” | ** 1/2 RATING
PG for thematic elements including bullying, some peril and mild language| 1 hour, 36 minutes|KID DRAMA|Directed by Gabor Csupo; written by Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson, based on Katherine Paterson’s novel; photography by Michael Chapman; starring Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Zooey Deschanel, Robert Patrick, Bailey Madison, Lauren Clinton|Opens today at area theaters.
