Bridge to Terabithia [Blu-ray]

Like the lessons it teaches about television and imagination

Disney brough out the film version of a book called Bridge to Terabithia, which whether or not you are famliar with the book, you should have either a fun or a not so fun watching this movie. But like anybody looking to see this movie, you should be warned before watching that there is a death that happens in the movie, and I perfer not to spoil it for you, of who dies in this movie, but thankfully the death occurs off the screen. The book was written by Katherine Paterson, and now they have the film version. Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is beginning a new schol year, and spents part of the first morning running around his familys farm. His father Jack Aarons (Robert Patrick) works at a hardware store, and also runs the farm, and is also strict as stern. Jesse has 4 sisters, and he is the only boy out of the family. The new school year brings Jesse 2 teachers, if he has more, the others are off the screen, they are Mrs. Myers (Jen Wolfe) and music teacher Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel). The first day also brings a new classmate, a girl named Leslie Burke (Charlie and the Chocolate Factorys AnnaSophia Robb), who also enters a race that Jesse has been trainning for. But they soon become best friends, along with being neighbors. There are also 2 bullies at the school Scott Hoager (Cameron Wakefield) and Janice Avery (Lauren Clinton) who even stands outside the womens bathroom, and charges $1.00 just to use it. Growing tired of their home, and school lives, Jesse and Leslie creates their own world, which they become rulers of, which they name Terabithia. They keep their new world a secret from their own famiies, which includes Jesses younger sister May Belle Aarons (Bailee Madison), who just wants to even spent time with them, even if it does bother Jesse.

As an over-50 adult who loves to go with my imagination, I totally bought into this movie. If you let yourself simply believe you can travel into Teribithia with the characters and have no doubt that it is real. The only negative I have to mention is that I think the sadness (Im trying not to give away too much here for those who havent seen the movie) brought into the movie near the end is unnecessary. This movie is intended as a family movie, and throwing that element in is not only sad, its a bit disconcerting. Instead of walking away saying I loved it and it was filled with wonderful imagination!, I walked away saying, WHY did they put THAT in there! It actually made me and my viewing partner angry.

Watched with the whole family. My 4 year old was a little confused what was real or not but her older sisters (10&8) loved it. They watched it again the next day. Very sad but well done and powerful message. If youre lucky enough not to lose somone in your life then hats off to you-but if you have then youll find this very touching. I think every kid should watch it. Reminds me of My Girl but better.

Casting & acting (even small roles) were very well done, especially Hutcherson and Robb. I read the book many years ago and dont remember it enough to compare to this movie. Special effects were excellent, just the right amount and not over the top, which I believe can ruin an otherwise great movie. I would recommend this movie to everyone 12 yrs and older. There are many very real life situations portrayed that allow for great discussions for parents & kids.

I watched this movie for the first time last weekend with my 10 year old granddaughter (my wife had read the book and had seen the movie years before but had never brought it into the family). She is going into a new school and the first assignment was to read the book...500 pages in one week. She was somewhat stressed. The movie helped get her calm and remembering keys themes. Key themes were solid and perfectly understood by her: friendship, love, sacrifice, grief. Now in my family imagination is paramount. With an imagination one can solve any problem; with imagination one can dream dreams. Imagination is vital to the human condition, and we make sure that our children and grandchildren are well equipped with it. This story also comes so close to my own childhood beginning with the building of the tree house and then the bridge. Even the rope was over our swimming hole and with each year got closer to the water. I would put this movie along with our favorites: The Never Ending Story, Willi Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, The Chronicles of Narnia, The Princess Bride. All are must haves; and all should be revisited annually. This will compliment our collection.

I love this movie for the imagination of the characters. I have my grandsons watch it, to teach them that its okay to use your imagination and have fun with it. The hardest part, (if youve seen it you know. If you havent, Im not telling) is what happens, and having to explain it to my grandsons. They were saddened by it, but enjoyed the movie as a whole.

This is a great movie for someone struggling with the loss of a loved one, especially for children. It also emphasizes the importance of showing all your kids affection and letting them know you love them. It definitely has sad parts but in the end, things are better as a result. The only issue I had with the movie was the part when they are riding in the back of the truck and the little girl goes on a tirade about being damned to hell. I felt it was completely unnecessary and came out of nowhere.

If you buy this DVD thinking that it is a full-fledged fantasy (like the commercials for the movie made it look like when the movie first came out) - you will be disappointed. This is a story about friendship between two outsiders that has a little fantasy thrown in. If you realize this, you will enjoy this movie. BTW: Parents with small children should be aware that this movie has its dark side (bullying, death, etc). So you may want to watch it first to decided whether it will be OK for your child.

I found this to be an excellent movie to watch with my 12 year old granddaughter. Great family movie. The movie depicts school bullying and also the difficulties of what some children go through in their home lives. Portrays a great friendship between the new girl at school and the boy that was picked on.