Reviewed by Max Foizey.

Release Date: February 16, 2007
Directed By: Gabor Csupo
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Patrick
Rating: PG

I was excited to see this film just based on the beautiful poster, but I wasn't otherwise familiar with Katherine Paterson's Newbery Award-winning novel "Bridge to Terabithia." I have discovered it is beloved by young readers the world over, and for good reason. Like a grown up "Charlotte's Web" it is, for many children, their first experience reading about dealing with loss.

Young Jesse Aaron's (Hutcherson) loves to draw, but his gruff Father (The T-1000 himself, Robert Patrick!) doesn't think he should waste his time doodling when there are chores to be done. Jess soon becomes fast friends with Leslie Burke (Robb), the new girl in school who tells stories and opens Jess' mind to a world of imagination. They run off to the woods together, inventing a magical kingdom (accessible by swinging on an old rope over a stream) where they can escape the pressure of normal tween life.

As we follow their close friendship, lots of issues kids face are addressed, from family drama to school bullies to Jess' crush on his music teacher Ms. Edmunds. (Zooey Deschanel.) The film never talks down to the young audience and succeeds in keeping a positive tone even when dealing with tough issues such as differences of faith.

Director Gabor Csupo (say that three times fast) handles this delicate material expertly, mixing just the right amount of fantasy (read: very little) with the real life storyline. There are updates to the 1977 book, such as mentions of 'downloading' homework (not unlike Julianne Moore's "Let me get my Walkman" line in Gus Van Sant's "Psycho" remake), and updated clothing, most notably for Leslie, who wouldn't look out of place sharing a bunk with Punky Brewster.

As Leslie, AnnaSophia Robb shines. She is a star in the making, as she effortlessly conveys Leslie's fun bohemian nature with just the right amount of vulnerability. Josh Hutcherson is also excellent as Jess, with a slow burn stare DiCaprio would have killed for circa "This Boy's Life." Fine supporting work as well from Bailee Madison as Jesse's younger sister who is always left behind when Jess goes to Terabithia with Leslie.

Though I didn't read the book growing up, my girlfriend had, (many times apparently) and she was distressed with the trailers for this adaptation, which made the film look more action-oriented and featured no hint of the story of friendship between the two leads.

I'm happy to report (as is my girl) that if you're a fan of the book you shouldn't let the trailers fool you. This movie is a far cry from the "Narnia-lite" they're marketing. "Bridge to Terabithia" is an intelligent, engrossing film that's sure to win a place in your heart as it brings tears to your eyes. (Yes, I cried, ok? OKAY?)

In addition to hosting 'Max on Movies' on Sunday nights at 7pm on 97.1 FM Talk, Max appears weekly on the Dave Glover Show Fridays at 5pm. A member of the Saint Louis Gateway Film Critics Association, Max has written about film and theatre for various print and Web media, and appeared as guest critic on various nationally syndicated radio shows. Max lives in Missouri and yet is a diehard Miami Dolphins fan.  He wishes his music teacher would have looked a little more like Zooey Deschanel, and a little less like Wilford Brimley.