Post by DTH on Sept 14, 2008 7:32:43 GMT -5
My significant other and I are fans of kids movies. Although our reasons why vary, there's something heartwarming and safe about watching a kids film that helps you get through tough moments.
Some kids films are better than others. Sky High, Harry Potter, Kicking and Screaming, any Pixar film... these are all movies that, if we're feeling a bit down, we're quite happy to reach for them and have a bit of a "spiritual pick me up".
Having just watched "Goblet of Fire" for about the umpteen billionth time (we fell asleep watching it one night and our dvd player repeated it...a LOT), we wanted something new. So I found "Bridge" on the discount shelf and we had our Saturday night movie.
Let me tell you something: I was totally lied to by my album covers.
In one of those rare instances of mis-advertising, this film is nothing like the trailer portrays. Indeed, comments such as "From the people who brought you the Chronicles of Narnia" and "There, the friends rule the kingdom, fight the Dark Master and his creatures and plot against the school bullies" serve only to mislead you further.
This film is an adaptation of a 1977 award winning book detailing the experiences of a child's difficult upbringing. Now, there are going to be those people who say "Well, of course it is" and they will leave the cinematorium discussing the differences between book and film.
Then there are those who will be expecting a Harry Potter/Narnia cash in and its these people who are going to leave in floods of tears.
This is NOT a fantasy popcorn movie. It is more akin to "Stand By Me" or "The Outsiders" than "Lord of the Rings".
The film is about friendship and how that can help escape the confines of a troubled family. Its about expressing your creativity and how having that release can provide you with confidence and support enough to get through school.
There's also a very sharp, very sudden twist which will wrench your heart in all the wrong (right?) places but I don't want to go in to that.
The basic plot is thus: Jess is the son of struggling farmer, whom has four sisters. The farm house isn't very big so Jess finds himself sharing his room with his younger sisters, one of which is 5 and the other is still a baby.
Sound fun? It gets worse.
His parents have no time for him, what with a farm to run and two young children. Consequently, they also have little money and Jess finds himself wearing his sisters' hand me downs.
Pink training shoes at school? That's just asking for trouble.
He's also bullied and has a deep creative side that remains virtually untapped.
You've really got to feel for the kid at this stage.
Cue school transfer!
Young Leslie, who is as much of a misunderstood misfit as he, transfers to the school, enters his life and the two eventually strike up the deepest bond of friendship.
Together, they explore their creative sides and create the imaginary world of Terabithia, where they spend much of their time playing.
The film is less about trolls and ogres and more about Jess and Leslie. Its about how their friendship and games help give them a source of protection and escapism from the trouble in their lives. Its a genuine joy to see their relationship blossom and you couldn't like these two kids more.
The CGI that features in the movie is all flights of fancy for the two characters. At no point are any ogres hurt in the production of this movie.
This film is one of those rare gems of a family movie that people of all ages can truly enjoy: it has lessons and deep meaning but never ever patronises the audience or talks down to any kids who may be watching it.
Its a wonderful movie, filled with real heart and soul. I'd thoroughly recommend it, however, with the warning that you might end up with a tears in your eyes by the end of it.
So? A family film about friendship that doesn't overdose on the sugar content.
Worth the cash? Considering the movie is over a year old, you can probably pick this up for less than a MacDonalds meal. In real terms: that's a very big yes!
Some kids films are better than others. Sky High, Harry Potter, Kicking and Screaming, any Pixar film... these are all movies that, if we're feeling a bit down, we're quite happy to reach for them and have a bit of a "spiritual pick me up".
Having just watched "Goblet of Fire" for about the umpteen billionth time (we fell asleep watching it one night and our dvd player repeated it...a LOT), we wanted something new. So I found "Bridge" on the discount shelf and we had our Saturday night movie.
Let me tell you something: I was totally lied to by my album covers.
In one of those rare instances of mis-advertising, this film is nothing like the trailer portrays. Indeed, comments such as "From the people who brought you the Chronicles of Narnia" and "There, the friends rule the kingdom, fight the Dark Master and his creatures and plot against the school bullies" serve only to mislead you further.
This film is an adaptation of a 1977 award winning book detailing the experiences of a child's difficult upbringing. Now, there are going to be those people who say "Well, of course it is" and they will leave the cinematorium discussing the differences between book and film.
Then there are those who will be expecting a Harry Potter/Narnia cash in and its these people who are going to leave in floods of tears.
This is NOT a fantasy popcorn movie. It is more akin to "Stand By Me" or "The Outsiders" than "Lord of the Rings".
The film is about friendship and how that can help escape the confines of a troubled family. Its about expressing your creativity and how having that release can provide you with confidence and support enough to get through school.
There's also a very sharp, very sudden twist which will wrench your heart in all the wrong (right?) places but I don't want to go in to that.
The basic plot is thus: Jess is the son of struggling farmer, whom has four sisters. The farm house isn't very big so Jess finds himself sharing his room with his younger sisters, one of which is 5 and the other is still a baby.
Sound fun? It gets worse.
His parents have no time for him, what with a farm to run and two young children. Consequently, they also have little money and Jess finds himself wearing his sisters' hand me downs.
Pink training shoes at school? That's just asking for trouble.
He's also bullied and has a deep creative side that remains virtually untapped.
You've really got to feel for the kid at this stage.
Cue school transfer!
Young Leslie, who is as much of a misunderstood misfit as he, transfers to the school, enters his life and the two eventually strike up the deepest bond of friendship.
Together, they explore their creative sides and create the imaginary world of Terabithia, where they spend much of their time playing.
The film is less about trolls and ogres and more about Jess and Leslie. Its about how their friendship and games help give them a source of protection and escapism from the trouble in their lives. Its a genuine joy to see their relationship blossom and you couldn't like these two kids more.
The CGI that features in the movie is all flights of fancy for the two characters. At no point are any ogres hurt in the production of this movie.
This film is one of those rare gems of a family movie that people of all ages can truly enjoy: it has lessons and deep meaning but never ever patronises the audience or talks down to any kids who may be watching it.
Its a wonderful movie, filled with real heart and soul. I'd thoroughly recommend it, however, with the warning that you might end up with a tears in your eyes by the end of it.
So? A family film about friendship that doesn't overdose on the sugar content.
Worth the cash? Considering the movie is over a year old, you can probably pick this up for less than a MacDonalds meal. In real terms: that's a very big yes!
