Growing Up on Film

Two films in the children's film category put me on an emotional roller coaster.

Bridge to Terabithia is a poignant, very touching film with a powerful message about the power of imagination and the value of friendship. Jess, a talented ten-year old boy, who struggles with the limitations imposed by his family (a cynical father, four sisters and financial difficulties) and his journey into a world of imagination and friendship with a new girl at his school, Leslie. Terabithia is an interesting place - it's the place children truly, truly, truly believe with all their hearts is real, where there are fantastic creatures, and they are the good rulers, fighting evil, protecting the meek and so on. Sensitively directed and well enacted, the movie spun anticipation all the way - although it also had those of us who hadn't read the book wondering "Is it real? Or isn't it real?" - and then slapped us in the face with a tragedy. I was astonished that Disney was willing to make this film and market it as a children's film, at that. I sincerely hope that parents who took their children to watch this film were able, later on, to sit down and talk to their kids about the events at the end.

In contrast, The Spiderwick Chronicles proved to be a very enjoyable, CGI-filled movie that has no qualms about escaping reality. Replete with strange creatures, children and adults combating magical forces, and green goo instead of blood oozing out of the bad guys, the movie is clever, endearing and has enough action to prevent it from being a drag. There is something fulfilling about watching the twin boys and their sister, the chief characters of the film, battling goblins and ogres with a potion made out of tomato sauce, oatmeal, salt and vinegar. Highly recommended.

Well, that's it from me for now - next rant coming soon to this blog near you.