BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA REVIEW

*MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS*

Based on Katherine Paterson's novel of the same name, Bridge To Terabithia is not only one of the best fantasy films, it also tells a meaningful story. 

Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is a lonely yet creative boy. At school, he is bullied by other students in his class and his home life isn't much better either. His father (Robert Patrick) forces him to do chores. However, his life changes when he meets the imaginative Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb). The two instantly become friends and, whilst out in the woods, they create a new world known as 'Terabithia'. 

When I first watched this film at the age of 10, I believed I was in Terabithia with Jess and Leslie. This was due to the CGI that was used. Both Jess and Leslie are very imaginative so it wasn't hard for them to come up with their world and create all the creatures living in it. Tree-houses become fortresses, trees become giant trolls, squirrels become vicious man-eaters and that's just some of the mythical creatures we see in this film. 

Every actor involved in this film gives strong performances, especially Hutcherson and Robb. Many children (and maybe adults) will feel empathetic towards Hutcherson's character. In the beginning of the film, we see him struggling. This is why we're happy when Robb's character walks into his life. Robb gives an energetic performance as Leslie. She's bubbly and is the extrovert to Jesse's introvert. 

If you're a parent, you might want to hesitate before showing this film to young children as, although the majority of the film is fun, the final fifteen minutes can be emotional. When I first watched this as a child, I had no idea what was going to happen and the ending had me in tears. 

One of this film's main intentions was to pull at its audience's heartstrings and it succeeds. A lot of people will be able to relate to one or more of the characters and their situations. I can definitely relate to Jesse and feeling lonely and isolated at one point in my life.

A beautiful film that tells a meaningful story with strong performances from the two leads.

8/10