Bridge To Terabithia Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Discover a place that will never leave you, and a friendship that will change you forever.
The beloved novel comes to life.
Close your eyes, but keep your mind wide open.
Jesse Aarons trained all summer to become the fastest runner in school, so he's very upset when newcomer Leslie Burke outruns him and everyone else. Despite this and other differences, including that she's rich, he's poor, and she's a city girl, he's a country boy, the two become fast friends. Together, they create Terabithia, a land of monsters, trolls, ogres, and giants and rule as king and queen. This friendship helps Jess cope with the tragedy that makes him realize what Leslie taught him.
| Josh Hutcherson | Jesse Aarons |
| AnnaSophia Robb | Leslie Burke |
| Zooey Deschanel | Ms. Edmonds |
| Robert Patrick | Jesse Aarons senior |
| Bailee Madison | May Belle Aarons |
| Kate Butler | Nancy Aarons |
| Devon Wood | Brenda Aarons |
| Emma Fenton | Ellie Aarons |
| Grace Brannigan | Joyce Aarons |
| Latham Gaines | Bill Burke |
| Judy McIntosh | Judy Burke |
| Patricia Aldersley | Grandma Burke |
| Lauren Clinton | Janice Avery |
| Isabelle Rose Kircher | Carla |
| Cameron Wakefield | Scott Hoager |
| Gabor Csupo |
7.40 out of 10 (20563 votes)
Visitor Reviews
trailers very misleading!!
posted on 30 Aug 2009My children, ages 5 and 6, have been saving up their money to see a movie. It was between The Night at the Museum and The Bridge to Terabithia. I found the trailers online and had them watch both.They chose Terabitia for all the awesome fantasy series it showed. We were all very disappointed to find out that the only fantasy was what was shown on the trailers and thats not really what the movie was even about and the plot was no where to be found. It was very anti-climatic. Shame on the directors for making trailers that are misleading!!! I felt duped and felt bad for my kids who had worked so hard to save their money. BUT AnnaSophia Robb and Josh Hutcherson did a great job in their roles. I have to give them credit even if the film was poor.
i was expecting something so different.
posted on 28 Aug 2009i just finished watching this film and by the end of it, i was expecting something different. its clear enough (to everyone who still remembers the gold era of Disney)that Disney films are not the same, and that it takes a lot for a family film to hit one, like this one did. to like a film, is one thing, but Bridge to terabithia made me think that maybe the family area of this industry is not over yet. heart warming and even though the family stuff is not my favourite genre, i must say i even cried! and parents who may think that what goes in this film is perhaps not the happiest subject, the film tells a very important life lesson and unlike many movies of this genre have lacked in recent years, it lets you enjoy the story and it achieved the goal of appealing to a multiple audience.it lets the kid's minds fly free and be amazed but it also delivers a strong message to older audience. Josh Hutcherson is one potential up and comer the same goes for AnnaShophia Robb, well done to the rest of the cast as well. when i started watching this i thought that the use of fantasy would be applied in the same way that it was applied in The chronicles of narnia... i turned off my TV thinking something different. perhaps we are to see more success in the years to come!congrats to all the film crew.
Great Movie about relationships and love and imagination
posted on 24 Aug 2009This movie is one of those movies which arouses feeling of love towards relationships... Although it is a story shown thru the colored,ignorant life of kids but whatever the storyline is , it makes u feel the Art in real sense. It is a very high level, touching emotions from every sphere type of movie.If u are going to watch this movie , just wash Ir brain , don't expect anything about story , Just watch it and u ll feel divine , very pure hearted , truthful. In this world of name,fame,money,status, we ppl although know everything but still we need to be reminded of basic things to live life i.e. love... For example : we all love our parents but after watching this movie u ll definitely go to Ir dad and hug him , ll go to mom and do the same.. this is what u ll feel definitely . Also its about friendship . You will be reminded of Ir school days .. so just go and watch it. don't miss this great piece of ART. In today's world this type of very simple and illustrative movie is very hard to imagine . it refreshes our heart.. so go refresh Ir heart.
Every young child should watch this movie
posted on 20 Aug 2009And I can guarantee that parents will enjoy it as well. It really is a great film that I've fallen in love with because of the message it sends to children: don't be afraid to use your imagination and be creative, because that's the best way to be happy.On the surface, BTT is a very simple film about two youngsters, both outcasts, who meet and share a bond of friendship that could last a lifetime. Using their imaginations, they create a magical fantasy world they call Terabithia, and the rope swing across the river serves as a "bridge". On the subtext, you have a film that's about living free and exploring your mind, and not being afraid to take risks and go for something new.What also stands out in this movie is the talent of two excellent young actors, Josh Hutcherson (Zathura and Firehouse Dog), and especially Annasophia Robb (Because of Winn Dixie and Jumper). Robb's take on Leslie Burke is wonderful, and she's one of the most likable characters I've seen in recent memory. Hutcherson is also extremely likable and I really enjoy watching this kid perform - he really knows how to show some emotion, and with the ending of this story, it's essential for this character. I don't know if it was intentional, but even though both of our leads are very young (They were about 14 years old when it was filmed), there is a very strong romantic connection between Hutcherson and Robb. The movie also features Robert Patrick as Hutcherson's father and Zooey Deschanel as a teacher. Both of these performances are strong, especially Patrick's.I was entranced by this beautiful story and found myself very emotional when we arrived at the end. It was marketed as a big fantasy adventure like Harry Potter, Narnia, or The Golden Compass, but it's a realistic journey about two kids who are discovering themselves and their fantastic fun along the way. Parents, this movie is a wonderful story to show your children, and I give it the highest recommendation I can.
Beautiful and Charming - No Magic Necessary
posted on 18 Aug 2009I've never read the book, and I'm home sick, so I thought I would finally just watch this imitation Narnia story now that it's on the premium channel - after all, I thought if it's too predictable or stupid, I could just sleep.Well, the marketing for this movie was just silly, because the story was about as far afield from two kids in a mystical land (which was the marketing theme) as you could get. Instead, it's about two sensitive children who, like most of us at one time or another, are trying to find a place to fit in. In the course of finding each other, they create a very special place that can exist in the heart for as long as it is wanted.There are many differences between the two children - Jess, the local boy, is a farmer's child. His stern father doesn't understand the artistic boy who can't do his chores well and doesn't acknowledge the hard life they lead - and so he points out Jess's flaws as often as fatherly hugs are given to Jess's youngest sister Maybelle. Leslie moves schools a lot, dresses differently, is small, has a vivid imagination, and does well at school. Neither are high in the school pecking order. But Leslie manages to wedge her way into Jess's closely-guarded affections and he suddenly realizes he has a friend.The heartache in this story was dealt with in an authentic (and gut-wrenching) way, cutting a swathe of pain across what had been a story about growing and learning. (I already had Leslie and Jess fighting about staying best friends versus becoming boy/girl friend and finally going to the senior prom together.) And it leaves a message of hope with Jess and Maybelle, with comfort from Jess's dad, and new alliances at school.I don't believe that the best stories have sorrow in them, but I do believe the best stories have moments that recall memories of our own. I can see why the book was so popular; the movie has something that touches everyone. I didn't need to see Terabithia - the story of Leslie and Jess was so beautiful.
Awesome Movie!
posted on 18 Aug 2009This movie was another movie that made me cry. I love fantasy films like The Neverending Story, Krull, Willow, Labyrinth etc... This nice little film was a Walt Disney piece that was fantastic as all Disney films are. I really related to the location set in this small country town. The main characters are Jess the Farm boy who's family is kind of poor. All the kids pick on him. Then a new family moves next door to him. They have a daughter named Leslie who is a New Age hippie like her parents. Her parents are authors who write fiction books. She is very intelligent and imaginative. Jess the boy is also very artistic and is good at painting. I loved the idea that Teribithia is across the canal if you swing across the rope. The other side is filled with magical creatures and a world only you could imagine visually on LSD. I am going to spoil the ending now... The ending is very sad and I cried when Leslie dies. She tried to swing across the water and hit her head and drown. This story is very realistic and imaginative. I remember when I was a kid and used to play in the country. I was fortunate to be brought up in a place of natural beauty and countryside. I loved the rolling hills and open pastures in this movie. The wooden fences you see in countryside and more old fashioned houses. This film was beautifully shot. Had a great script. The directing and acting was great. The production was impressive and I was not let down. This film was better then I anticipated and gets a score of ten.
Bridge to a TERRIBLEithia : misleading land of crapola
posted on 16 Aug 2009This was an unfortunate production of what was meant to be left as a book. I understand it was meant for a younger demographic than what I fit into. But as a younger person, I would have felt disappointed at the hinting of a magical world that never really comes to fruition. It had a "don't you hate it when this happens to you?" method of trying to get the viewer to associate with the main character. Thus, he gets dumped on in every contrived possibility to make you say "oh, poor guy!" The acting was forced, even for a bunch of kids, the story was mediocre at best, and the final product was overall unsatisfying or fulfilling. For the life of me, I cant understand why this movie got such a high rating and actually made money.
Can I have my money back Disney
posted on 14 Aug 2009I never post anything but this movie was extremely disappointing. If your going to see this movie because you saw the trailers and you thought it looked like an action packed movie with great CG like I did than you in for a rude awakening The Trailers for this movie are extremely misleading. I want to be clear.... everything and I mean everything that is exciting and cool in the entire movie can be seen by watching 1 (one) trailer. I'm not even sure that young children would like this movie unless of course they are in the mood for a boring story line and bad acting.......Sadly I cant stop thinking of the BETTER things I could have done with the 38 (thirty-eight) dollars I spent for my party to get in.......example-I could have given it to the bum outside the movie theater so he could buy that six pack he was asking for or I could have just burned it and than given it the bum so he could keep warm either way it would have been better spent.
Previews didn't match movie
posted on 12 Aug 2009This movie is not for kids. Parents should screen to see if they think it appropriate for their children. I go to movies to escape the real world. Movie was well made and the acting was good. My whole objections are that most parents and kids in the theater when I was were blindsided by the death of the young girl. Most were visibly upset. I've read that it is true to the book. If so, I can't understand why the book is "beloved". It seems that piece of the advertisement was added also as a smoke screen to get people in the theater. Most of the comments I heard were that it will be a long time before the parents I heard will trust Disney again. I wish I could get my money back because I sure wasted it watching this. I didn't like the way Church was put down either.
a superb combination of real life and 3d life
posted on 08 Aug 2009amazing i watched it on a theater i thought of buying the DVD at first and watch it at home but one of my best friends needed to watch it at a theater so i went with him ... i really liked the movie its a superb combination of the real world and 3d animated world ...i can recommend this movie to anyone from adults to children from children to adults ... but this movie should have displayed " kids only " in its preview lol ... (im just kidding ...) cuz children may love it ... i loved it even though im 22 ... all my friends love it ...good performances by AnnaSophia Robb & Josh Hutcherson keeps the movie alive till it ends ... it even gave me this question of " which parts of the movie u liked the most is it the real humans performances or the 3d animated part ? " lol ... it had been almost a few months since i watched this movie on the theater ... but i never tried to buy the DVD after that ... or download it from the net ... cuz i really needed to keep this amazing creation in my head and tell it to everyone of my friends ... cuz if i buy the DVD i would watch it again and again 45 times or more for sure ... so i spent my time watching and downloading other movies but i couldn't even find a children's movie that could get close to this one ... but too bad im downloading it at the moment cuz one of my friends begged me to download it and give it to him a few days ago ... oh no this time im gonna have to watch it more than 45 times for sure lol ...directors and writers & all of you people who gave there support to make this movie u have done a great job ... this is more than making a movie out of only 3d animation ... this is more than making a movie with just some people talking and fighting in it ... well done nice creation ... thank you ... watch it everyone even buy the DVD ... its amazing ...
Bridge to Terabithia Leads to Movie Magic
posted on 08 Aug 2009Gabor Csupo, the Hungarian born animation wizard, brings his immense talent to the screen once again in his latest project Bridge to Terabithia, the big screen adaptation of Katherine Patterson's 1977 book. Csupo manages to do what few directors have managed in trying to adapt a classic book to film; he maintains the vision and the magic of the text. Bridge to Terabithia is a wonderful jaunt into the magic and mystery of the imagination of children, and an excellent family experience.In this Walden/Disney cooperative, Fifth grader Jesse Aaron's (Josh Hutcherson) hopes of becoming the fastest runner in his class are dashed when new girl Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) outruns everybody, including him. However, Jess and Leslie soon begin a friendship, and discover a magical kingdom in the forest, where the two of them reign together as king and queen. Both bullies and their parents, which are transformed within the magical kingdom that they create for themselves, embattle the pair.Through the artistic creativity of Weta Digital, the world of Leslie and Jess comes to life in ways that Patterson's book could not possibly have conjured. Brilliant creatures, an incredible tapestry of settings, and superb acting on the part of the young stars bring the story from the page to the screen in an immensely entertaining fashion. Csupo retained the intent that Patterson seemed to have had in her book; that friendship, not magic is the key to the tale. Csupo also makes sure to portray the fact that Jess in intimately in tune with and concerned about, his family's finances. This is a feeling that many in the films target demographic, 7-13 year-olds, can relate to in modern society.Following the tradition now firmly established by Narnia, Csupo strives for, and succeeds in, capturing the legacy, vision, and morality of the original tale. Csupo has long been involved in the behind the scenes magic of nearly two-dozen animated films and television series. Josh Hutcherson is no newcomer to the industry either with a nearly equal number of roles as his director has credits. In fact Josh is set to lead another family friendly contender this Spring with Firehouse Dog, set to open in March. AnnaSophia may be most familiar to audiences as the gum-smacking Violet Beauregarde in 2005's Charlie & the Chocolate Factory. Robb too has been busy in the industry, with 7 credits now behind her and 5 more completed or in post production.Disney has finally begun returning to its roots, revitalizing the 1960's family friendly, live action film. This film may appear to be a second rate Narnia copy, but it certainly has its own merits, and is well worth taking the kids or a date to.
OMG This was so sad.
posted on 06 Aug 2009Im 15 years old I went with two of my friends (who were also 15) to see this movie because everything else was sold out. Everything was just great, the movie was amazing. Everyone in the theater was happy then BAM!! the little girl dies. WTF ?? This is a Disney movie, a child's movie, rated PG what were they thinking killing this little girl off like that ?? Seriously, my two friends and I were in tears. I cant even begin to imagine what the young children were thinking. There was this little girl next to me, probably about seven years old, and right after the little girl died I hear the kid crying and telling her dad "daddy I'm sad". How could they do that ?? Yeah I know it was a book and all but still... I definitely think they traumatized A LOT of young children.This movie was wonderful, I enjoyed it. But I would make sure your kid is mentally ready to see this movie. Its sad.
Faithful Recreation Finally Comes to Life
posted on 04 Aug 2009Bridge to Terabithia has been one of my favorite books since I first read ahead of my class in the fourth grade. The story is one that anyone can relate to, and is endlessly endearing. Needless to say, I was highly skeptical when I read that Disney would be distributing a new feature film version, especially after seeing the trailer. Thankfully, my fears were far from justified. Note, the movie is nothing like that trailer, and is in fact highly faithful to the source material. The special effects scenes are only a handful of shots throughout the film, and they are very blatantly explained to be an animation of what is taking place in the character's minds.Speaking of the characters, Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb outshine everyone else on the screen, giving truly believable performances as Jesse and Leslie, bringing the characters to life in a remarkable way, and showing talent far beyond their years.One thing to point out, without any spoilers, is that this movie, like the book, hits a very dark point. Be forewarned that it can be very sad.Overall, I would say the movie is highly faithful to the book, and anyone who has enjoyed this great story as much as I have will thoroughly enjoy the film...
Bridge to Terabithia - from book to movie
posted on 31 Jul 2009Bridge to Terabithia is based on the children's book by Katherine Patterson. I have never read the book, though I gather that the movie follows it fairly closely. I expected to see a movie along the lines of Narnia or Stardust, due to a misleading marketing campaign, and found the first half an hour of the film very slow and predictable. However, Bridge to Terabithia is subtly and surprisingly engaging, particularly from about an hour into the film when something dramatic happens - though I won't give that away.Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is the only boy of five children. His parents struggle financially, and his father tends to ignore him and favors his younger sister. Jesse has no friends and is the target of school bullies. His only escape in life seems to be drawing and painting. This changes when a new girl, Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb), moves in next door, and beats him in a running race at school that Jesse has set his heart on.Against the odds, the introverted Jesse and louder, opinionated Leslie become friends. She awakens his imagination with her inventions of a magical world, Terabithia, set in a forest over a stream near their homes. Jesse starts to open up more, and the children's friendship deepens as they struggle together through bullying at school and events in their home lives, which come to be reflected in their shared imaginations of Terabithia.Bridge to Terabithia does not have a strong story line when compared to many recent children's movies. It is very character focused, and is probably more suitable for children over the age of 10, as its themes would not be fully comprehended by younger viewers and they may find their attention wandering. Previous reviewers have praised AnnaSohpia Robb's performance, but it is Josh Hutcherson who really steals the limelight with his heart-wrenching performance towards the end of the movie. I watched this with two thirteen-year-olds - a boy and a girl -, and, despite complaints that the movie was boring to start off with, sixty minutes in dead silence fell as we sat riveted because of the intensity and maturity that this young actor displayed. Bridge to Terabithia could have been better adapted from the book to the movie - after all, there's a huge difference between reading something and watching it for an hour and a half, especially when the first thirty minutes seemed to drag on forever without a point. However, believable characters and strong performances by all the actors pulled it through to the end. The girls will be crying and the boys unusually silent - even parents might shed a tear or two. A good family film with both lightheartedness and depth that is not often found in kids movies these days. 7/10
a celebration to childhood
posted on 29 Jul 2009Before i watched this movie i thought it was gonna be a plain "Fantasy" about children finding a secret entrance to a secret world, sort of. I have not read the book that it is based on, neither did I study the story enough before either, so i have to blame myself for that misjudgment. As a result of that, I was initially pretty bored of the movie, the first half of it.... Before i understood what it was about. I Judged it as a pretty silly "i have seen this before"-movie. But......I am so glad i continued to watch it to the end!!! This movie is no Fantasy!! (though I like Fantasy movies too). It IS a movie about childhood, life, about friendship, to dare to be ourself, to live our life now before we die, before our dearest die. It is a movie about completely letting out and free your imagination, so that we feel alive and free. It is also a family drama, about raising up children overall and attending school. There is a sad event coming up also that you will discover in the second half of the movie (you will understand when you see it). But you will never be frightened, more touched and blessed (not of the event itself of course). But because the second half of the movie helps you understand the first half. It is a beautiful movie. I found myself crying a bit in the second half of the movie, which happens not that often these days, and i am a man! in the early 30 years he he. I can't really compare it to some other movies, the closest maybe should be "Stand by Me (1986)" or "What Dreams May Come (1998)" But still not really the same thing but has the deepness of them in common. I highly recommend it. The movie has a "(View content advisory for parents)" so read that before you start the movie.
Wonderful movie to be enjoyed by children of any age.
posted on 25 Jul 2009What is it about death that makes parents afraid of taking their children to this movie? My children are 13, 8 and 6, respectively, and each one loved this movie. The two older children did cry. But they were not scared. They cried because they loved the character. They understand that death is part of life.A children's movie does not have to be loaded with animation, CGI and other digital effects to engage your child. Instead, the move centers on using your imagination to fill your world with wonder. It is simply a lovely movie, which all of my children truly enjoyed. Keep your mind wide open.
One truly good story
posted on 21 Jul 2009I was going to watch because of Josh Hutcherson who is one good actor I basically get to know by Little Manhattan, which was one of the nicest sweetest movies I have ever seen.But then, once the movie started, I discovered this whole world. It' truly amazing how it has been done, both talking about scenery and special effects but also storyline and most importantly the cast. Actors were brilliant, loved them, they really did the part. Josh was awesome, Annasophia also was awesome and the little girl, can't remember her name, by the way the little sister, was awesome too especially considering her age.I basically ended up crying in the last part of the movie, really because of the strong message it give. It is not one movie for just kids, it is one great story i advice to everyone, didn't see such great movies in a long time. And i really ended up with some great thoughts i will surely keep in mind and share
Terrible!
posted on 19 Jul 2009False Advertising is an understatement. I swear this movie was about two kids going into a forest and smoking pot. For starters, this movie isn't even remotely like Chronicles of Narnia. It's about two kids who go into a forest and start seeing things. Things that aren't really there. No, I'm not lying. I'm the same age as the kids in this movie, and I have to say, I don't go into a forest and pretend that there's trolls who look like the school bully (who's a weirdly dressed, frizzy haired girl who charges people to go to pee). Second, the movie was extremely unexplained. The girls death was very fast, I think the writer was lazy and coudn't think of a more creative way to die. People don't die from falling into a three feet deep river. Sure, you could hit your head on a rock, but this wouldn't kill her from the height of her fall. Also, there is a part where the boy's dad becomes the dark lord (who is the villain of the forest, who is actually a black blur you see between trees). This doesn't make a lot of sense, as his dad wasn't in the forest when they first spotted the dark lord. Third, cruelty to animals. During the kids pot smok-, er, imagining, they must of killed many squirrels, as they pretend they are the dark lords minions, and hit them with sticks, and a metal fist (of course imagined) at one point.Anyways, don't go see this movie, it stunk, I wish I hadn't wasted the two hours of my life.
Great after school special
posted on 17 Jul 2009Bridge to Tarabithia was not at all what I think viewers will expect after watching the trailers. There is maybe 10 minutes of special effects and I was led to believe there would be a lot more than that. It was a great after school special. I watched my 9 year old son cry because of what happened to the girl. I know that most movies show the "good" parts on the previews but not all of them. I was expecting more of Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings...ish. I took 6 year old and 9 year old boys to see the movie and they liked the plot but were also very disappointed that the movie did not contain the action or special effects they were expecting. I would not have paid to rent this movie on DVD. Sorry
Great Movie!
posted on 30 Aug 2009First off I work in a movie theater, so I built this movie and screened it myself. I went into it expecting it to be the same as the book, but it was better. All the important parts of the book make their way in the movie and it does justice to the book.The parts that have been added to this movie give a better view of Leslie. It really shows how crazy she actually was. You actually get to see Terabithia through Leslie's eyes. The book never explained exactly the creatures so the movie is great for seeing these.I loved Leslie. She makes this whole movie, she mad the book. I see a lot of movies , including Ghostrider which opens along with this, and I have to say this is the best movie by far I have seen this year.