Charlotte's Web Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
Pig Tales
Help Is Coming From Above.
Wilbur the pig is scared of the end of the season, because he knows that come that time, he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches a plan with Charlotte, a spider that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never happen.
| Julia Roberts | Charlotte the Spider |
| Steve Buscemi | Templeton the Rat |
| John Cleese | Samuel the Sheep |
| Oprah Winfrey | Gussy the Goose |
| Cedric the Entertainer | Golly the Goose |
| Kathy Bates | Bitsy the Cow |
| Reba McEntire | Betsy the Cow |
| Robert Redford | Ike the Horse |
| Thomas Haden Church | Brooks the Crow |
| André Benjamin | Elwyn the Crow |
| Dominic Scott Kay | Wilbur |
| Sam Shepard | Narrator |
| Abraham Benrubi | Uncle the Pig |
| Dakota Fanning | Fern |
| Kevin Anderson | Mr. Arable |
| Gary Winick |
6.90 out of 10 (4223 votes)
Visitor Reviews
So Many Memories
posted on 26 Aug 2009We live in a time with very little originality reaching the mass media. Most of the music is covered or sampled and the movies are sequels, prequels or remakes. For the most part this is usually a recipe for very poor entertainment. Charlotte's Web 2006 is not in that category. It was witty and practical, just like the book. It celebrated the normal aspects of life with just a dusting of the extraordinary and less than ordinary, such as a spider that can spell and a runty piglet. E. B. White was a fabulous children's writer. The 1970's animated version was wonderful for the time, but all the singing made it come like a musical, which somewhat took away from the story's simple charm. Don't think this is a different story, because it isn't. The things that crushed us as children watching the animation are still in there. Those silly songs did soften that blow a bit. But the ending is still the ending, even if it does mean there is some languishing to be witnessed. There are some points I wish would've been addressed more. This story was as much about the other animals and Fern as much as WIlbur. Fern's growing up is more implied than shown, her brother was less involved, and Gussy the goose's spelling of terrific, I believe it went something like T, double E, double R, and so on. Overall I thought the voice overs were down well with the exception of the geese, Oprah was no Agnes Moorehead. Buscemi did a good job with Templeton considering how much I loved Paul Lynde's snide rat. I know a lot of people dislike Julia Roberts, but i thought she gave a good performance even compared Debbie Reynold's Charlotte. Overall this film was fun, nostalgic, joyful and heart-wrenching. I hope you go see it. Enjoy.
A masterpiece in children's literature translates to an admirable remake
posted on 24 Aug 2009Charlotte's Web performed under expectations at the box office. It's a shame so many people are missing out. Although I can see the reasons why people would pass on this film; the familiar story that we already know is spectacular, who needs a remake? The "Babe" feel, Dakota Fanning, the irritating fart joke in the trailer. All in all, this film exceeded my expectations. Why some complain that the film leans away from the literature source material in some areas, that is no reason to condemn this remake. It worked beautifully. The message to respect other creatures is very important for young children (and Charolette does look pretty realistic) as well as a lesson on life and death and the film offers a nice way of combining entertainment for the whole family as well as these important messages. Older viewers will smile at this moving tale taking place in a small rural area on a farm. The details of the location are presented accurately. My favorite aspect to the film however was it's obvious difference from the 1973 version. It did achieve a personality that was its own. Even the tacked on crow sequences offered some laughs and didn't get in the way of the story. I was surprised at how well done the emotional sequences were. This is another superb children film. Good writing, engaging story-telling, good voice over work, great cgi, pretty much a nice 'fluffy' film, not too terribly complex but succeeding well in other areas. No tongue-in-cheek humor alluding to sex either for a change. The film didn't need it. The film stays light on it's feet, but I felt it was appropriate in this instance. Still, the very reason I love it hinders it as a film alone.
A Nutshell Review: Charlotte's Web
posted on 20 Aug 2009I had initial hesitation in deciding whether to watch this movie - not because it features a talking pig ala Babe, but probably because, if rumour has you believe, that viewers will swear off pork. They look so cute that you would not imagine them being on your dinner table, ever after. I've read the book when I was a kid, but heck, I can't remember much of the details beyond the friendship between spider and pig.Wilbur the piglet's destiny is set from birth - being the odd one out without access to its mother's teat, he's earmarked for immediate transformation to pork, but the intervention of a young girl Fern (Dakota Fanning) helped prevent it, albeit for a little while. Put in a barn with the other animals, Wilbur is in desperate need of friendship to wilt away his loneliness, but given the indifferent attitudes amongst the resident animals, he gets a none too friendly introduction to farm life. That is until he meets Charlotte, a spider who will try help to extend the lifespan of Wilbur, saving the spring pig from becoming Christmas ham.It's a story about friendship, and the miracles gained from trust, help, and the fulfilling of promises. And this movie gets a huge boost through its A-list voice talents, with the likes of, check this out - Julia Roberts as Charlotte, Steve Buscemi as Templeton the selfish rat, John Cleese as Sam Sheep, leader of the pack of sheep followers (played to hilarity), Katy Bates, Cedric the Entertainer, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Thomas Haden Church, Andre Benjamin and Sam Shepard. They seemed to have a rip-roaring time, and I thought Julia Roberts' Charlotte came across as extremely calm and collected, while probably the character with the best lines was Templeton the rat.Fanning already got experience playing opposite her animal counterparts, like in Dreamer earlier this year, though this time in the barnyard the animals are enhanced by technology and graphics. Her role however is limited in screen time, and although there are hints on puppy love, it's very much unexplored in depth as the focus is squarely on our animal friends. The score is an unrecognizable Danny Elfman contribution without the dark overtones, and the songs played during the animated stills of the end credits, do sound radio friendly enough to warrant airplay.Charlotte's Web is a feel good, heartwarming family movie which is suitable for this holiday season. It is uncomplicated, and has a simple message, but is engaging enough for both children and adults. A warning though, the movie is poignant yet hopeful, so to sentimental folks, a tissue or two will help.
Family Friendly and Fun
posted on 18 Aug 2009Charlotte's Web is sure to delight families*SPOLIERS*Plot: Fern (Dakota Fanning) walks up in the middle of the night in time to save a young pig she names Wilbur (Dominic Scott Kay). As it gets older she has to give it to her uncle where he will take take of it on his farm. With the help of a spider named Charlotte (Julia Roberts) Wilbur must find a way to keep from becoming Christmas dinner.The Good News: The film starts right into the plot and doesn't let up. Four minutes into the movie Fern has already saved Wilbur which makes out for a very fast paced film. Those kind of films are very good. The incident at school was pretty funny and is one of my personal favorite parts. The animals in the barn are voiced beautifully and Dominic Scott Kay's voice fits Wilbur right on the nail and the pig who portrays Wilbur is cute and actually looks like a cuddly pet. Julia Robert's voice for Charlotte is perfect and beautiful. Templeton's underground lair is designed nicely and looks pretty neat. The animals have distinct personalities and it's easy to tell them apart like the horse who's afraid of Charlotte. The CGI looks very convincing and real. The film follows the book pretty closely and the screenplay does a good job of keeping the important parts in. The words in the web still have the impact they had in the book. The dump scene was pretty action packed with a chain of events leading to the next, one of the film's more highlighted scenes. The ending at the fair with Charlotte's demise was sad and heartbreaking like in a good horror movie where a character you've come to like perishes. What really sells the scene and makes it work are the voices of Julia and Dominic and if it doesn't make you sniffle it will make you feel something. The film concludes nicely with life starting all back over again.The Bad News: The DVD transfer really deserves a widescreen release not the fullscreen it has. Dakota Fanning is sadly underused, but the story couldn't have allowed for more of her without feeling like filler. Since it follows the book so well it gets pretty predictable, but I can live with it.Conclusion: If you liked the book check this out and others will also want to give this a look. After all it was voted the best family film for a reason. Recommend.Rated: G
Good for a bored Sunday afternoon
posted on 16 Aug 2009When a litter of pigs is born on a farm the smallest and most vulnerable one only survives because the young daughter of the farmer doesn't want it killed. When the Christmas season is coming nearer it once again becomes clear that the pig might not be alive to see the light of summer. But this time it isn't the little girl that wants to save him, but a little spider called Charlotte.Charlotte's Web is a remake of a 1973 film with the same title. I've never seen that original but I can say this one isn't entirely bad. It's a typical children's film in which things happen that normally don't, and with a clear intonation on friends and family bonds. It's one of those films that tries to get a message across. This one in the form of: true beauty is on the inside. A bit moralistic maybe, but true enough and not put on so thick that it presses away everything else.All in all it lays in the same line as films like Babe and overall it is rather amusing. It leaves plenty of space for light comedy, some light drama and bits of reality and with that it becomes a good enough film. No masterpiece, but fun enough for a bored Sunday afternoon when you have kids aged 4 to 10 to enjoy it. I know my 8 year old nephew did enjoy it.
Not as good as the animated version
posted on 31 Jul 2009I know I'm going to get blasted for saying this,but here goes. I know that Dakota Fanning is the number one child star, but in my opinion, she was too old and "seasoned", for lack of a better word, to play Fern. When the animated Fern plead with her father to spare Wilbur's life you sympathized with her plight whereas Dakota Fanning delivered her lines with with a somber face and a just as somber a voice. After seeing her in "Hide and Seek" and "Man on Fire" (two roles which she played very well), Fanning was not believable as a wide-eyed little girl coming of age on the farm; she simply lacked the innocence necessary to pull off the role. Ike's fainting scene, however, was good, I have to admit.
Nice adaptation, perhaps a little trigger happy on the CGI
posted on 21 Jul 2009With this movie made in part in my hometown (Williamstown) I dragged the kids along to check it out.Being well familiar with the story, I expected this to be pretty light hearted fair, but the wife still managed to turn into a blubbing mess at the end.The movie had an uneasy feel about the setting; didn't feel current or old for that matter, so perhaps will age OK.The CGI was pretty amazing. I'd hate to imagine what someone from a time capsule or straight out of jail would imagine has happened in our world since they left. Talking animals and spiders, so realistic the kids don't even blink twice.Good for young kids (mine are 4 and 2), and not monotonously boring like many of the other CGI laden kids movies out there.
Not radiant, but is a humble and 'some movie'.
posted on 15 Jul 2009Charlotte's Web has always been one of my favourite children's books. When I was ten, I used to imagine having a pig as my pet and tear at the disconsolate ending.One of the classic stories of loyalty, trust, and sacrifice comes to life in this live-action adaptation. Dakota Fanning plays Fern who keeps an unlikely pet of Wilber the pig. As winter comes, the family decides that Wilbur would make delicious smoked ham on their dining table. It was the 'ugly' and small spider with a big heart, Charlotte who saves his life with her web and words.More than a decade ago, the world was thrilled by Babe, the courageous sheep chaser. During that time, the CGI was considered ground-breaking, thus Wilbur may not be as celebrated as Babe. (I remembered I swore off pork for a week after Babe.) Although the movie boosts a heavyweight cast of Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates and Cedric the Entertainer, it was Academy Award Winner Julia Roberts who breathes in life into Charlotte with maturity and genuineness.Pardon me, but I never found Dakota Fanning cute or sweet in any way. (She was really quite irritating in War of the Worlds.) Perhaps she is too mature and smart for her age, and thus somebody younger and more innocent may be suitable for the role of Fern.Children of all ages should be thrilled by talking animals and a charming storyline by E.B. White. This is a moving story to teach them about life and death, trust and friendship. Adults may be a little impatient at the bland storytelling, and most would have already known the ending.The final scene will still tug heart strings and do bring your Kleenex. Do not be too skeptical, and you will enjoy this magical and childlike fantasy.http://themovieclub.blogspot.com
Satisfying holiday fare
posted on 15 Jul 2009"The season developed and matured. Another year's installment of flowers, leaves, nightingales, thrushes, finches, and such ephemeral creatures, took up their positions where only a year ago others had stood in their place when these were nothing more than germs and inorganic particles." Thomas Hardy, Tess of the D'Urbervilles The Mainefarm is idealized, almost as if there were no smells from farting cows or slops to muddy the barn. But in the new Charlotte's Web both are sweetly displayed in a still pristine world where a pig wins your heart and a spider is all heart. Welcome to old time film-making that updates itself with CG-assisted animatronics and pretty people dragged off the pages of a children's story book.This new version, also standing proudly next to the successful first Babe, is refreshing with an absence of sardonic pop culture references prevalent today in children's films. Just a solid classic where a lovely spider named Charlotte (the voice of Julia Roberts - - maybe her best work yet!) saves a lovable spring runt–of-the-litter piglet named Wilbur (Dominic Scott Kay) from the smokehouse by relying on an arsenal of words.As has always been the case with the 1952 E.B. White classic, adults can enjoy the story, given the allegorical levels of meaning that jump out like "Rat" (Steve Buscemi) out of his extravagant hole. On one level Charlotte's Web is about promises kept, as the spider fulfills her promise to Wilbur despite the sacrifice she will have to make. On another level, it is about the cycles of life that include the glory of birth and the inevitability of death. White and Winick don't hammer the lessons home; they gently portray them as if we were listening to a song about every season having its turn.As Charlotte searches for the right words to save Wilbur, another level of the allegory is the necessity to be educated if you want to be a surviving, productive being. This film, together with the word-heavy History Boys, has renewed my enthusiasm for satisfying holiday fare.
Take the Kids, Read the Book
posted on 27 Jun 2009I have for years adored the book Charlotte's Web. As a parent of two children, I was happy to own the 1973 animated version of this book, which I believe was a splendid adaptation of the book.I was somewhat apprehensive about taking my children to see this movie because I was afraid that it would be so different from the animated film that they already knew by heart and loved, I feared that my children would immediately have a disdain for this new version.I was pleasantly surprised. My seven year old and four year old both laughed, sat at the edge of their seats, and yes, cried with the movie. I enjoyed the movie for the most part. There was enough subtle adult humor that I laughed at, which my children did not "get".However, as brilliant as Steve Buscemi's narration was, I was sorely disappointed with Julia Roberts performance.Charlotte is a loving, wise spider, almost a foster parent to Wilbur. I found Ms. Robert's narration dull, humdrum and frankly, tedious. I could actually visualize her reading her lines into the microphone, her hands and body moving slightly with the flowing of her words ... all the while Ms. Roberts was counting the dollars in her mind that she would collect for this job. It sounded like she was simply doing her job, and frankly, with little or no conviction, compassion or empathy.Perhaps Ms. Roberts reading of children's stories would be best left to those times with her own children. Not to paying audiences.The animation was very good, impressive most of the time. Steve Buscemi as Templeton is definitely a fine performance; Dakota Fanning will continue to capture America's heart for many years to come.I wish that I could rate the movie higher, because it was a fine adaptation of the book. However, Julia Roberts performance was so disappointing that I cringe to think of her ever narrating another animated character.Take your children, they will love it. Just try to ignore Ms. Roberts.
Somewhat condensed from the book,if memory serves
posted on 25 Jun 2009I read this book when I was in first grade,and while it made an impression on me,first grade for me was twenty-eight years ago,so I probably could've used a little bit of a refresher on this story. Still,I'd say this movie helped revive some fond memories for me,and that alone could be testament to how good this film is.Wilbur the pig(voiced by Dominic Scott Kay)is adopted by twelve-year old farm girl Fern Abarle(Dakota Fanning,seamlessly moving from whip-smart "cute" to bright tweener)when she learns her dad is going to kill it for being a runt. She grows attached to the creature,as it does to her,but can't keep him with her all the time as she'd like. Reluctantly she leaves the piglet at the barn belonging to her uncle. There,Wilbur meets the residents: Gussy and Golly(voices:Oprah Winfrey and Cedric the Entertainer,respectively)the geese,Bitsy and Betsy(voices:Kathy Bates and Reba McINtyre,natch)the cows,Ike the horse(voice of Robert Redford),the sheep,led by Samuel(voice:JOhn Cleese),a rat named Templeton(voice of Steve Buscemi,perfect!)and,last but not least,a wise and industrious spider named Charlotte(voiced superbly by Julia Roberts). Wilbur doesn't warm hearts right away,and it takes some time,along with the gentle cajoling of Charlotte,before there is established a sort of harmony amongst most of the animals.It becomes slowly evident to Wilbur that he's on borrowed time at the Zukerman's farm,as the shadow of the dreaded Smokehouse spells what awaits for the Spring pig.This inspires Charlotte to weave webs of messages that reflect what she sees in him,as a gratitude to him for his friendship. The messages create a sensation around the barn and the small farm town,and set off a chain of unlikely and remarkable events.Director Gary Winick,along with the script adaptation by Samantha Grant and KArey Kilpatrick,craft a delightful movie that is never TOO heavy in sentiment or gimmick,but entertaining and thought-provoking. An effective use of narration(provided by Sam Shepherd)and of music(particularly the sublime Sarah MacLachlan's "Ordinary Miracles")effectively frame the story. The title of my comment goes to the fact that it appears that the movie had to omit some chapters of the book to condense it to a near-neat ninety-one minutes,and to chime in what one critic(I forget which newspaper)said that this movie,as good as it is,SHOULD NOT be a replacement for the book. While I'd say,as talking animal movies go,that Babe is still closer to my favorite,I was quite pleased with this offering.
No musicals and Julia Roberts leaves me pining for animated version...
posted on 16 May 2009I grew up with a very dog-eared copy of "Charlotte's Web" from reading the book so many times. I now have watched the animated version with my oldest grandson so many times, we wore out a VHS tape and now watch it on DVD. Yesterday, we saw the newest version. We sorely missed all of the musical numbers. We also sorely missed the kinder, gentler Charlotte we've grown to love. Julia Roberts' delivery is harsh and too often, rushed. It's just not Charlotte. My 5-year-old grandson was somewhat confused by one particular scene that would have been better implied than shown. In all, it was an OK experience. There are some computer-animated scenes that are quite enjoyable but still weren't savvy enough to make me buy this version when it comes out on DVD.Instead, we'll continue happily singing along with "Zuckerman's Famous Pig" and adoring Debbie Reynolds' sweet voice in our house.
Very nicely done, smiles and tears will go hand in hand for any viewer
posted on 10 Apr 2009Fern (Dakota Fanning) lives on a farm with her parents and brother. One day when her father's sow gives birth, she discovers that there is a runt piglet. Dad is about to euthanize the little one, as he is too small to fight for his mother's nourishment. But, Fern insists on saving him and takes him into the house, where she bottle-feeds him, names him Wilbur and lets him sleep in her bed. All too soon, he becomes larger and is banished to Fern's neighboring uncle's barn. There, Wilbur meets the other barn residents, such as a horse, two cows, and a pair of geese. All of them warm up to him, in time, but gently break the news that he will probably end up on the Christmas dinner table. Wilbur's only hope is his new friend, Charlotte, a spider that the other barn inhabitants fear and dislike. The smart arachnid, embracing Wilbur's gesture of friendship, assures the pig that she will find a way to save his life. But, is this possible? This is a lovely film based on one of the most beloved books in children's literature. Fanning is winning as the tomboy little girl who holds her heart out to a tiny pig. The other human cast members, including Beau Bridges and Kevin Anderson, are fine. As for the actors voicing the film's animal troupe, including Oprah Winfrey, Steve Buscemi, Robert Redford and especially Julia Roberts as Charlotte, they are excellent and contribute mightily to the movie's enjoyment. The film's costumes, setting, direction and production are all top of the line. In short, do not hesitate in the least to bring this film to you and your loved ones. It should be added to any family's permanent video collection, and brought out as many times as needed to satisfy the youngest of viewers or, indeed, the oldest, too.
Incredible
posted on 27 Mar 2009E.B White's classic novel "Charlotte's Web" may well be the best book ever written. Unfortunately, the 1973 cartoon adaptation made the book look truly terrible. For 33 years we've been stuck with that tepid version, and, to say the least, we're all a little fed up. Praise the Lord, here comes a new version! Directed by Gary Winick with a screenplay by "Erin Brockovich" scribe Susannah Grant and "Over the Hedge" co-scribe Karey Kirkpatrick. Done in a "Babe"-stlye, it combines flawless computer animation with live action photography. Dakota Fanning stars as Fern, the young protagonist who has a soft-spot for little baby piglets (don't we all?) She rescues the runt of a new litter from the axe, names him Wilbur, and keeps him as a pet. When Wilbur gets too big he is put out in the barn, where he meets some very interesting people. This is when the stars come out: Julia Roberts voices Charlotte, a wise (and graphically-animated) spider - or THE spider; Robert Redford voices Ike, the arachnaphobic horse; Oprah Winfrey and Cedric the Entertainer voice two geese; Thomas Haden Church and Andre Benjamin (Outkast's Andre 3000) voice two phobia-ridden crows; John Cleese stars as the leader of a pack of sheep; and Steve Buscemi is perfect as the conniving, snarling rat, Templeton. Charlotte meets Wilbur with her classic 'Salutations' line, and thus begins a beautiful friendship. To protect Wilbur from the axe around Christmastime, Charlotte decides to spin a web - with words spun in it! (Easily the most ravishing animation sequence comes at this time, in a dance-like number where Charlotte spins her powerful web.) This is one of the only films I've ever seen where I've been confident that every audience member in the theatre with me knew the outcome of the film. Everyone knows the plot of this film. And that is what's so simply amazing about this movie. The filmmakers chose not to focus on the plot TOO much, and instead focused on the voice talent, animation, and other visual elements of the film. At about 100 minutes, the film keeps us interested and engaged. Truth be told, it does falter a bit in the final act, where the plot is key, but that's almost to be expected. With a great voice cast, a multi-faceted director and an able animation crew, this is truly, some film.
loved it!
posted on 27 Mar 2009When I was a kid I loved this story. I read it in school and watched the cartoon version. Now that I'm an adult I still love this story...the movie was great, my kids loved it as well! They did an awesome job on this one! They couldn't have picked a better person to play the part of Fern. Aside for the red hair, she's perfect for the part. Well done on all accounts! Another reason this movie was terrific for me is because I absolutely love pigs! The pigs they used for the movie were adorable too! And I really liked the detail they put into Charlotte spinning her webs, it was pretty neat to watch how it's done, my kids really liked that part too.
Deviates From The Novel But Has 'Character'
posted on 25 Mar 2009Watch out! Those words should ring in the minds of all those who choose to see CHARLOTTE'S WEB, especially those with fond childhood memories of the novel by E.B. White. Although moving from paper to celluloid always entails changes, there are some fundamental flaws with this updated version (the first being the 1973 animated film). The flaws, however, do not — thankfully! — dominate the entire picture.For those of you who've lived under a stone for the past five decades, let me tell you a bit about this Newbery Honors book that is in the top 100 hardback booksellers of all time (those accolades alone should give one pause before making film comparisons but they must be made nonetheless since a film version now exists).My first comment has to be a parental warning. Although the cover looks childlike and fanciful, the story itself contains much more depth than simply anthropomorphizing. Within the story's fabric is the structure of life, death, and how we view our food. It becomes immediately apparent as little Fern learns that her father intends to kill the "runt" of a litter of pigs. He carries an axe in one hand and the piglet in the other, but is stopped short by Fern as she pleads with him to spare the animal. Unable to deny his daughter, the father acquiesces. But the redemption of the piglet (whom we come to know as Wilbur) may be short-lived. Christmas is around the corner and Fern's family needs seasonal pork. But another sort of savior weaves her way into the barn and befriends Wilbur. Her name, of course, is Charlotte. As all the other farm animals fidget over Wilbur's impending meeting with the smokehouse, Charlotte the spider decides to act. She writes "Some Pig" in her web, and this sparks a stampede of activity at Fern's family farm. Folks (humans) come from miles away to see this pig who warrants such special praise from a lowly insect.As Christmas approaches, Charlotte has to find more and more words to weave in order to keep Wilbur alive. She does so with the assistance of her fellow barnyard brethren. Most notable among them is Templeton the rat (voiced perfectly by Steve Buscemi, ART SCHOOL CONFIDENTIAL). Usually very food-self-centric, Templeton learns the reason friendship is so important via his newfound interactions with living things rather than food-scraps.***SPOILERS AHEAD*** It is the ending that gives this story its most non-childlike substance. The death of Charlotte is heartbreaking, but the rebirth of her egg-sack lets her live on. Wilbur, having saved the egg-sack, has, in effect, returned the favor Charlotte gave to him: saving his life. Wilbur sees many Christmases and several of the infant spiders stick around to live out their days (and the continuing cycle of life and death) with Wilbur and his eventual kin.The voices in the film are standard Hollywood fodder. Julia Roberts as Charlotte is okay, as is young Dominic Scott Kay as Wilbur the pig. John Cleese as Samuel the sheep carries some of the more lighter moments, as does Thomas Haden Church and Andre Benjamin as two confused but funny crows. But, again, the biggest boost voice-wise has to go to Steve Buscemi as Templeton the rat. His character goes through the greatest growth (from despicable to thoughtful) and Buscemi's narrative exposition is undeniably the best one for a rat considering his other film roles (THE BIG LEBOWSKI, 28 DAYS, etc).The biggest downside to the movie is that it separates too much the human world from the animal one. E.B. White's novelization pulls these items closer and closer, but here we witness Fern (Dakota Fanning, WAR OF THE WORLDS, 2005) getting googly over a boy more than concerned with what happens to Wilbur (or even involved with what happens to him after Charlotte shows up and begins spinning her web-cabulary).Fern is a vital construct to the entire story, helping to keep Wilbur alive throughout the narrative (in the novel). But here we don't get that. It is all laid on Charlotte and Templeton (mostly) which deviates significantly from White's storyline; something to prepare yourself for.The flick is entertaining if a bit off-kilter from the novel. Kids will probably eat it up. And parents can run out and purchase one of the finest "children's" books ever published in order to inform their kids about what the story's really all about.
CHarlotte's Web
posted on 03 Mar 2009I read this book as a child in the 70's....and I saw the animated film with Debbie Reynolds as Charlotte.....I was really happy that they gave E.B. White the respect he deserved by sticking to the book like glue! I cried all through the movie...and for some unknown reason I cried even more at the end...especially with the exit song about just another miracle today....I was even crying on the way home. The scene with Charlotte spinning her web was not only very dramatic but actually educational! They show her cutting her web! Kudos!!!! The voice for Wilber was ideal...he was so cute! Templeton was his usual mean and nasty self, until the very end, when even he bowed his head in respect to all that Charlette had done. Good job guys!
Some Movie
posted on 19 Feb 2009Based on a children's book of the same name. The story is a tale of friendship between two farm animals, a piglet named Wilbur and a barn spider, Charlotte. Wilbur is terrified of his fate because he realized that come Christmas season, he will end up on the dinner table. Charlotte promised the pig that she will do whatever she can to help him out. She helps him thru her web weaving, hence the title of the story.An excellent movie to bring along the kids. Very lighthearted, reminds me a lot of the film Babe. The voices of the characters are star-studded but Julia Roberts as Charlotte the Spider and Steve Buscemi as Templeton the Rat are really well done. Technically it was good. The live animal action and CG animation blends well I didn't see any distraction. Animation and facial expression is top notch they make even an obnoxious animal endearing, see Templeton the Rat.A classic story. Children and adults will enjoy this.
Great Movie - But
posted on 07 Feb 2009The Casting could have been better.I think Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotee fell a little short. Don't get me wrong I think she has a great voice and is a wonderful actor but it seems more like she was reading a book to someone(almost like narrating) instead of convincing us that she's a spider. (6).Dakota Fanning as Fern nailed her part as always (10). Dominic Scott Kay was perfectly cast as the voice of Wilbur (10). Steve Buscemi as the voice of Templeton the Rat actually made me believe he was a rat (10). Thomas Haden Church did a good job as the voice of Brooks the Crow (8).Abraham Benrubi (if he was the blue ribbon pig that was in the pen next to Wilbur at the fair) did a great job (even though very short). (9).John Cleese as the voice of Samuel the Sheep was OK-Good - Would have been better if all the sheep had a British accents (more believable). (7)Non Voiced roles as well as the narrator (IE Ferns' parents, uncle, schoolmates, etc) where well casted and the actors portrayed there characters admirably (8 overall)However being a big or recognizable name does not mean that their performance will be notable. This and other voice-over character movies - think that because they have famous people - it will draw bigger audiences - even though their performance fall short an detract from the movie.Saddly this movie contained many of these big name Celeb's that phoned in their performance. (To many to list) (5 overall)It would have been better if they cast the voice by how well it fit the character - Not by how notable the actor is and (if big enough) who THEY want to play.There are many Great scenes(some of the best): When Wilbur and Templeton interacted with each other, you could actually believe a pig was talking to a rat. When Fern and Wilbur were together -you could actually feel the love between them. And many more Overall The Script was Great ------------------ Directing was Good - Could have gotten more from a lot of the voiced characters (I guess he worked with what he got)------------------ Casting was Fair - Could have worked better with a lot of less famous voices (like Wilbur and Charlottes Kids) that made the characters believableIf you want to see a heart warming movie with a great message this is a must see (but, If believability is a factor -- a lot of times you'll get sucked into the movie, than when you're not looking you'll get slapped in the face back to reality. By a voice that just doesn't belong or fails at being true to its' character)If this movie's voiced characters were cast better, It definitely would have been a 10
Its OK, but for real talking pig action, see Babe or its sequel.
posted on 30 Aug 2009A friendly spider helps out a pig destined to become a Christmas ham.I'm not ashamed to admit that spiders freak me out (even CGI ones with smiley faces), but the fact that Charlotte's Web also had talking farm animals was enough for me to overcome my arachnophobia and settle down with my kids to watch the latest adaptation of E. B. White's feel-good classic.With a huge budget, a multitude of A-listers lending their vocal talents, and creepy child star Dakota Fanning starring as Fern, would this be an overblown Hollywood mess, or a charmingly told tale to warm the heart? Neither, actually; it lands somewhere in the middle.Parts of the film work wonderfully, whilst others fall flat on their face. During the opening credits, brilliant animation perfectly sets the tone: we see a picture-book rural utopia which looks positively magical. But later on we also get fart jokes (I enjoy toilet humour, but here it seems totally out of place).The script is also a mixed bag: most of the humour is spot on (yes, I actually enjoyed the antics of the two crows); however, the inclusion of a romance between Fern and a local boy seemed totally unnecessary.The direction is adequate, but rarely rises above 'workmanlike'. However, the effects are fantastic—a seamless blend of real life footage, animatronics, and computer wizardry—and these alone are worth seeing the film for (what else would you really expect from the combined talents of Phil Tippet and Stan Winstons' FX studios?).Charlotte's Web ain't a patch on Babe or Pig In The City (but then what is?) It is, however, a reasonable way to pass the time—even if you hate arachnids.