Critic's Grade: B+

Frank's film tip: It's a kid's world after all in the jubilant coming-of-age fantasy BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA

Some family-oriented fare is best suited when their scope ranges from the immaculately whimsical to the poignancy of the message-driven theme. There are the usual feel-good overtones and the high-spirited escapism that are the backbone in most children-focused fantasies. In the visually arousing coming-of-age saga Bridge to Terabithia the sentiments are handled with infectious style and sensitivity. Director Gabor Csupo ushers in an exciting and emotional action-adventure product that enchants and motivates the active imagination. Elaborate, adventurous and topical about the realities of preteens in today’s complicated society, Bridge to Terabithia radiates with engaging enthusiasm.

Refreshingly, Csupo’s colorfully spry narrative is one of the smartest and intuitive family-friendly showcases that one will come across with noted appreciation. Based on the 1978 Newbery Medal-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, Terabithia is an impressive-looking live-action fantasy that boasts spectacular CGI effects and manages to enlighten the audience with its glorious sense of spectacle. Csupo, who has been the creative driving force behind such animated treasures as The Simpsons, Rugrats and The Wild Thornberrys, effectively makes a noteworthy directorial debut in Terabithia.

Screenwriters Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson (novelist Katherine’s son) are crucial participants in the way the film engulfs its essence with sparkling wonderment. The film drags in certain places and some may experience the copycat vibes from Terabithia that may be very reminiscent of such esteemed ditties as The Witch, the Lion and the Wardrobe and the much heralded The Chronicles of Narnia. Nevertheless, Csupo’s inviting production captures the warmth and charm of its dazzling conviction.

Fifth graders and next door neighbors Jess Aarons (“Zathura’s” Josh Hutcherson) and Leslie Burke (AnnaSophie Robb from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) have become fast friends and are both creatively blessed. In fact the twosome have another thing in common—they’re considered outcasts at their school. The relationship as miserable-comrades-in-arms worked for the isolated youngsters as they found relief in one another’s company.

For impoverished artist Jess, he is constantly being harassed but finds the occasional comfort in his little sister May Belle (Bailee Madison). Unfortunately for Jess he is neglected from the rest of his family. In particular, he’s at psychological odds with his distant and indifferent father Jack (Robert Patrick). Leslie, on the other hand, is a newcomer to the area and has the gift for words. She happens to be the daughter of two professional writers. Still, poor Leslie doesn’t seem to get the needed attention from her wordsmith-loving parents. Evidently the alienation regarding Jess and Leslie’s folks are slightly different circumstances but the result is still the samethese kids are virtually ignored and left to wallow in their quiet discontentment.

So where do the disenfranchised pair go to escape their current malaise? Somehow the nearby wooded area seems to be the place for Jess and Leslie to relieve their tension from home and school. Thus, the tandem turn their woody utopia into the magical venue known as Terabithia where mythical creatures come alive and the kids are actually considered popular specimens within the rollicking realm they’ve concocted. Finally, Jess and Leslie can let their weary minds run amok with unlimited frivolity while forgetting the harsh realities that await them in “real life”.

Bridge to Terabithia is true to its jocular material. It’s an educated guess that many avid readers of the book will probably gravitate to the screen version of Terabithia since the content is nicely balanced between being an inventive popcorn-style actioner and a stimulating vehicle for promoting pathos. Hearty in the way the special effects are perfected (witness the eye-popping imagery of forest critters such as tree trolls, creepy crows, roving rodents, dragonfly knights, etc.), Csupo establishes a sensational setting where the whimsy is met with amazing aplomb. The Christian-based undercurrent to the story is uplifting and inspirational in its spiritual verve.

The prepubescent protagonists in leads Hutcherson and Robb are appealing and excellently convey the innocence and intrigue of their wayward exploits as they try to heal the emptiness inside. They inhabit their roles with the right amount of zest and downplayed despair. The supporting characters compliment the angst and free-spirited proceedings especially with Patrick as the wounded and stoic head of household. Zooey Deschanel registers sympathetically as the understanding teacher that Huthcherson’s Jess harbors this secret crush for in the classroom.

The youthful growing pains and need to check out of a complex world to enter another imaginative dimension certain is capable storytelling at its most compelling. Conclusively, Csupo bridges the gap to Terabithia with gleeful and thought-provoking fanfare.

Frank rates this film: *** stars (out of 4 stars)

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