Bridge to Terabithia Grade:B Extras: B+

Fans of Katherine Paterson's novel will be happy enough with this Hollywood interpretation. A few plot points are different from the book, but the connection, fantasy and loss remain. \nLike the book, the movie opens with poor farm boy Jesse Aarons taking an early morning run because he wants to be able to outrace all the boys at recess. But when new girl in town Leslie Burke (who is also Jesse's new neighbor) beats all the boys, Jesse realizes she is different from any person he's ever known. Annoyance turns to admiration, which develops into friendship and love.\nJesse and Leslie begin spending time together during school and every afternoon. One day they find a rope swing over a creek and decide the other side is a magical kingdom named "Terabithia," home to magical creatures and evil forces conjured up by their young minds.\nThe movie's themes are beyond the range of the young actors who carry the movie and who lack the charm they had in previous roles (Robb in "Because of Winn Dixie" and Hutcherson in "Little Manhattan"). The movie's special effects may cause the viewers to lose a little bit of the imagination required when reading the book, but they are executed beautifully.\nThere are also plenty of special features. The two audio commentary tracks featuring the director, writer, producers and actors are entertaining and interesting. There is also a music video and discussion of the book, which offers great insight into the original author's intent.\nKids and adults alike will appreciate this movie -- kids for the fantasy and parents for its realism. Be prepared for something more than a childhood adventure, and expect something a little different from traditional Disney when you watch this one.