Some movies are just horribly cruel. They start off with such a wonderful world where children are free to run wild in their imagination before collapsing it with harsh reality.

For the first half of Bridge To Terabithia, its incredible charm and innocence will prove irresistible. We can't help but sympathize with the two leads as they endure taunts and bullying from their schoolmates. We cheer with them when they get back at Janice(a 8th grade bully) and we celebrate with them when they defeat the giant troll threatening their kingdom. Outcasts in school, the duo form a strong friendship by escaping into their very own fantasy world of Terabithia.

It is ironic that a film adapted from a work of children's literature would have such a bittersweet ending. This was one of the few times when I had felt really attached to a show's protagonists and I was rather saddened by their tragic loss. In a way, Bridge To Terabithia is more a movie for young adults than kids with its themes of coming to terms with grief and carrying on with life.

5/5 STARS