(:)(:)(:)(:) for Bridge to Teribithia the new Disney flic playing everywhere. I loved this movie. I really did. Of course, part of this is a function of low expectations. I hadn’t read the book. And it’s a kids film and it’s Disney. But the reviews have been mostly positive, so I was hopeful. It wasn’t like I was going to see Norbit (the thought of which just terrifies me).
Bridge to Teribithia is about two remarkable 6th graders who create a kingdom that shimmers in the ambiguity between imaginary and real.
Part of my enjoyment is that I took 3 remarkable 6th and 5th graders to see the film. I loved watching them watch it. The movie is perfect for this age group because the story line lives on the edge between “reality” and “imagination.” Between the cruel social world of school and escapism of after school play. That edge is the true realm of my 6th grader, who spends his days at school battling the cruel tyrant of the lunch room and his afternoons battling mythical creatures in novels, video games and with his friends.
The story has complexity and depth, more than you’d expect. It’s uncomfortably, tragically sad in parts and silly and sweet and in others. I’d recommend it for anyone except children under 8 or 9, depending upon emotional maturity.