Bridge to Terabithia

Two young outsiders find sanctuary in a world of imagination in this charming fantasy. Based on Katherine Paterson's children's novel, it's an emotionally rich testament to the life-changing power of friendship. Josh Hutcherson and AnnaSophia Robb are wonderful as ten-year-old misfits Jess and Leslie, who are drawn together by their mutual alienation and delightful creativity. After an awkward introduction, they become inseparable, inventing a magical imaginary kingdom known as Terabithia (a homage to CS Lewis's Chronicles of Narnia) in their local woods. This attractive realm and its fantastical creatures provide a showcase for a wealth of enjoyable digital effects. Yet, ironically, it's the duo's mundane daily experiences and the way their secret exploits gradually empower them at school that are the story's greatest strengths. In his debut movie as director, former Rugrats animator Gabor Csupo tackles pre-teen issues with both wit and sensitivity, while the film's unexpectedly tragic turn makes the final segment particularly affecting.