Charlotte's Web (2006)

TYPICALLY VIDEO RENTAL Stores (remember them?) would classify any animation that they had available as being "Children's" fare. For this reason, many folks dismissed the original "Cartoon" CHARLOTTE'S WEB (Hanna-Barbera, Paramount, 1973) as being unworthy for serious consideration. We must confess that we were once influenced negatively in this manner.WELL, THANKS TO our two, young Grandsons, Jack and Patrick Corry, we have been converted. Having screened it several times with the two little guys (in both partial and full showings), we now see the live action/computer generated animation version from 2006 in a far different light.THE PRODUCTION COMPANY takes the original story, which certainly appears to have some very serious philosophical underpinning at its heart and brings that aspect to the screen intact. At the same time, we are treated to a story that is at once comedic, dramatic and highly entertaining to all ages.IT WOULD THAT no expense was spared in mounting this film. Starting with its outstandingly talented and well-known performers. Numbered among those providing voices for the animals of the farm are: Julia Roberts, Robert Redford, Steve Buscemi, Kathy Bates, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, Reba McEntire, Sam Shepherd, John Cleese and many others. The live action players include: Siobhan Fallon Hogan, Gary Basaraba, Beau Bridges and Nicholas Bell.THE COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY is outstanding, even breathtaking. Sweeping panoramic shots mark almost every outdoor scene. No rural settings in any film could possibly outdo those contained within the frames of the film. The meaning, hidden or not comes through, loud and clear. Simply stated, Life has meaning for what ever the creature.AS OUR ABOVE written Summary states, this CHARLOTTE'S WEB is worthy of a story committed to the screen by Mr. Walt Disney, himself. Likre all Disney full length animations, there is at least a touch of the horrifying contained in the story. Much in the same tradition as BAMBI (his mother's being killed by hunters), DUMBO (his mother's being wrongly locked in cage for defending her calf) and the horrifying transformation of the wicked Queen into the Witch in SNOW WHITE, CHARLOTTE'S WEB has its scary spots.IN THIS CASE it's the reference to the smokehouse and Wilbur's apprehensive gazing at it. Although there is never any on screen depiction of any slaughter and use of this said smokehouse, the meaning is clear and very present.WE CAN'T HELP but wonder if Wilbur's being spared the ax as the odd piglet "runt" was a plea for respecting human life yet to come. Just give them a chance.

As much as I like the animated film, I do think this is better, only by one point though. Based on the timeless book by EB White, this is a warm, nicely done and cute film. The book is better, but this is so charming, you can't help like it. The real charm comes from the story, which here is so well told. The film is beautifully shot with lovely photography and stunning locations, and the music is gorgeous. Of course the script isn't as sharp as it could have been, but that is a minor criticism compared to how wonderful this was. Dakota Fanning gets better and better every time I see her, what a very talented child actress she is! Wilbur was just adorable, even more adorable than he was in the animated film. And the voice acting is top notch, Julia Roberts being the biggest surprise in a very warm vocal performance as Charlotte. John Cleese and Thomas Haden Church are sterling in their roles as the sheep and the crow, but other than Roberts, the real standout is Steve Buschemi as the hilarious Templeton. All in all, lovely to watch, definitely memorable and cute, not as good as the book, but well worth the watch. 9/10 Bethany Cox

I tend to be overly critical of movies, but this is the rare film that, even a week later, I still can't think of one nit to pick. Well, maybe one. All the voices of the many animals had character except one - the spider, voiced by Julia Roberts. Her voice lacked the interest that the others did. But that was minor. The little girl was a doll and the adults were not portrayed as dolts, which is a refreshing change. It's not a great movie in the context of film history, but I'm giving it a 10 because if you're looking for a kids movie, they don't get much better.You may ignore the rest of this summary because I've been confounded by the system that requires I type at least 10 lines. I guess the system does not hold brevity dear. I'll submit it again. Hope I've rambled on long enough.

this movie is suitable for all the family. i loved it and watched over and over again.. it's not childish.... not at all !!! im 14 years old and i still enjoyed watching charlotte's web !!!!! julia roberts did a job well done !!! before i saw it, i thought it was goofy.. but since i like pigs i rented it and i loved it !!!!!!!!!!! i love that song at the credits... i don't remember what it's called but the singer is sarah mclaughlin... i cried a bit at charlotte and wilbur's final goodbye. my eyes got all blurry and i could feel a tear down my cheeks... it was a very emotional scene even though it's just a pig talking to an animated spider. i suggest you see this movie, no matter how old you are coz im sure you'll love it!!!!!!