Bridge to Terabithia

Twelve year-olds Jesse and Leslie (Hutcherson and Robb) don't seem to fit in. Bullied at school, they seek solace in each other and the fantasy kingdom of Terabithia which they create in their minds. If you can look past the slightly chewy title and the fact that it's ostensibly a kids' movie, there's really no excuse not to check this out, because Bridge to Terabithia is a masterpiece of substantial proportions that deserves to join the canon of great family films like E.T. and The Wizard of Oz. Transcending a mere adventure story, it's a tribute to friendship and the power of imagination, but the places it goes in the final act, and the depth and maturity with which it deals with some heavy themes mean that it may be the best film about the pains of growing up since Stand By Me. [Paul Greenwood]