“Charlotte’s Webb” (Paramount Pictures)
Old Yeller Three Times Over
In the sorrowful film “Old Yeller” the dog dies once. In the new “family” film “Charlotte’s Web” the pig who is the runt of the litter gets threatened by the farmer with an axe, gets told by his friends he might end up as bacon, and then at the end of the movie one of the creatures we have grown to love dies. That makes this movie three times as sad as “Old Yeller” and that is a lot of sadness for one movie to bear.
Still somehow kids accept this as just part of the story. Therefore they will probably have a great time with “Charlotte’s Web” and not notice that it is a sad, sad film. They will focus more on the fun of hearing the jokes the animals tell and watching Charlotte the spider spin her words of wisdom in order to save Wilbur the pig.
The movie starts with Wilbur (voiced by Dominic Scott Kay) being born. He is the runt of the litter and therefore not worthy of being kept and raised. But Fern (Dakota Fanning) who is the daughter of Wilbur’s owner argues that she will raise him, which she does.
When Wilbur becomes too big to live in Fern and her family’s house, he is sent to live in the barn across the road. There he meets a slew of farm animals but most particularly Charlotte the spider (Julia Roberts). When the other animals tell Wilbur he might end up as bacon, Charlotte assures him she will find a way to keep him safe.
The vocal talent in the movie is quite impressive. In addition to Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Cedric the Entertainer, John Cleese, Steve Buscemi, Kathy Bates, Reba McEntire and Robert Redford provide voices for the animals.
The film is rated G and aside from the sad aspects is quite suitable for the entire family.
“Charlotte’s Web” does have its positive side too. It tells a story that is rich in friendship and sacrifice. The animals are all friends and they work together for the greater good.
Dakota Fanning is charming as Fern. She is also convincing in her love for Wilbur. The way she holds him and oohs and aahs over him, you would think he was actually her favorite pet. Now that is good acting.
The special effects are also a plus. The animals are totally convincing in their talking and in the tricks they do. Movie magic is as good as it gets in this movie.
Kids are going to love “Charlotte’s Web.” It is their parents who are going to be shedding tears when the movie winds down.
I scored “Charlotte’s Web” an entangled 6 out of 10.
