Charlotte’s Web (4/3/2007)

Rated G

Directed by Gary Winick (13 Going on 30…)

Starring Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Cedric, Oprah, Kathy Bates, Reba, Robert Redford… (need I say more?)

Some film. One terrific film. Humble film.

No, it’s not a cartoon. And I can’t even call it just a kids’ film. It’s much, much more.

If you’re like me, you read Charlotte’s Web as a child, and even shed a tear or two when Charlotte dies at the end (I don’t think I’m giving anything away here… unless you live in a shoebox). Then if you’re also like me you saw a cartoon of the book that didn’t do the book justice. So when I heard there was going to be another movie… my first thought was, “Oh brother.” Not because I don’t like the story… but because I’m sick of people butchering great stories with lame films. But then I saw the film.

Wow.

The new film Charlotte’s Web far exceeded my expectations. It was literally fantastic.

The story is funny, inspiring and true to the classic story. This is definitely THE family film to see during Christmas break this year. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry… and it will make you think.

Like the book, the film deals with the subject of death in a healthy way that will provoke positive opportunities for conversations with your kids.

Why was this film so good? Fantastic films have four basic staples: good writing, good directing, good talent and good music.

Writing: How do you approach editing and altering a book that has sold 45 million copies worldwide and been translated in 23 languages? How do you bring a story like that to the big screen and expect your dialogue to even approach the original? For starters, combine the Oscar nominated Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich, In Her Shoes, 28 Days, Ever After…) with the humor and edge of Karey Kikpatrick (Chicken Run, James and the Giant Peach, Over the Hedge…). This film stays true to the classic with the right balance of comedic elements to entertain the whole family.

Directing: Gary Winick isn’t in my list of top directors… but I have a new found respect for him. It doesn’t take a keen eye to notice the incredible cinematography and the beautiful setting of this film. But upon closer look, you’ll notice that the camera movements were also amazing. My 9-year-old daughter leaned over to me during the screening and whispered, “I love these scenes where Charlotte is spinning her web.” And my 9-year-old was dead on. They were fantastic, especially combined with Elfman’s musical score. Many people might not be able to put a finger on it… but they’ll feel it in their gut.

And how do you direct Oscar winning talent in roles of horses and cows? My hat goes off to a director who can direct Robert Redford as an arachnophobic horse.

Talent: This film has more talent than an Altman film. Take a peek at the cast before you watch the film so you can listen for their voices. Reba, Oprah and Bates as cows; Redford as a horse; Buscemi as a rat (Buscemi stole the show). The talent was incredible. I never would have thought of Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte… but she was ideal. And the young Dominic Scott Kay did an amazing job with the voice of Wilbur. Even small roles like the two crows haunting Templeton the rat were cleverly played by Oscar nominated Thomas Haden Church and Andre 3000. The casting was perfect.

Music: Rumor has it that Danny Elfman left Spiderman 3 to do this score. Something about this story has drawn out amazing talent all over Hollywood. You’ve heard Elfman in so many films I dare not even list them. But music adds so much to a film when it’s done well, and Elfman provides something superb.

I agree with the humorous words of one of the cast, Cedric the Entertainer:

“Go see ‘Charlotte’s Web. It’s a beautiful movie for the holiday season. Take the whole family: the kids, mom, dad, step-cousins, relatives, unwanted relatives…”

SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
No doubt. The only thing that any parent might even slightly object to is a few fart gags. (But who wouldn’t giggle when a rat gets knocked over by cow flatulation?)

Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):

1. What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
2. How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
3. How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?