RATING:
G
RELEASE:
Dec. 15, 2006
GENRE:
Family, Drama
STARRING:
Dakota Fanning, Julia Roberts, Oprah Winfrey, Dominic Scott Kay, John Cleese, Robert Redford
DIRECTOR:
Gary Winick
DISTRIBUTOR:
Paramount Pictures
OFFICIAL WEB SITE:
Charlotte's Web
Please Note
In providing movie reviews on our site, CBN.com is not endorsing or recommending films we review. Our goal is to provide Christians with information about the latest movies, both the good and the bad, so that our readers may make an informed decision as to whether or not films are appropriate for them and their families.
VIDEO
Charlotte's Web Now on DVD
By Belinda Elliott
CBN.com Daily Life Producer
CBN.com
- Charlotte’s Web is a story that has been touching the hearts of children for more than 50 years. When the story debuted in film, first as an animated film in 1973 and then as a theatrical release earlier this year, audiences worried that the film would stray from the original story.
Their fears were laid to rest as the latest retelling of the age-old tale closely resembled E.B. White’s original with only a few additions thrown in to add humor and elements of adventure.
Now the endearing film that stars Dakota Fanning and a host of celebrity voices is available on DVD.
Fanning portrays Fern, a young girl who grows attached to a newborn pig, Wilbur, which has been identified as the runt of the litter. When her dad goes to kill the small pig because its mother has rejected it, Fern vows to raise the pig.
Soon however, Wilbur grows too big to be kept as a pet, and Fern takes him to live at her uncle’s neighboring farm. He quickly befriends the other animals in the barn, including Charlotte, a spider that most of the other animals fear.
Life in the barn is fun for Wilbur until he learns what happens to pigs on the farm. When he realizes that he is destined to become the family’s Christmas dinner, Charlotte hatches a plan to save her new friend.
She spins words like “Terrific” and “Some Pig” into her web with the goal of convincing the farmer that Wilbur is no ordinary pig.
Children will love this film for the adorable animals, but there is plenty here for parents to love as well. Wilbur’s friendship with Charlotte demonstrates not only the loyalty involved in friendship, but also the idea that friends should not be chosen based on outward appearance.
Although not an inherently Christian story, the movie does touch on several Christian themes, making it even more appealing for families. Charlotte explains how she sees miracles in everyday life, Wilbur extends compassion by becoming friends with the barn’s outsider, and the film’s tagline – “Help comes from above” – sets the stage for Charlotte to eventually make the ultimate sacrifice to save her friend’s life.
The DVD is full of exciting extras, including a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, a music video from three-time Grammy Award winner Sarah McLachlan performing “Ordinary Miracle,” a music video featuring Bob Carlisle and Lucy Kane performing “Make a Wish,” deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a closer look at the animals used in the movies and the trainers that worked with them.
Even if you saw the film in theaters, the DVD extras make it well worth another look. This is one story that should find a permanent home on your family’s movie shelf.
For more stories like this one, sign up to receive Entertainment News from CBN.com in your email every week.
Comments? Email me
More articles by Belinda Elliott on CBN.com
CBN IS HERE FOR YOU!
Are you seeking answers in life? Are you hurting?
Are you facing a difficult situation?
A caring friend will be there to pray with you in your time of need.
|