A Mom's review of Charlotte's Web

This is one of those movies that I wanted to see more than the kids ha ha. I had to bribe them to go give it a try with me. But a bucket of popcorn, two giant sodas and a bag of Twizzlers later we were happily snuggling in front of one of the classics from even before my childhood. E.B. White's cherished novel was published in 1952. The movie was quite like I remember the book, but certainly not a replacement! The animals were truly brought to life with very vivid computer imagery. Seriously, sometimes it is hard to distinguish between what's real and what's computer animated. Dakota Fanning is adorable and determined as Fern, who saves Wilbur the runty pig from his certain doom. And Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte the spider was a lovely choice. Charlotte reminded me of a teacher, gently guiding Wilbur and promising to save him. The movie returns again and again to the theme of keeping your promises.

My boys ages 8, 6, and 2 1/2 sat through the entire movie without getting distracted. We had a few good laughs but I was more pleased with how it let you feel such a range of emotions from being sad and scared for Wilbur to happiness at the lengths friends will go for eachother. The movie follows White's ending as well, tears and all. Charlotte dies after making her spider egg sac. It might bring up questions from younger children but if you have a hard time explaining death like I do, this might just be a chance to get a dialogue going. It did upset my more "emotional" child some. It is just ones of those movies that pulls and tugs at the heartstrings until you think you will most certainly burst. New life breathed into a classic tale certainly appropriate for the whole family, but especially those that read the book in the past!