Fern (Dakota Fanning) lives on a farm with her parents and brother. One day when her father's sow gives birth, she discovers that there is a runt piglet. Dad is about to euthanize the little one, as he is too small to fight for his mother's nourishment. But, Fern insists on saving him and takes him into the house, where she bottle-feeds him, names him Wilbur and lets him sleep in her bed. All too soon, he becomes larger and is banished to Fern's neighboring uncle's barn. There, Wilbur meets the other barn residents, such as a horse, two cows, and a pair of geese. All of them warm up to him, in time, but gently break the news that he will probably end up on the Christmas dinner table. Wilbur's only hope is his new friend, Charlotte, a spider that the other barn inhabitants fear and dislike. The smart arachnid, embracing Wilbur's gesture of friendship, assures the pig that she will find a way to save his life. But, is this possible? This is a lovely film based on one of the most beloved books in children's literature. Fanning is winning as the tomboy little girl who holds her heart out to a tiny pig. The other human cast members, including Beau Bridges and Kevin Anderson, are fine. As for the actors voicing the film's animal troupe, including Oprah Winfrey, Steve Buscemi, Robert Redford and especially Julia Roberts as Charlotte, they are excellent and contribute mightily to the movie's enjoyment. The film's costumes, setting, direction and production are all top of the line. In short, do not hesitate in the least to bring this film to you and your loved ones. It should be added to any family's permanent video collection, and brought out as many times as needed to satisfy the youngest of viewers or, indeed, the oldest, too.
Review of Charlotte's Web
Charlotte's Web
(2006)
Very nicely done, smiles and tears will go hand in hand for any viewer
23 March 2007