Originally Posted By DlandDug So, have you seen the trailers for Bridge to Terebithia? You can hardly miss them. And what is it about? Two kids who find and inhabit a fantasy world filled with mystical creatures, and "more adventure than you've ever imagined," right? <a href="http://movies.aol.com/movie/bridge-to-terabithia/25017/trailer" target="_blank">http://movies.aol.com/movie/br idge-to-terabithia/25017/trailer</a> But for anyone who knows the story, that's not quite right. Indeed, when our two kids saw the first trailer, they were incensed. Long time fans of the book, they both immediately declared they were not going to see the film, since it was obviously going to ruin the story by emphasizing the wrong elements. *****STORY SPOILERS***** (Please note-- nothing specific will be revealed here, and nothing at all if you know the book.) The story of Bridge to Terebithia revolves around two kids dealing with emotional issues, and a tragedy that is at the center of the story. The fantasy world is clearly implied in the book, and glimpsed in carefully constructed, brief sequences in the film. But the trailers make this film look like a sequel to The Chronicles of Narnia. It in no way prepares viewers for this story of kids dealing with family trouble, bullies at school, and unexpected tragedy. I feel strongly about this after seeing the film. (I was fortunate enough to attend a screening on Saturday.) This is a wonderful film, very faithful to the book, with just enough fantasy to explain what the two main characters are imagining. Indeed, our son was so enthused that he cannot wait to see it again. I can't wait to see it again. I really feel that Marketing is missing the boat on Bridge to Terebithis. By creating an expectation that this is an elaborate fantasy in the vein of Lord of the Rings and Narnia, they are alienating the book's readers, and are not preparing the uninitiated for the actual content.
Originally Posted By RoadTrip <<I really feel that Marketing is missing the boat on Bridge to Terebithis. By creating an expectation that this is an elaborate fantasy in the vein of Lord of the Rings and Narnia, they are alienating the book's readers, and are not preparing the uninitiated for the actual content.>> I agree. My wife and I assumed from the trailer that it was another Fantasy in the LOTR/Narnia vein. We may want to see it anyway, but I would have been really irritated if I'd gone expecting fantasy and then gotten something else.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy Yeah, the previews seem too "happy" and "fantasy" to me---I don't even remember much of the fantasy elements from the book, but much more of their actual lives. <But for anyone who knows the story, that's not quite right. Indeed, when our two kids saw the first trailer, they were incensed. Long time fans of the book, they both immediately declared they were not going to see the film, since it was obviously going to ruin the story by emphasizing the wrong elements.> I understand how your kids felt. It is no fun feeling "betrayed" by a movie. I'm glad you all really enjoyed BtT, but yes, it is annoying when a film is not accurately marketed.
Originally Posted By brotherdave Thanks for the 'heads up' concerning the film. Personally, I'm not at all familiar with the story, and neither is my 9 year old son. But, the previews have him thinking that this will be another Narnia and he's really 'psyched' himself up to go see this. We still may see the movie, but, I'll try to prepare him that this is more about reality than fantasy. I just hope he can handle the tragic parts that you mentioned.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy Yes brotherdave, it's not simply an exciting fantasy-adventure story. There is a great deal of pain in it.
Originally Posted By DlandJB It is a wonderful story and an award winner, but the marketing is very off-base. The critics are definitely going to be rough on it, which is ashame because it is a wonderful story.
Originally Posted By smeeeko I loved this book as a kid, and when I saw Disney/ Walden was doing an adaptation of it I thought it odd that they didn't deal with any of the reality of the film. Because of this I wasn't interested in seeing it. Katherine Patterson's book is not being served by the trailers it sounds like and although it sounds like perhaps some of the reality of Leslie & Jessie (the main characters of the book) life might be captured.. I am still kind of freaked by the trailer. Maybe I will Netflix it.. just to give it a chance but yah, "Narnia" it is NOT! Oh and do they have the story set in the 70s at least?? Just wondered. I don't know how the "no tv" storyline would work in any other decade beyond that.
Originally Posted By DlandJB Forget the trailers and do see the movie. It is a lovely movie and pretty faithful to the book (except that they are not living outside of Washington, D.C. which is one of the things we loved about the book.)
Originally Posted By DlandDug >>...do they have the story set in the 70s at least?<< It is a contemporary setting.
Originally Posted By smeeeko ^^oh, *pout* I liked that it was the 70s or something and her parents were ex hippies living the 'simple life' with no tv.. so they had to do a lot of outdoor stuff.. running and writing stories and imagination.. you know stuff kids are supposed to do. I'm going to go look for some cheese to go with my whine.. thanks Doug & JB =)
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Actually, I find it amazing that a movie has been made, as this book was banned in the schools in British Columbia in the 80s and 90s. The "issues" that the children deal were felt to be too grown up for children. Poppycock! And I think the marketing is off. Glad to hear that the movie is close to the book. Thanks
Originally Posted By DlandJB I liked that it was the 70s or something and her parents were ex hippies living the 'simple life' with no tv.. so they had to do a lot of outdoor stuff.. running and writing stories and imagination.. you know stuff kids are supposed to do. >>> That is still a big part of the story. They are still free spirits and perhaps late blooming hippies.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy Did they have a Janice poseable figure or bust in the house? <---not holding his breath
Originally Posted By BlueDevilSF Re: #11 Actually this is the second film adaptation. It first appeared as a short made-for-TV movie that aired in the U.S. on PBS. Annette O'Toole played Miss Edmunds. I remember it being pretty good, but then again it was made over 20 years ago.
Originally Posted By DlandJB I think Doug spoke with the author about the other production. The red carpet interviews should be up on the LP home page before the film opens.
Originally Posted By DlandDug I have seen a few on line reviews. The writers are incensed at the advertising campaign. They agree that the film is wonderful, but feel that the marketing is completely deceitful.
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy This reminds me of "Hanging Up". It was marketed as a fun, quirky, feel-good comedy, but that's not what the film was really about.
Originally Posted By willthisbetheone I recall reading this back in high school, but I can't remember much of it. From what I recall, it was a little depressing. It's been a while since I've read a fiction book. Most of my reading nowadays is non-fiction or self-help books. Maybe I should re-visit this book. Sincerely, John Kilduff
Originally Posted By TALL Disney Guy <From what I recall, it was a little depressing.> A little?? Yeah, it's been a while since you've read the book. lol
