Charlotte's
Web is a wonderful slice of cinematic magic. A stunning mesh of state of the art
special effects and live action whimsy that, for my money, is more entertaining
and moving than the somewhat overrated Babe.
Based
on the famed children's book by E.B. White, Charlotte's Web tells the story of
a runt pig name Wilbur - a sweet natured animal who befriends a highly intellectual
and incredibly articulate spider named Charlotte. The two become fast friends
and spend their days in a barn populated by several colorful farm characters.
As
a kid, I had a real fondness for the 70's animated adaptation. In particular,
I loved the selfish rat Templeton (Voiced then by the nutty Paul Lynde). Having
said that, this version is stronger and the impressive effects work is tailor-made
for this story. And once again, Templeton does not disappoint, this time as a
realistic looking CG creation.
The
visuals are absolutely seamless. It really is hard to tell when you're looking
at a CG creation and when your looking at the real thing. I suppose once the animals
start talking, that's a dead giveaway. Even then however, the effects work is
astonishing. What's more, the animators don't taint the proceedings by making
Templeton and Charlotte overly cute. On the contrary, Templeton looks like a dirty
rat and Charlotte looks like a creepy spider. Of course one of the salient themes
that underscores this famed story is acquiring the ability to see someone for
what they are on the inside, and rest assured, before this film's conclusion,
these farm animals have a new found respect for an insect they once thought to
be sinister
The
vocal work is stellar. Each actor perfectly captures their animal counterpart
but the stand outs are Julia Roberts' compassionate Charlotte, Steve Buscemi's
self serving Templeton, and the odd but perfect teaming of Thomas Haden Church
and Andre Benjimin who liven up the proceedings as Brooks and Elwyn - a couple
of clueless crows in search of a corn feast.
There
are human actors as well, lead by the preternaturally wise-beyond-her-years thespian
Dakota Fanning, and as solid as she and the rest of the "real" cast
are, this picture really belongs to the animals. It's a wonderful film for the
whole family and the definitive talking animal picture of the year - all but erasing
that piece of crap Barnyard from my cluttered cortex.
I
was really moved by this wonderful movie and I rank it right up there with Cars
and Monster House as the best family films of the year. The visuals are breathtaking,
Danny Elfman's masterful score simply stunning, and the entire tone of the movie
is nothing short of magical. Charlotte's Web is enchanting and thoughtful, and
I absolutely adored it.
