Starring: Dakota Fanning, voices of Julia Roberts, Dominic Scott Kay, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Kathy Bates
Director: Gary Winick
Age Groups: 5+
It’s Christmas, and here is yet another cheer for this season. It’s Charlotte’s Web! If your kids were missing the magic from big screen, here’s (ample) hope for them. Charlotte’s Web is a classic tale by E. B. White, brilliantly adapted for the movie. A huge plus with Charlotte’s Web is that it does not lose the essence or the message of original story. The talking animals (courtesy CG Animatronics) are sure to enthrall and entertain your children, and tickle your own funny bone, too. For those who have seen Babe, do not be deterred by another talking pig – Charlotte’s Web has enough novelty and interesting characters to keep the adult viewer interest going.
Dakota Fanning as the tomboyish Fern Arable delivers an apt, high-pitched performance. Young Dominic Scott Kay (voice of Wilbur, the spring pig) lends child-like sweetness to the character, while Julia Roberts as the wise Charlotte, a spider, provides good counsel to the piglet.
Overall, Charlotte’s Web is a good movie choice to view with your kids. It is wholesome family fun, and your kids will definitely not complain.