What a sweet movie. It was based on E. B.’s classic white book, Charlotte’s Web, which was one of the first chapter books I ever read. I like this version better than I remember seeing the animated one when I was a kid, although that one was good too. Dakota Fanning is wonderful as Fern, the girl who stops her father from killing Wilbur the pig. Wilbur takes care of himself until his father tells him that he can’t keep it because the pig in the house will become 300 pounds. So Wilbur goes to live in a barn on a farm owned by Aunt Fern and Uncle Zuckermans. Their farm is just across the road, so Fern visits frequently.
But even during Fern’s frequent visits, Wilbur is bored. For none of the other animals wants to play with him. But then Charlotte–whom Wilbur hadn’t even seen–wished her good night when she was upset that Fern hadn’t been able to come and say good night like she usually does. A pig and a spider hate friendship. When Wilbur finds out that he is going to be served Christmas dinner, Charles comes up with a plan to save his life.
Fern has a bigger role in this movie than in the book or animated version. For Dakota Fanning’s star power, this makes sense. Julia Roberts does a nice job as the voice of Charlotte. It’s just a motherly tone. The main character behind the voices of the other animals as well, but I didn’t recognize all the voices and didn’t think they added much to the story. I enjoyed the arachnophobic horse, though (voxed by Robert Redford). Templeton the rat (Steve Buscemi) was also a standout.
The themes of friendship and diversity are good for parents to discuss with their kids. Fern and Charlotte see something special in Wilbur, even though Fern’s father, Wilbur, is a jerk, and the other barnyard animals seem rather bothered by him. And Wilbur sees something special in Charlotte, even though the other barnyard animals are unattractive and even scary.
This is a touching and enjoyable movie for all ages. And if you like the movie, you’ll love the book. If you have kids, read to them or read to yourself.
