I’ve read the book recently and own the cartoon version which I love, but big screen version of Charlotte’s Web left me asking “what’s missing and why didn’t I love it?”

If you want a rave review of the movie go here. If you want my honest opinion, stick around.

I took my four kids to see it thinking it would appeal more to the younger kids. My 12 year old son almost fell asleep, and my four year old girl who sits through LONG movies, was a bit squirmy. It’s definitely not an action packed fast moving movie.

I hate to admit it, but I was a bit bored myself. The scenery was beautiful, the animals whimsical and funny, and Fern was…well, Dakota Fanning. What more can I say? It was hard getting used to Julia Roberts as Charlotte when I was very used to the cartoon version of a gentler, prettier Charlotte. Wilbur was adorable and warmed my heart!

But over all the story dragged. I guess owning the cartoon version spoiled us all because there weren’t any songs to keep the movie moving. I wanted to break out singing “Chin up, Chin up…”, “A fair is a vertual smorgasborg” and “Zuckerman’s Famous Pig…”

On the positive side I found that this Wilbur was not as whinny as the cartoon version and the book (which I was glad) ,but the lack of whine made Wilbur’s threat of death not as imminent. I really didn’t feel the danger. I think they could have played Wilbur’s fear up a bit, but instead he seemed to simply trust Charolette to save his life. Though I do admit I was a little distracted at times by Gracie bouncing on my lap.

The ending didn’t disappoint though. I was touched by Charlotte’s words as she was dying, how Wilbur made an ordinary spider into something beautiful. It was one theme I hadn’t felt in the book or cartoon version. The fact that Wilbur really did make Charlotte’s life brighter. And I must confess, my 12 year old and I both cried when Charolette died, but don’t tell him I told you.

If I had to do it all over again, I’d probably rent the movie and skip the theatre so my little one wouldn’t have to be confined to her seat or my lap. But if you just love the book and have to see it on the big screen, then go for it. But I suggest paying the matinee price. I was glad I only paid $2.50 a person!

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