 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Charlotte's Web (2006)
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Enchanting take on a beloved children's classic.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the younger crowd will probably be very eager to see this one -- and for good reason. It's unusually respectful of its much-loved source (E.B. White's classic novel) and its young audience. While the movie does refer to the farmer's plan to kill Wilbur for Christmas dinner, the pivotal (and most potentially upsetting) moment is the death of a central character, which is followed by appropriate mourning and recovery by her barnyard friends. Some of the animal characters are initially unfriendly to a new arrival, and Templeton the rat scavenges objects and talks about being selfish and sneaky. Crows attack him, with their point-of-view shots suggesting the danger he's in. Although 5 is the ideal age for this movie, 4-year-olds should be fine, too, as long as they're able to handle the sad parts.
What's the story?
In this adaptation of E.B. White's 1952 Newbery Award-winning book, barnyard animals are reluctant to befriend Wilbur, who's fated to be served up as the humans' Christmas dinner. But Wilbur (voiced by 10-year-old Dominic Scott Kay) is so sweet, curious, and affable that they're soon won over. And Charlotte A. Cavatica (Julia Roberts), the spider who spins her webs in the barn doorway, decides to find a way to save Wilbur's life.
Is it any good?
Here's a welcome surprise: A children's movie that's thoughtful, entertaining, and enchanting. This newest big-screen version of CHARLOTTE'S WEB, based on E.B. White's 1952 Newbery Award-winning book mixes performances by real-life actors and animals with animated mouths, slipping gracefully into the world of the barnyard without ever doubting its magic. Whether you're new to the story or already adore the book, Gary Winick's movie is a special treat.
The one questionable lesson offered by Charlotte's Web is that embodied by Fern. A tomboy through and through, she worries her mother (to the point that she visits a doctor, trying to understand why her daughter spends so much time with the farm animals). When Fern at last abandons her overalls for a pretty yellow dress, mom (Essie Davis) feels reassured. But the film needn't offer this transformation as a sign of Fern's "proper" socialization. Really, tomboys can be mature too.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the different characters learn to accept one another.
How do they come to see one another as friends, even though at first
they're put off by their differences?Why does Charlotte want to help Wilbur?
If you've read the book, how does the movie compare to what you
imagined in your head?Families can also discuss the importance of words and their role in the
film. How are words important for communicating, even between species?
How do they help shape our impressions of others?
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AGE
a great movie/book
i think charlott's web is a heartworming movie it also is great for the whole family.the book is great too.
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AGE
Perfect family film
I can see why it was given the award of the best family film of the year. It's perfect for the whole family! It's also a movie little kids will like, too, because it has talking animals. Everyone loves talking animals.
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Kid, 12 years old
July 29, 2010
AGE
Such a cute movie, haven't seen it in a while though. :(
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AGE
A NICE KID FRIENDLY MOVIE
a great kid friendly movie!!! i recomend it to all kid 4 and up.
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AGE
Great!
My 4 year old son and I saw this film and loved it!! The only thing that was a minor issue was the subject of them killing Wilbur (we're animal lovers and vegetarians.) Every time it was brought up, he asked me if they were going to kill him. I just had to assure him that they weren't and he was fine.
He wasn't sad at all when Charlotte died- it was very subtle. I was the one whoi was fighting back tears at the end.
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| Topics: | book characters, horses and farm animals |
| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Gary Winick |
| Cast: | Dakota Fanning, Dominic Scott Kay, Julia Roberts |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 14, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | April 3, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
| MPAA explanation: | general audiences |
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