Charlotte's Web (2006)
Julia Roberts, Dakota Fanning, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford.
Charlotte’s Web is based on the book by E.B Whites, it has sold over 45 million copies and has been translated into 23 languages.
It tells the story of a spring pig known as Wilbur. He was the runt of the litter but young Fern Arable refused to let her father kill it. She promised Wilbur that she would take care of him so when talk of selling him arises Fern is not happy. Wilbur is sent to live with Fern’s Uncle on the Zuckerman’s farm just over the road.
This is where the story begins and the other characters are introduced… and believe me… they are characters!
At first I was apprehensive about this film. I really did think it would be better for the younger audience but was pleasantly surprised. I think what adds to the film is the other animals of the Zuckerman Barn.
The sheep are ordered not to follow each other by Samuel (Voiced by John Cleese) who seems to be the leader coincidently. There is an arachnophobic horse named Ike and of course the two sarcastic Cows; Bitsy and Betsy, who are convinced that cows don’t get eaten!
The story unfolds as Wilbur makes a new friend in the barn’s spider Charlotte. Templeton the Rat lets it slip that Wilbur won’t make it to the winter to see the snow. So Charlotte takes it upon herself to save the pigs life. Spinning webs that spell out ‘Some Pig’, ‘Terrific’ and ‘Humble’ in the hopes that Mr Zuckerman will see Wilbur as the miracle that he is.
Things look bad as the pig fails to win a ribbon at the county fair however he is awarded a special medal and is referred to as Zuckerman’s famous pig.
Not going into too much detail you have to commend the added characters of the crows who are convinced that a scarecrow is following them. Even at the county fair they are obsessing about the different kinds of corn… popcorn, candy corn, caramel corn. One of the little details I find amusing.
I’d give this film 8 out of 10. I’d definitely recommend you watch this film. I expected not to like it but I was pleasantly surprised.
