Python Hyena
Charlotte's Web (2006): Dir: Gary Winick / Cast: Dakota Fanning / Voices: Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi, Oprah Winfrey, John Cleese: Based on the best selling book for children. It regards the revealing of talent within others as Fern saves a little runt pig from slaughter. She names him Wilbur and he grows up in a barn across the road where his life is again under threat until a gifted spider named Charlotte spins messages within her web that give reason for Wilbur to exist. Directed by Gary Winick with tremendous special effects. This is quite different from his usual fare, which includes romantic comedies like 13 Going on 30. Unfortunately the human characters are under developed with the exception of Dakota Fanning as Fern who seems three dimensional. Animal personalities aren't much better but two do stand out. Julia Roberts voices the resourceful Charlotte whose web spins a future for Wilbur. Templeton the rat is voiced by Steve Buscemi with nice comic touches. Other animal characters are your usual array of barn animals that fail to elevate above conventions, but they are voiced by talented performers. Fun for children who enjoyed the book. Strong message regarding friendship and the value of life and how everyone is valuable to somebody. It celebrates talents and gifts just as Charlotte exposed Wilbur's worth through simple words. Score: 9 ½ / 10
TopperHarley29
The book is one of my favorite children's stories, so I had to see this sometime. I personally like the cartoon movie better, but this is good too. It stays faithful to the original story, has good voice actors and is Gary Winick's best movie, but it is not without it's flaws. The crows in the movie can be obnoxious to some people and the humor is a little silly, but despite it's flaws it's still good and just as emotional as the book. The one thing I really liked was Steve Buscemi as Templeton the Rat. He was the perfect voice for that role and is even good when making bad egg puns. This adaptation of Charlotte's Web stays true to the story and they made the right choice to not make it modern. This movie isn't a masterpiece, but it's better than most of the family movies out today.
whit_gre
this movie is suitable for all the family. i loved it and watched over and over again.. it's not childish.... not at all !!! im 14 years old and i still enjoyed watching charlotte's web !!!!! julia roberts did a job well done !!! before i saw it, i thought it was goofy.. but since i like pigs i rented it and i loved it !!!!!!!!!!! i love that song at the credits... i don't remember what it's called but the singer is sarah mclaughlin... i cried a bit at charlotte and wilbur's final goodbye. my eyes got all blurry and i could feel a tear down my cheeks... it was a very emotional scene even though it's just a pig talking to an animated spider. i suggest you see this movie, no matter how old you are coz im sure you'll love it!!!!!!
Diane Redman
I rented this movie last night and just finished watching it. It was excellent in every way it was done. I also own the cartoon version and love that one too. Eventually I will buy this version on DVD and watch it pretty often. Some movies that I have seen that has been done from a cartoon version are not all that great but this one was and I really enjoyed it from beginning to end. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone; and not just kids either. Just like the cartoon version, I laughed and I cried at the same exact parts with some differences between the two but other than that; I really loved this movie and look forward to owning it soon on DVD to watch all over again.