What a sweet movie. It is of course based on E. B. White’s classic book, Charlotte’s Web, which is one of the first chapter books I ever read. I think I like this version better than the animated one I remember seeing as a kid, though that one was also good. Dakota Fanning is wonderful as Fern, the little girl who prevents her dad from killing Wilbur, a runt pig. She cares for Wilbur herself until her father tells her that she can’t keep what will become a 300-pound pig in the house. So Wilbur goes to live in a barn on the farm owned by Fern’s aunt and uncle, the Zuckermans. Their farm is just across the road, so Fern visits frequently.
But even with Fern’s frequent visits, Wilbur is bored. None of the other animals want to play with him. But then Charlotte–whom Wilbur hadn’t even noticed–wished him good night when he was upset because Fern hadn’t been able to come over and say good night as she usually did. The pig and the spider form an unlikely friendship. When Wilbur finds out that he is likely to be served as Christmas dinner, Charlotte comes up with a plan to save his life.
Fern has a larger role in this movie than in the book or the animated version. Given Dakota Fanning’s star power, this makes sense. Julia Roberts does a fine job as the voice of Charlotte. Her maternal tone is just right. Major talent behind the other animals’ voices as well, but I didn’t recognize all the voices and I didn’t think they added a whole lot to the story. I did enjoy the arachnophobic horse, though (voiced by Robert Redford). Templeton the rat (Steve Buscemi) was also a standout.
The themes of friendship and diversity are good ones for parents to discuss with their kids. Fern and Charlotte see something special in Wilbur, though to Fern’s dad, Wilbur is just a runt, and the other barn animals seem to be rather annoyed by him. And Wilbur sees something special in Charlotte, though to the other barn animals she is unattractive and even scary.
This is a touching and enjoyable movie for all ages. And if you like the movie, you will love the book. If you have kids, read it to them or have them read it to you.
