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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Charlotte's Web
“Eek.” “Eww.” “Yikes!” “Ack.” These are all things I’ve been know to say when I see a spider. To me spiders are creepy, crawly things that make the hair on my arm stand on end. But Charlotte is different. She is a very good spider.
I remember reading the book when I was a very little girl. It fascinated me to think of the animals – and arachnids- talking and interacting the way they did. The book is the best-selling paperback of all time and the film will become an instant classic.
Dakota Fanning stars as Fern, “a determined little girl [who] made a promise to a pig.” When Wilbur was born he was the runt of the litter. Fern’s father was going to slaughter the little fellow before she stepped in and promised Wilbur she would take care of him. And that’s exactly what she did. However when he got too big to be her “pet,” Wilbur was sent to live across the road at her uncle’s farm. Little did she know that Wilbur was going to be their Christmas dinner.
Voiced by Julia Roberts, Charlotte is a character audiences will enjoy as she spins messages in her web to save the life of her new friend Wilbur. By spinning words in her web Charlotte brought the attention of the town and even the county to the little pig. And who could kill a famous pig?
Wilbur’s innocence, playfulness, and friendship turned a boring barn into a family. Although the local doctor pronounced Fern was just going through a “childhood phase” when her mother sought out advice about dealing with the girl who loved the barnyard animals and spent all her time with them, Fern knew the animals were special, especially her sweet Wilbur.
Sam Shepard narrates and Oprah Winfrey, Kathy Bates, Reba McEntire, Robert Redford and others supply the voices of the wonderful menagerie that try to save their friend Wilber the pig from being the main course for Christmas dinner. Friendship is the key ingredient this holiday season. The movie might even make vegetarians out of some of the viewers. The beloved tale encapsulates “the natural circle of life.” We’re born, we live, and we die. But the friendships we form when we’re here are what matter most.
Take your entire family to see this beloved story. It’s a winner.
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
All pictures © Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
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