DVD review
Directed by Gary Winick
Starring Dakota Fanning and the voices of Julia Roberts, Dominic Scott Kay, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese
Release date 28 May 2007

Kindly spider Charlotte befriends Wilbur the pig, and attempts to save him from being eaten…

Charlotte’s Web is a much loved and decidedly low-key children’s classic that has delighted youngsters for over 50 years. So the very thought of the tale being given the big-budget movie treatment does set alarm bells ringing.

Luckily, the latest adaptation of EB White’s barnyard saga (following the 1973 animated version) is so sweet-natured and true to its literary origins that it makes for a thoroughly charming and heart-warming treat. The film’s plot follows the book closely, with bright young child star Dakota Fanning leading an enviable cast most productions would kill for (Julia Roberts, John Cleese and Robert Redford all do sterling work).

A good assortment of extras include a smattering of deleted scenes and a ‘storybook creator’ that works surprisingly well. Behind-the-scenes material could break the magic spell for kids (or kids at heart), but the film itself should melt the heart of even the most cynical viewer, and keep both kids and adults entranced. Jonathan Wilkins

VERDICT: 8/10
A thoughtful and positive children’s movie that's impossible to resist.