Based on Katherine Paterson's young-adult novel and filmed in picturesque New Zealand; Bridge to Terabithia has lessons to impart about empathy and self-expression; but the tone is never heavy-handed. Jesse (sleepy-eyed Josh Hutcherson; Zathura); a fifth-grade loner; lives in the country with his parents and four sisters; including pesky May Belle (Bailee Madison); who adores him. His strict father (Robert Patrick; The Terminator 2) works in a hardware store. Money is tight and classmates make fun of his hand-me-downs; so Jesse finds refuge in running and drawing. Everything changes when two writers and their daughter Leslie (wide-eyed AnnaSophia Robb; Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) move in next door. Leslie is faster than all the boys; which initially puts Jesse off; but the two soon bond over their love of make-believe. In the forest; they find a creek that can only be crossed by rope. Leslie names the land on the other side Terabithia; where they imagine themselves rulers of the kingdom. Jesse and Leslie also connect with their unconventional music teacher; Ms. Edmonds (Zooey Deschanel; Elf); who encourages their creativity. Despite the tension at home; Jesse's personal life is finally coming together when the unthinkable happens. Will he revert to his anti-social ways or will he grow from the experience? Though aimed at all ages; pre-school students may find Terebithia's creatures frightening. For grade-school kids and up; however; there's much to savor in this smartly written; sensitively acted film. --Kathleen C. Fennessy