I may be going nuts, but it sure looks like the "Lord of the Rings" series kick-started something expensive. Our newest book-to-screen pre-teen adventure epic is "Bridge to Terabithia," which is about a pair of kids who discover a magical world full of fanciful creatures, etc., etc.
Click here for the brand-new trailer.
Official synopsis: "Based on the popular Newbery Award-winning novel, "Bridge to Terabithia" is a fantasy/adventure story of friendship, family and the power of imagination from the producers of "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe." Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is an outsider at school and even in his own family. Jess has trained all summer to become the fastest kid in his middle school class but his goal is unexpectedly thwarted by the new girl in school, Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) who competes in the "boys only" race and wins.
Despite their awkward introduction, the two outsiders quickly become best friends. Leslie loves to tell stories of fantasy and magic. Jess loves to draw, but until he met Leslie it was something he kept to himself. Leslie opens a new world of imagination for Jess. Together they create the secret kingdom of Terabithia, a magical place only accessible by swinging on an old rope over a stream in the woods near their homes. There, the friends rule the kingdom, fight the Dark Master and his creatures and plot against the school bullies. Thanks to his friendship with Leslie, Jess is changed for good. Brimming with fantastical creatures, palaces and beautiful forests, the world of Terabithia is brought to life by the amazing Academy Award®-winning visual effects wizards at Weta Digital ("The Lord of the Rings," "King Kong")."
Disney is planning to open "Terabithia" on February 16th.