Chin up!

I bought Charlotte's Web on video several years ago as I remembered watching it as a child and I loved the story and music so much I knew it would be great addition to my video collection - especially once I had a child of my own.

The basic story of Charlotte's Web

Charlotte's Web is about a spring pig, Wilbur who was born a runt. His life is saved by a young tender hearted girl named Fern. Fern takes wonderful care of Wilbur and loves him more than anything. Once Wilbur is older and no longer looks like a runt, Fern's dad insists that Wilbur go to live with Fern's Uncle on his farm.

Wilbur loves life on the farm. He is incredibly loveable and becomes fast friends with many of the animals on the farm. Then sadly, Wilbur is told what his fate is to be, that he is to become bacon and smoked ham before long. Horrors!

Charlotte, a spider, is Wilbur's best friend. She vows to do everything she can to help save Wilbur's life. To do this she spins her web with different words in it, which ends up impressing everyone. This in turn makes people realize that they would be happier to have this special pig around for a long, long time other than have some bacon and ham.

So in the end, Wilbur's life has been saved. All is well.... well, almost. There is a very sad part in this movie, and I remember how I would end up in tears every every time I would see it as a younger child and teenager.

My thoughts on Charlotte's Web

I enjoy watching this movie even today. In fact, it's playing right now. My 2 year old has taking a liking to it and insists on watching it a couple of times a week. This is perfectly fine with me! I enjoy the story and simply love the music.

Debbie Reynolds plays the voice of Charlotte, and even though many people my age (25 years young) don't have a clue who Debbie Reynolds is other than the fact that she's Carrie Fisher's mom, Ms. Reynolds remains my favorite actress! One of my favorite movies of all time is "Singin' in the Rain" with Debbie Reynolds, Gene Kelly and Donald O'Connor. I simply love Debbie Reynolds voice, it is so crisp and clear. I admit I sing and dance along with the songs on Charlotte's Web and love every minute of it.

Charlotte's Web does deal with death, so I feel parents should watch this movie with their children to talk about it with them. Perhaps at their current age, your child(ren) may not understand what happens in Charlotte's Web, but they may understand more than you think. So be sure you're available to them.

And so....

If you have never seen Charlotte's Web I feel you should! Go and rent it today. Sit down and watch it with your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews or watch it alone. It's okay for adults to watch a "kids movie", you know. =) It is a classic and the story is as fitting and fresh today as it was back in 1973, when it first came out.