🪶 Story & Synopsis
Based on the beloved children’s novel by E.B. White, “Charlotte’s Web” tells the heartwarming tale of Wilbur, a young pig destined for the dinner table, and his unlikely friendship with Charlotte, a wise and gentle spider.
The story begins with Wilbur, a spring pig, being raised by a young girl named Fern before being transferred to live at Homer Zuckerman’s farm. As Wilbur grows, he learns from the other animals on the farm that his life is in danger as he is meant to be slaughtered for food.
Feeling desperate and scared, Wilbur befriends Charlotte, a kind-hearted spider, who promises to help save his life. Along with the lazy rat Templeton, they come up with a plan to convince Zuckerman not to kill Wilbur. Charlotte uses her web to spin miraculous messages like “some pig,” capturing the attention of the farmer and the whole town.
As the story unfolds, the bond between Wilbur and Charlotte grows stronger, showcasing the themes of friendship, courage, and self-sacrifice. Charlotte’s unwavering determination to save Wilbur’s life touches the hearts of everyone around them, leading to a heartwarming and miraculous conclusion that changes Wilbur’s life forever.
“Charlotte’s Web” is a timeless tale that resonates with audiences of all ages, delivering a poignant yet hopeful message of love, friendship, and the power of selflessness.
🧑 Cast & Crew
Debbie Reynolds, Charles Nelson Reilly, Paul Lynde, Henry Gibson, Rex Allen, Danny Bonaduce, Pamelyn Ferdin, Don Messick, Agnes Moorehead, Martha Scott, John Stephenson, Herb Vigran, Dave Madden
| Actor/Actress | Role |
|---|---|
| Julia Roberts | Charlotte A. Cavatica (voice) |
| Dakota Fanning | Fern Arable |
| Steve Buscemi | Templeton (voice) |
| John Cleese | Samuel (sheep) (voice) |
| Oprah Winfrey | Gussy (goose) (voice) |
| Cedric the Entertainer | Golly (goose) (voice) |
| Kathy Bates | Bitsy (cow) (voice) |
| Reba McEntire | Betsy (cow) (voice) |
| Robert Redford | Ike (horse) (voice) |
| Thomas Haden Church | Brooks (crow) (voice) |
| André Benjamin | Elwyn (crow) (voice) |
💬 Reviews and feedback
Alright, gather ’round folks! We’re about to dive into the web of nostalgia and critter camaraderie that is Charlotte’s Web. Picture this: you’re cozied up with a cup of hot cocoa, ready to relive one of the most heartwarming tales from your childhood. But does this cinematic adaptation spin as enchanting a yarn as E. B. White’s classic? Let’s unravel the threads and find out!
Charlotte’s Web, directed by Gary Winick, boasts an all-star cast featuring Dakota Fanning as the endearing Fern and Julia Roberts lending her voice to our eight-legged heroine, Charlotte. Yet, despite these big names, some critics argue that Winick’s direction falls short, almost dimming the childhood magic we remember so fondly.
The plot follows Wilbur the pig who faces a grim fate – becoming bacon (yikes!). Enter Charlotte, a literate spider with a knack for weaving words into her webs. She concocts an elaborate plan to save Wilbur by showcasing his extraordinary qualities through her intricate web designs. This tale is brimming with themes of friendship, courage, and self-sacrifice.
Now let’s talk about how this movie made me feel:
The Feels:
This film is like a warm hug from your favorite aunt – comforting and familiar yet slightly dampened by too much perfume (or in this case, overly saccharine moments). The story remains faithful to its source material which makes it a delightful watch for both children and adults alike. However, some scenes may be distressing for younger viewers – particularly under 8 years old – as suggested in parental guidance notes.
- Children under 8: Parental guidance recommended due to some distressing scenes.
- Children over 8: Most children should be able to see this movie with or without parental guidance.
Standout Performances:
Dakota Fanning shines brightly as Fern; her earnest portrayal brings warmth and believability to her character’s bond with Wilbur. Meanwhile, Steve Buscemi’s turn as Templeton the rat provides comic relief with his perfectly sardonic delivery (seriously, Buscemi could voice an empty can of tuna and make it entertaining).
Direction & Cinematography:
Gary Winick’s direction might not win any awards for innovation but he stays true to the essence of E.B White’s novel. The cinematography captures the idyllic farm life beautifully – think rolling hills bathed in golden sunlight – though at times it feels like we’re watching through rose-tinted glasses.
Score & Special Effects:
The score complements the narrative well enough without being particularly memorable. As for special effects? Let me just say that Charlotte spinning words in her web is quite magical even if CGI spiders make you squirm (arachnophobes beware!).
Pacing & Editing:
The pacing tends towards lyrical rather than action-packed which suits this gentle tale perfectly but might test younger viewers’ patience during slower segments.
If you’re planning on binge-watching classic family films over the weekend here are some tips!
- Binge-watching Tip #1: Keep tissues handy – animal friendships are tear-jerkers!
- Binge-watching Tip #2: Pair it with “Babe” for an animal-centric double feature that’ll have you oinking for more!
A question for you dear reader: How does Charlotte’s Web stack up against other animal-centric films like “Babe” or “Stuart Little”? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Final Verdict?
In conclusion,“Charlotte’s Web”‘s charm lies not just in its story but also its heartfelt performances – particularly from Dakota Fanning & Steve Buscemi – making it worth spinning into your movie night lineup despite minor flaws.
Rating: I’d give it about 7/10 – because sometimes we need reminding that even pigs destined for greatness need good friends…and maybe because I’m still trying not cry over animated spiders.
So go ahead grab those snacks sit back relax enjoy trip down memory lane remember even smallest creatures can weave biggest impacts! ️ ️
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Faithful to the original story | Some distressing scenes |
| Good voice actors | Flaws in execution |
| Beautiful story about friendship | Not without flaws |
| Appealing to children and adults | Threats to main character |
| Emphasizes friendship and commitment | May be concerning for some children |
Feedback
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Charlotte's Web (2006) - IMDb
I had initial hesitation in deciding whether to watch this movie – not because it features a talking pig ala Babe, but probably because, if rumour has you believe, that viewers will swear off pork. They look so cute that you would not imagine them being on your dinner table, ever after. I’ve read the book when I was a kid, but heck, I can’t remember much of the details beyond the friendship between spider and pig.Wilbur the piglet’s destiny is set from birth – being the odd one out without access to its mother’s teat, he’s earmarked for immediate transformation to pork, but the intervention of a young girl Fern (Dakota Fanning) helped prevent it, albeit for a little while. Put in a barn with the other animals, Wilbur is in desperate need of friendship to wilt away his loneliness, but given the indifferent attitudes amongst the resident animals, he gets a none too friendly introduction to farm life. That is until he meets Charlotte, a spider who will try help to extend the lifespan of Wilbur, saving the spring pig from becoming Christmas ham.It’s a story about friendship, and the miracles gained from trust, help, and the fulfilling of promises. And this movie gets a huge boost through its A-list voice talents, with the likes of, check this out – Julia Roberts as Charlotte, Steve Buscemi as Templeton the selfish rat, John Cleese as Sam Sheep, leader of the pack of sheep followers (played to hilarity), Katy Bates, Cedric the Entertainer, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Thomas Haden Church, Andre Benjamin and Sam Shepard. They seemed to have a rip-roaring time, and I thought Julia Roberts’ Charlotte came across as extremely calm and collected, while probably the character with the best lines was Templeton the rat.Fanning already got experience playing opposite her animal counterparts, like in Dreamer earlier this year, though this time in the barnyard the animals are enhanced by technology and graphics. Her role however is limited in screen time, and although there are hints on puppy love, it’s very much unexplored in depth as the focus is squarely on our animal friends. The score is an unrecognizable Danny Elfman contribution without the dark overtones, and the songs played during the animated stills of the end credits, do sound radio friendly enough to warrant airplay.Charlotte’s Web is a feel good, heartwarming family movie which is suitable for this holiday season. It is uncomplicated, and has a simple message, but is engaging enough for both children and adults. A warning though, the movie is poignant yet hopeful, so to sentimental folks, a tissue or two will help.
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Watch Charlotte's Web (2006) (4K UHD) | Prime Video
Charlotte’s Web (2006) (4K UHD)
9,506IMDb 6.31 h 36 min2006X-RayHDRUHDAvailable to rent or buyThe price before discount is the median price for the last 90 days. Rentals include 30 days to start watching this video and 48 hours to finish once started.
DetailsMore info
- Audio languages
- English Dialogue Boost: Medium English [Audio Description] English English Dialogue Boost: High
- Subtitles
- English [CC]
- Directors
- Gary Winick
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures Corp.
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Charlotte's Web (2006 film) - Wikipedia
Charlotte’s Webis a 2006 fantasy comedy-drama film based on the 1952 novel of the same name by E. B. White. Directed by Gary Winick and written by Susannah Grant and Karey Kirkpatrick, it is the second film adaptation of E. B. White’s book, and live-action/CGI remake of Paramount’s 1973 animated feature film of the same name produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions. The film stars Dakota Fanning, Kevin Anderson, and Beau Bridges, with voices provided by Dominic Scott Kay, Julia Roberts, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Oprah Winfrey, Thomas Haden Church, André Benjamin, Cedric the Entertainer, Kathy Bates, Reba McEntire, and Robert Redford. Danny Elfman composed the film’s score.
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Charlotte's Web streaming: where to watch online? - JustWatch
Watch Now
PROMOTEDPROMOTEDFiltersStreaming in:Something wrong? Let us know!Currently you are able to watch “Charlotte’s Web” streaming on Showtime Apple TV Channel or for free with ads on Pluto TV. It is also possible to rent “Charlotte’s Web” on Microsoft Store, Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu online and to download it on Apple TV, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Vudu, AMC on Demand, Microsoft Store.
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Charlotte's Web (1973) - IMDb
SPONSOREDWilbur is a farm pig who’s terrified that he’ll end up on the dinner table. His friend Charlotte, a charming spider, comes to his rescue. She weaves words into her web, convincing the farmer… Read allWilbur is a farm pig who’s terrified that he’ll end up on the dinner table. His friend Charlotte, a charming spider, comes to his rescue. She weaves words into her web, convincing the farmer that Wilbur is too special a pig to kill.Wilbur is a farm pig who’s terrified that he’ll end up on the dinner table. His friend Charlotte, a charming spider, comes to his rescue. She weaves words into her web, convincing the farmer that Wilbur is too special a pig to kill.
⚠️ Explanation (Spoiler)
In the heartwarming tale of “Charlotte’s Web,” the ending brings a mix of emotions as it explores themes of friendship, love, sacrifice, and the circle of life. The story follows a young pig named Wilbur who forms an unlikely bond with a clever spider named Charlotte. Charlotte saves Wilbur from being slaughtered by weaving words like “Some Pig,” “Terrific,” and “Radiant” into her web, which captivates the townspeople and spares Wilbur’s life.
As the narrative unfolds, Charlotte’s health deteriorates, and she eventually passes away, leaving behind her egg sac containing hundreds of spiderlings. Wilbur steps up to care for them, witnessing their hatching and dispersal. The book concludes with a touching moment where Wilbur bids farewell to Charlotte’s offspring, reflecting on her impact on his life.
While the ending may initially seem sorrowful due to Charlotte’s death, it holds profound meanings. One interpretation is the portrayal of the cycle of life and death, where Charlotte’s legacy lives on through her descendants, emphasizing the lasting influence we can have on others even after we’re gone.
Another perspective highlights the themes of selflessness and sacrifice in friendship. Charlotte’s decision to help Wilbur despite her limited time underscores the importance of putting others’ needs before our own, showcasing the power of true friendship.
The ending also underscores the theme of growth and transformation. Through his experiences with Charlotte, Wilbur evolves from a timid pig to a courageous and loving character, learning valuable lessons about acceptance and bravery. His care for Charlotte’s offspring symbolizes his personal growth and maturity.
In essence, the conclusion of “Charlotte’s Web” serves as a poignant reminder of life’s beauty and transience. It imparts lessons about the circle of life, the significance of selfless acts in friendship, and the potential for personal development and change. E.B. White’s timeless narrative resonates with audiences of all ages, offering a message of hope and love even amidst loss.
👪 Parents Guide & Age Rating
G
Age Rating:
Charlotte’s Web (2006) has a MPAA Rating of G, which means it is generally suitable for all ages.
Parental Guide:
Sex & Nudity:
- Gwen the goose is seen laying eggs throughout the movie.
- When Fern leaves Wilbur for a boy she likes, it is implied that they are attracted to each other. They hug in one scene.
Violence & Gore:
- Wilbur jumps off a hay bale and hits the ground, he jumps the same hay bale again but with his tail tied to ceiling wood with a piece of string. It then snaps and he then falls and hits the ground again. (Nothing graphic, but made for laughs)
- Templeton, the rat, bites Wilbur’s tail on a couple of occasions in order to revive him from having fainted, after one or more other animals encourage him to revive Wilbur.
- Wilbur is almost beheaded in the beginning of the movie.
Profanity:
The movie contains no profanity.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
The movie contains no references to alcohol, drugs, or smoking.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
The movie includes scenes where there is talk about death and being killed for bacon and ham, which may be intense for some viewers.
Spoilers:
- A boy accidentally crushes Templeton’s hidden rotten goose egg, causing a foul smell that wards the boy off and offends almost everyone present, including Templeton.
- Charlotte dies near the ending of the movie.
📺 Streaming and where to watch
| streaming service | extra information |
|---|---|
| Amazon Prime Video | You can buy or rent Charlotte’s Web for as low as $3.09 to rent or $9.99 to buy on Amazon Prime Video |
| YouTube | Charlotte’s Web (1973) is available to stream on YouTube |
| Kanopy | Charlotte’s Web is currently available to stream on Kanopy |
| Showtime Apple TV Channel | Currently you are able to watch Charlotte’s Web streaming on Showtime Apple TV Channel |
| Pluto TV | You can watch Charlotte’s Web for free with ads on Pluto TV |
| Microsoft Store | It is also possible to rent Charlotte’s Web on Microsoft Store |
| Apple TV | You can rent or download Charlotte’s Web on Apple TV |
| Google Play Movies | You can rent or download Charlotte’s Web on Google Play Movies |
| iTunes | You can buy or rent Charlotte’s Web on iTunes |
| Vudu | You can buy or rent Charlotte’s Web on Vudu |
| AMC on Demand | You can buy or rent Charlotte’s Web on AMC on Demand |
❝ Quotes and Cult
People are not as smart as bugs.
I don't understand it, and I don't like what I don't understand.
It is deeply satisfying to win a prize in front of a lot of people.
Meetings bore me.
Good things come to those who find it and shove it in their mouth!
These autumn days will shorten and grow cold.
🤖Charlotte's Web Reddit Talks
Charlotte’s Web, the beloved children’s novel by E.B. White, has been adapted into several films over the years, with the 1973 animated version and the 2006 live-action adaptation being the most well-known. Both films have their own unique strengths and weaknesses, and have sparked discussions among fans on various social media platforms.
One of the most common topics of discussion is the emotional impact of the story. The novel and both films are known for their poignant and often heartbreaking moments, and many viewers have shared their experiences with being moved to tears by the story.
“I remember watching Charlotte’s Web as a kid and just bawling my eyes out at the end. It’s such a sad but beautiful story.”
Others have noted that the 1973 animated film is particularly effective at conveying the emotional weight of the story, thanks to its beautiful animation and memorable songs.
“The animated film is just so well-made. The animation is gorgeous, the songs are catchy, and the voice acting is top-notch. It’s a truly timeless classic.”
However, some viewers have also expressed disappointment with the way the story was adapted in both films. Some have criticized the 1973 animated film for being too saccharine and sentimental, while others have found the 2006 live-action adaptation to be too sanitized and lacking in the emotional depth of the novel.
“I was really disappointed with the live-action Charlotte’s Web. It just felt like a watered-down version of the book and the animated film.”
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the film adaptations of Charlotte’s Web is a matter of personal opinion. However, there is no denying the enduring power of the story itself, which continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
In addition to the emotional impact of the story, viewers have also discussed other aspects of the films, such as the voice acting, the animation, and the faithfulness to the novel.
The voice acting in both films has been praised by many viewers, with particular attention given to the performances of Debbie Reynolds as Charlotte in the 1973 animated film and Dakota Fanning as Fern in the 2006 live-action adaptation.
“Debbie Reynolds was the perfect choice to voice Charlotte. She brought such warmth and compassion to the role.”
The animation in the 1973 film has also been praised for its beauty and charm, with many viewers noting that it still holds up well today.
“The animation in Charlotte’s Web is just gorgeous. It’s so detailed and expressive, and it really brings the characters to life.”
However, some viewers have criticized the 2006 live-action adaptation for its use of CGI, which they feel detracts from the charm of the story.
“The CGI in the live-action Charlotte’s Web is just awful. It looks so fake and out of place.”
Finally, some viewers have also discussed the faithfulness of the films to the novel. While both films make some changes to the story, the 2006 live-action adaptation has been criticized by some for straying too far from the source material.
“The live-action Charlotte’s Web changed so much from the book. It’s like they didn’t even try to be faithful to the original story.”
Ultimately, whether or not you enjoy the film adaptations of Charlotte’s Web is a matter of personal opinion. However, there is no denying the enduring power of the story itself, which continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
Top discussions
- https://www.reddit.com/r/nostalgia/comments/i248l6/charlottes_web/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Xennials/comments/16nwbbd/name_the_saddest_movie_we_watched_as_a_child_i/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/GenX/comments/wgv0af/the_animated_film_charlottes_web_is_almost_50/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/12ixl8q/at_50_charlottes_web_still_spins_a_sweet_and/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/bpwsjl/til_that_eb_white_hated_the_hannabarbera_animated/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What age group is Charlotte’s Web movie appropriate for?
Children under 8 may require parental guidance due to some distressing scenes. Most children over the age of 8 should be able to watch this movie with or without parental guidance.
What is the summary of Charlotte’s Web?
Charlotte’s Web is a story of friendship, courage, and self-sacrifice. The movie follows Wilbur, a pig destined for slaughter, and his friend, a spider named Charlotte, who works to save him by spinning words about him in her web.
What happened in the movie Charlotte’s Web?
In the movie Charlotte’s Web, exhausted from laying eggs and writing words, Charlotte tells Wilbur she will remain at the fair to die. Wilbur ensures her egg sac is taken back to the farm by Templeton before she dies, and he guards it through the winter once back at the farm.
What is the moral of the story Charlotte’s Web?
The beloved story of “Charlotte’s Web” teaches valuable lessons about friendship and perseverance. The characters in the movie demonstrate the importance of friendship and the value of determination in facing challenges.
🔀 Recommended Movie and TV Show
Here is a list of movies similar to “Charlotte’s Web”:
- Frosty the Snowman: An animated Christmas special about a snowman who comes to life.
- Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: A classic Christmas stop-motion animation film about Rudolph, the reindeer with a glowing red nose.
- A Charlie Brown Christmas: A heartwarming Christmas special featuring the Peanuts gang.
- How the Grinch Stole Christmas!: Dr. Seuss’ story of the Grinch who tries to ruin Christmas.
- It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown: Another delightful Peanuts Halloween special.
- A Christmas Story: A nostalgic Christmas film about a boy named Ralphie.
- The Brave Little Toaster: An animated adventure film about household appliances.
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey: A heartwarming story of two dogs and a cat trying to find their way home.
- Flushed Away (2006): An animated adventure comedy about a pampered rat who gets flushed into the sewers of London.
- Open Season (2006): An animated comedy about a domesticated grizzly bear who teams up with a fast-talking deer.
- Bee Movie (2007): An animated comedy film about a bee who sues the human race for stealing honey.
- Charlotte’s Web 2: Wilbur’s Great Adventure: A direct-to-video animated musical adventure film that continues the story of Wilbur the pig.
- Babe (1995): A heartwarming film about a pig who becomes a sheepdog.
Wallpapers & Media
🔥 Audience Trends
