vinnyvidivici

Tonight Nicolas and I watched Charlotte's Web (2006). It was the first time watching the new version for myself. The first time watching any version for Nicolas. I was a big fan of the cartoon version as a child. I was excited to be able to watch this new version with Nicolas. He wasn't as in to it as I was.

Forty five minutes into the film and Nicolas wasn't paying attention as much. He would laugh at Templeton the Rat (voiced wonderfully by Steve Buscemi). He would laugh when I would laugh at the Crows (Andre 3000 Benjamin and Thomas Haden Church). But otherwise he was enthralled with the destruction of evil robots with his sword.

I became wrapped up in the movie. I had been skeptical when I heard about the remake starring Dakota Fanning. Figured it would be pretty much a thrown together rush job. But I was surprised. I really liked it. Not only that, the movie struck me emotionally like it did when I was younger.

I swear my eyes welled up more than once during the final acts of the movie. I'd chuckle at myself and wonder "wtf, Vinny, your thirty years old and you know the story front and back."

Then I would drift back into the movie and find myself choking up again. It was a revelation of sorts. My son didn't notice, he just continued plowing through countless hordes of evil robots.

If you were a fan of the original as a child, you should see the new one if you already haven't. The cast has serious star power and the story is faithful to the novel.

Hopefully it won't move you towards emotional breakdown like it did with me.