Fridae

Charlotte's Web is a popular children's book by E B White that was published in 1952 and has been read by millions since. But while lovers of the book would be delighted to discover how faithful this film adaptation is, non-fans might just find the story a little too innocent, sweet-tempered and old-fashioned for their liking � especially since much of contemporary entertainment, even for kids, seem so hip and edgy in comparison.

Dominic Scott Kay lends the voice of a young pig that has grown too big to be cared for by his little girl owner (Dakota Fanning). So he is sent to a farm where he would eventually end up on the chopping block. Fortunately, he befriends a clever spider called Charlotte (voice of Julia Roberts) who has a terrific way with words. She saves him from being killed by spinning a fancy little web that reads "SOME PIG" above his den. Soon, visitors from far and wide come to see this "miracle pig"...

The list of entertainers lending their voices to the cast of talking animals looks pretty impressive. Beside Julia Roberts, there's also Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford, Andre Benjamin (from hip-hop act Outkast), country singer Reba McEntire and British comedian John Cleese. But none of them (with the exception of Steve Buscemi as a rat) give memorable performances. It feels as if each star was chosen to appeal to specific demographics, and not because she/he was the best candidate for the part. Most disappointing of all is Julia Roberts as Charlotte. Her voice performance is bland and uninspired, almost as one-note as Nicole Kidman's motherly turn in Happy Feet.

Thankfully, Dominic Scott Kay does a competent voice job as the pig, as does sweet Dakota Fanning in her radiant performance as the little girl. Charlotte's Web is by and large a sweet and enjoyable film, but you'll probably forget it as soon as you step out of the cinema.