BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA — *** — Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, Robert Patrick; rated PG (violence, vulgarity, mild profanity).

For those who haven't already read the novel, the film adaptation of "Bridge to Terabithia" is not the "Chronicles of Narnia"-like fantasy that misleading ads make it appear to be.

Katherine Paterson's beloved novel and this live-action film do feature some fantasy elements, but the story is more akin to a coming-of-age drama, with an unexpected emotional sucker-punch.

That alone makes it a better movie than you may be expecting, although it does feel a little truncated and choppy in places, and the resolution isn't completely satisfying. But it's smarter and warmer than most family-friendly fare.

The film's title refers to a fantasy world created by Jesse Aarons and Leslie Burke (Josh Hutcherson, from "Zathura," and AnnaSophia Robb from "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory").

Jesse is an artistically talented preteen who's constantly being bullied. So he's relieved when new-kid-at-school Leslie takes some of the heat off him. Of course, it turns out she's also his new next-door neighbor, and the two become fast friends.

Soon enough, they're heading off to the nearby woods, where they create Terabithia, the home of magical creatures like Tree Trolls and menacing squirrels and crows. Terabithia also becomes a place where Jesse and Leslie are accepted — and are even popular. So these adventures become a way for the two friends to escape their cruel school and outside world ... at least temporarily.

Veteran animator Gabor Csupo (TV's "The Simpsons" and "The Rugrats") is making both his live-action filmmaking and directorial debut here, and for the most part his direction is surprisingly assured.

Screenwriters Jeff Stockwell and David Paterson have updated a few things and played up some of the fantasy elements, though it's still in keeping with the tone of the source material. (Not too surprising, since Paterson is the son of the book's author.)

The CGI effects will be a draw, but much of the film's appeal can be attributed to Hutcherson and Robb, two likable young actors. The solid supporting cast also features Robert Patrick as Jesse's father and Zooey Deschanel as a sympathetic teacher.

"Bridge to Terabithia" is rated PG for some fantasy and real-world violence (a few creature attacks, as well as bullying and peril), mildly vulgar toilet humor and scattered use of mild profanity (religiously based). Running time: 95 minutes.

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com