Although "Tuck Everlasting," directed by Jay Russell, is based on the children's book written by Natalie Babbitt, it is a magical movie for all ages.
Winnie Foster, played by Alexis Bledel, comes from a wealthy overbearing family, and desires adventure in a life of her own. This young girl yearns to break away from her dictated life of etiquette and manners, and discovers more than she could have imagined in the forests of Treegap.
Deep in the forests, Winnie encounters Jesse Tuck, a dashing young and light-hearted character played by Jonathan Jackson. Reminiscent of Leonardo DiCaprio's Jack Dawson ("Titanic"), Jesse is fun-loving, comes from a working class family, and has a different outtake on life compared to his love interest.
Jesse wants Winnie to live life to the fullest and conquer her fears. He teaches her "not to fear death, but the unlived life." Throughout the movie, he opens her eyes to trust and caring for others. He takes her to the peak of the rock cliff, and shows her what is beyond Treegap. Winnie displays her trust in Jesse when she jumps into the waterfalls with him despite the fact that she cannot swim. But the question of trust has much deeper implications.
A deep secret surrounds the nature of the Tuck family and afraid that she will tell it to others, Jesse and his parents Angus and Mae (William Hurt and Sissy Spacek), and his brother Miles (Scott Bairstow), forbid Winnie to go home until they can convince her not to tell their secret.
Anyone who has read Babbit's novel will already know what the secret is, but for those unfamiliar with the plot, the suspense is well maintained (and will not be spoiled in this review).
The Man in the Yellow Suit, played by Ben Kingsley, is envious of the life the Tucks are able to lead, and brings mystery and irony to the story. He appears throughout the movie at unpredictable times and places, but it all makes sense upon learning his motive of finding some "old friends."
"Tuck Everlasting" is an excellent movie, created with the intention of providing an entertaining and moving experience. The characters are drawn out and three-dimensional, and each actor's ability to grasp the audience's attention in his or her own charming way leaves a lasting impression.
