The fantasy drama film is based on the novel of the same name by Katherine Paterson. The story is about the friendship between two neighbors who create a fictional world on a tree house to spend their free time. The film was a success at the box office, grossing $120 million. Apart from the financial success, the film also received positive reviews and bagged several awards.

The film is about two twelve year old friends who travel in to their own imaginative world. It gives the message that the best way to escape form the harsh reality is imagination. There are some elements of fantasy but they are to support the story. There is not much use of special effects and the story takes the centre stage, which is desirable. The brilliant performances by the child artists make the movie worth watching.

The movie, although being a fairy tale setting, is for a more mature audience. The story throws light on the life of a young boy and the troubles that he faces in school, with family and friends. The way he absorbs all the troubles is very touching and surprising for his age. His friendship with Leslie is wonderful as they forget the world and enter theirs of imagination. All these have a positive effect on his real world life and improve the conditions one by one.

The film gives out the message that the creativity in children should be encouraged so that they can find refuge in them when the real world turns harsh on them. The film is a sensitive message to the elders and ends on a hopeful note, though not setting everything right.