CHARLOTT'S WEB

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Steve Buscemi's invigorating vocal characterization of Templeton the rat is the only high point in this sleep-inducing live action-animated revamp of the 1973 animated classic, based on E.B White's 1952 children's book.

The ever-insufferable Dakota Fanning plays Fern, the precocious little farm girl who saves the life of a runty pig she names Wilbur, who needs the exhaustive assistance of a kindly spider named Charlotte (voiced by Julia Roberts).

Wilbur needs to avoid hanging upside down in the smokehouse.

Everything about "Charlotte's Web" is a rote retelling of the story set in a vaguely '50s era Americana where nothing happens that doesn't revolve around farm animals.

Oops.

Director Gary Winick ("Tadpole") never varies the film's dirge-like rhythm as he walks through the plot like he's passing around a collection plate at a late night church service. 

No cash for you.    

Rated G. 96 mins.