doctorsmoothlove Last year, older audiences were very excited about the Nancy Drew movie. Finally, parents could share their childhood heroine with their own brood. It never came be, though. The film was full of pre-pubescent musings and left many parents disappointed. So if you fall into this disgruntled group, rejoice! Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is the film that Nancy Drew should have been. It is an inspiring story of tolerance and empathy with other human beings with a mystery backdrop. As it is set it the Great Depression, it may have more contemporary significance than intended.The film chronicles the life of Kit Kittredge, a young girl with a strong interest in journalism. It's set in Cincinnati. Kit's family is rather wealthy, but everything changes when Kit's father loses his job at some car dealership. The house is in danger of being foreclosed, so Kit's father, Jack, decides to look for work in Chicago. Kit's life worsens even more when her article concerning camaraderie in the hobo community is rejected by the local newspaper because it doesn't appeal to societal perceptions about the homeless. Meanwhile, Kit's mother, Margaret, subleases portions of the house to help pay the mortgage. Several quirky types come to live with them. The residents include: the sultry dance instructor, Miss Dooley (emphasis on Miss), mobile librarian Miss Bond, clever magician Mr. Berk and his assistant-brother, and Kit's classmate, Stirling. Two young "hobos" named Will and Countee respectively visit the Kittredge house frequently.Several painful scenes of non-plot progression later, the police report a burglary with a single (and extremely obvious footprint) as the only evidence. Whose footprint do you think it is (hint he's one of the only named hobos). Will is later accused but mysteriously not prosecuted (though he is threatened several times). He isn't the criminal, however, as Kit discovers. In actuality, the magician Mr. Berk, his wimpy brother, and the mobile librarian are the perpetrators. They have swindled money from semi-wealthy houses across the Northeast and have framed the local homeless populations for the crimes. Kit coerces Stirling and her other friend Ruthie to help her bring these clowns to justice. They convince Miss Bond that exploiting public disgust of the homeless for personal gain is unethical, and she helps them subdue the Berk Brothers. The movie ends with a heartwarming feast in celebration of Kit's detective skill and her article's acceptance in the paper, and the hobo's innocence. Oh, and Miss Dooley finds a man to seduce in G-rated stylized acting.Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is an unusual film. It begins as an overly-sentimental drama and finishes as a mystery thriller (sorta). The change is welcomed and allows the film to appeal to a wider audience. Abigail Breslin handles the transition well and channels her character's anger at having her article rejected into locating the stolen money. This change is possible due to Valerie Tripp's screenplay which peppers Breslin's dialog with analytical and humanist phrases. The other characters involved in the crime's undertaking and its solving are not as complex as Kit, so they're free to follow her transition. The screenplay does have a hole it never addresses, though. Kit's father goes to Chicago to find work, but is unable to find any prospects. How does he support himself while there? Maybe Margaret sends him money, but I'm unsure. His character leaves the story and reappears when at the end when his presence isn't necessary.The opening half of the film is its weakest portion and, to be honest, is probably unappealing to anyone outside of the intended audience. Kit's father and the poverty of her school friends aren't developed within the context of the plot. One must appeal to his/her own understanding of the Great Depression in order to have sympathy for them. It's a bit pretentious. Give me a unique reason to pity the characters, jeez. Seriously though, how many children understand the cultural and economic implications of that time in history? The theft avoids this problem by allowing someone sufficient screen time to acquaint himself/herself with the hobos and care for them. It's an incomplete film but not an intolerable one. An adult will find something admirable in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. I suspect the adult appeal is the film's underlying message. The vagrants are not inherently evil and they are not entirely responsible for their situation. This movie reminds one of that. In an age of cynical adult-laden innuendo in children's films (see Shrek…), Kit Kittredge: An American Girl provides a welcome and encouraging divergence.

Willie-12 I was able to see this the other day with my child, and I must say I thought it was a decent little family movie. There were some very good lessons taught about acceptance of others, not giving up, and being happy with what you have in life. When it was over, I overheard a little girl say, "I want to see that one again." My child had the same reaction. The only complaint I have comes in the latter part of the film. Without going into details, it seems that the film unravels a bit during the third act. However, it recovers nicely, and hits the right emotional note at the end. Definitely one I'd recommend to parents and their children (both boy and girl).

georgebush Kit Kitredge, An American Girl is a classic. This film falls into the category of its a Wonderful Life, Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and Grapes of Wrath. The acting is fine but not formal. The mother of Kit surely deserves an Academy Award. This mom is real and not just another self superior empty mom as played in an empty way in some family films like the mom in Drill bit Taylor. She is the opposite of the mom in Drill Bit Taylor. This mom in Kit Kitredge is wise. She has elegance but is also real in her struggles. This is a mom that anyone could look up to. She reminds me of the strong performances of Andy Griffith. Her final scene was one of the strongest acting moments in film history and I have seen over 8,000 films. She shows the full range of emotion and gives a performance reminding me of Claudette Colbert in the 1944 Since you went Away. The film also has a style similar to the live show Annie.This film moves at a fast enough pace to keep all ages happy. It reveals the era of the Depression with total respect for the people of the era. My family lived through the depression so I know this is authentic. It is a little like the old Nancy Drew but with tremendous involvement with all the characters. The film takes the high road in which moral decisions are clearly understood. There is also a mystery and it is interesting. All the acting is fine and there are a great variety of actors of all ages.. This film reminds me that movies are not suppose to be aimed at one particular age group in order to improve ticket sales. This is just a good old fashioned movie. Frank Capra would be proud of this film of the underdog against a series of obstacles. The only sad thing is that it has sold so few tickets. I suspect this film will linger for a long time and rent many DVDs. It is a film that could be shown to people many years from now. I highly recommend this movie. American girl refused to sell out their integrity in order to sell tickets. I hope American Girl makes more films. Great film.

vamomx2 While not being semi-prof. film critics,we know what we like and what is a good movie, worth your time and money. This is not a deep psychological study, but is an intriguing look at an era most people have long forgotten. The story is nimble and keeps your interest while being clearly told from a child's perspective. We all loved the cinematography and the period clothes, cars, etc. The story had universal appeal and was not so childish that adults couldn't enjoy it. It was a real pleasure to see many senior citizens in attendance (even w/o grandkids) as I suspect that they actually lived through the struggles outlined in the movie. There were enough twists and turns and plenty of good, moral messages for old and young alike. Another plus is the 90 min. length! Our family votes yes to taking your kids and your senior citizens as well.