Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

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.

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.

I took my grandchild to see this movie and was truly shocked. How could a movie this good come out of Hollywood? The characters were believable, the plot interesting, there were humans instead of androids in this movie, there was no sex, violence, or bad language in it, and this old lady LOVED it. So did my 7 year old grandchild. Why haven't they been making movies like this for years?

Usually when I take a child to the movies, I am saddened by the experience. Where are all the wonderful, wholesome productions of yesteryear that entertained one and educated at the same time? This movie did both. My grandchild knew nothing about the Depression, so I explained the time in very simple terms. She seemed to get it, and loved the way the story had a good ending where the main character had a personal triumph and a family endured adversity.

Take your kids to see this movie. You will be proud and not embarrassed.

Abigail Breslin is headed for Oscar nomination in this move and I would not be surprised to see this movie receive and Oscar nod for best character set. Let me explain a bit more. Some movies has characters/actors that give very strong performance but do not play well with other characters/actors within a storyline. Yes, Abigail Breslin does maintain a strong presence but without EQUAL interaction with the other characters, the movie would not have played so equal across the scenes.

The story is based in 1934, just a few years into the Great Depression. The Depression scenes plays out it injustice(s) in total disregard to social status, property possessions, job description and of course, the haves and the have not. I've been told stories from people who have lived through the Great Depression and I can tell you that the film comes pretty darn close to reality.

Abigail Breslin and her cohorts has this not so secret clubhouse in the family's yard. Secret initiation ceremonies, secret oath and secret chit-chat dominate the playtime of this secret club. As the movie progresses, we see the club forming ideas to help the less fortunate on the street where they live.

Movies like Kit Kittredge gives me hope that there are a few Hollywood idea men that are left who can present to the world, movies laced with a healthy dose of 'nice' and topped off with a dollop of a kindred spirit.

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).