Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008)

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008): Dir: Patricia Rozema / Cast: Abigail Breslin, Chris O'Donnell, Julia Ormond, Joan Cusack, Max Thieriot: Charming family film about realizing one's potential. Set in 1934 during the Great Depression, Kit dreams of being a reporter but after her father loses his job at the bank, her mother opens her home to strangers. A string of thefts occur and the local hobos are blamed. Although sometimes corny, director Patricia Rozema is backed by superb art direction that captures the period as well as provide creative sets. Abigail Breslin is winning as Kit who observes all who arrive but ultimately sets out to clear the hobos of blame. Chris O'Donnell is seen briefly as her father and the role is a waste for an actor capable of more. When he arrives home in the conclusion, no one is surprised. Julia Ormond plays her mother whose generosity is endless. She will no doubt not have time for Kit's ventures but her resources for the needy are inspiring. Joan Cusack plays a librarian who boards there but thankfully she and another boarder allow the film to cross unpredicted grounds that give the film an appropriate mystery appeal. Max Thieriot is also featured as a young friend who also embarks on this adventure with her. Aimed at families with mystery, humour and adventure plus a theme that regards sticking together when the odds seem overbearing. Score: 8 ½ / 10

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is a touching story about a young girl (named Kit) who is living during the Great Depression. The movie follows Kit and her family as they struggle through the tough times of the Great Depression. It is a very moving movie, with several emotional scenes, especially near the end.This movie introduces viewers personally to the struggles that people had to go through during the time period, and I feel that this is one of the strengths of the movies. Not only is it touching and moving, but it also educates the viewer on what the time period was really like, giving a personal perspective to an important period of history.In terms of acting, I absolutely loved Abigail Breslin as Kit. She is an amazing actress, and I think this is one of her best performances. All of the other actors give great performances, as well.This is a wonderful movie that can be enjoyed by anyone, kids and adults alike. It is a movie which both touches the heart, and educates the mind.

It's the Great Depression, and young Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin) has a great life. Her father (Chris O'Donnell) is a car salesman, and her mother (Julia Ormond) is a doting, caring wife and mother. Soon, however, her world is turned upside down as all her friends suffer bankruptcy and foreclosure, and soon it affects her very family.Her father goes to Chicago to try to find work, and meanwhile her mother opens her home for boarders. Kit loves the new company, as everyone has a special story to tell, but things go downhill when her friend Will (Max Thieriot), a hobo, is accused of stealing. Kit and her young friends do some detective work to try and find the real robbers, which leads them on the adventure of their young lives.A poignant, moving, exceptional film...all the more realistic because of what people are going through in their own lives right now..."Kit Kittredge" shows the true meaning of charity, friendship and family. A truly moving piece of cinema, brought wonderfully by such fantastic young acting (especially Breslin, who is poised to become one of the best young actresses of this generation). A truly can't miss family film!

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.