Little Secrets (2001)

A number of other IMDb reviewers hinted that "Little Secrets" was very good only for ages 10 to 18. Well, I enjoyed watching it on cable TV even though I'm more than 50 years past that age range. I consider it to be a "coming of age" genre film. It has a good story to tell with neat twists, and good music. The fact that it is also sneaks in a couple of morality messages is the only part that seemed to me to may be oriented to teens and pre-teens, which did not distract from the emotional feeling I got from the story. Perhaps some adults also could realize how stupid and possibly harmful some of their behaviors are. As often happens with me with good stories, I was teary by the end of the film.As Micah Schow, who played Gregory on "Little Secrets," wrote in his own IMDb review, "Since this movie is full of first-time child actors you cant expect everyone to have the greatest acting skills in America." But the performances were most of the time pretty good, particularly the principals.One minor quibble I have, the film director or editor should have shortened the break dance that Philip went into when he became deliriously happy. Perhaps the scene was kept long as a favor to the talented young performer (Michael Angarano) playing that part.

"Little Secrets" tells the story of a 14 year old aspiring violinist... She's also the neighborhood 'secret keeper', and children from around the neighborhood come and pay 50cents to tell her their secrets. She'll even put away any broken stuff they've got. Eventually the secrets she knows begin to be too much for her, and things start to get out of hand.A lot of people have criticized the fact that in the end she goes with David, but honestly, I would've too. Yep, I'm sooo not for a girl going with a younger guy *especially* when she's 14 and he's 12... and when he's shorter, how do you work kissing out that way? Haha... So I Like the fact she ended out with David, it adds that small spark of romance that helps make it a favorite of mine. True, I feel sorry for Fill-it-Up, but in her position I would've made the same decision... heh So yes, a really good movie that I truly recommend...~AngeDoré

Little Secrets, 2001, PG, **+ out of **** Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Michael Angarano, David Gallagher and Vivica A. Fox The plot: A 14-year old violinist charges her friends 50 cents for keeping her secrets.It is real that this film gave me 100% delight! Sure, it ran in 366 screens. That's 123 more than "Thirteen". The good thing is: Evan Rachel Wood (Once and Again) plays Emily Lindstrom. She plays the violin in the movie. She also tells secrets to kids and teens. I'm sure the best thing about "Little Secrets" is the reason Evan was the lead star at that. At an estimated $5 million, this film comments to kids about broken merchandise. If you are pleased about Evan Rachel Wood, this is one great indie that hits the spot. It is true that back in September 2003, Evan promoted the movie on WAM! at the tender age of 15! How nice! And one best thing about keeping secrets is: Express yourself with the kindness of strangers! I know one of the best things that keep me in the mood for is this: Evan doesn't play the violin in real life! And one more thing that really is a gem is: Disney Channel will be airing this movie!

OK, I admit it - I liked Little Secrets. Didn't LOVE it, but I liked it. Which will place me squarely in the critical minority, I'm sure. But, here's the thing. I'm first, and foremost, a family woman. And, from a parental perspective, I can tell you that films I can feel comfortable sitting down and watching with my younger cousins are few and far between. Little Secrets is one of those films, a non-threatening, light-hearted piece of fluff that leaves you feeling….pretty good. A girl puts her ability to keep a confidence to work, though she soon learns it's a tougher job than she imagined in this comedy drama for young people. A girl puts her ability to keep a confidence to work, though she soon learns it's a tougher job than she imagined in this comedy drama for young people. Emily (Evan Rachel Wood) is a 14-year-old girl who loves music and is studying the violin. She has a real gift as a violinist, and has passed up the opportunity to go to summer camp with her friends to study with her tutor, Pauline (Vivica A. Fox), who believes Emily has a chance of landing a spot in the community symphony orchestra. Emily also has an unusual business on the side -- for 50 cents, she'll hear and keep other kids' secrets, and offer advice on how to keep incriminating facts away from parents, teachers, or other authority figures. However, she also has a secret of her own -- a new family has moved into the neighborhood, and while Philip (Michael Angarano), a year or two younger than Emily, quickly takes a liking to her, she immediately develops a crush on his older brother, David (David Gallagher). However, David has a habit of getting into trouble, and soon Emily is keeping some secrets she's prefer to get off her chest. If all of this sounds very formulaic it is. There is little in the way of surprises here - much of the plot is recycled from any one of a dozen other family films. But it is loaded with nice little comedic moments. Under the comedic surface lie themes of family unity, cooperation, priorities, and unconditional love.As for the performances, they're okay. Our star Wood (Thirteen, Simone) doesn't have to stretch too far playing the teenage violinist and Gallagher (TV's Seventh Heaven) gets plenty of face time as Emily's friend. Vivica A. Fox plays Emily's violin teacher. With an ensemble cast this large, it is difficult for anyone in the cast to stand out performance wise, but each gets a moment during the film to reveal a bit of his or her personality.Overall, Little Secrets is innocent and inoffensive family fare that the kids will probably love and parents will find rather enjoyable.7/10.