Eloise at Christmastime (2003)

Eloise at Christmastime is a Christmas movie my family watches every year, and it's one of the cutest movies. Just like Eloise, "I absolutely love Christmas!". Eloise is a six year old girl who lives at the Plaza Hotel in New York City with her Nanny. In this movie, we get to see Eloise and Nanny prepare for Christmas, a wedding, and Eloise's movie star mother's return home. Many times, people refer to Eloise as a brat, but this movie reveals that Eloise is kinder and more insightful than people give her credit for. As a six year old, she is better at noticing true love, and true heartbreak (in its many forms), before even the adults do. She realizes that not everything is as it seems, as in the case of a grumpy neighbor, and that Christmas should be spent with the people you care about. The scenery and costumes make this movie charming and innocent, just as Christmas for a child should be. Costumes are bright and colorful, the Plaza is decked out with skyscraper sized Christmas trees and twinkle lights galore, and everything is just a bit exaggerated (such as Eloise's wish list and shopping spree), making the movie just as fun and dramatic as Eloise herself.

The person who previously reviewed this movie is a bitter, joyless, miserable human being, apparently. Eloise is not an obnoxious little brat or whatever they called her- she's a great character. This is a delightful movie that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike! It's a wonderful story that takes place in New York City, the Plaza hotel, actually, at Christmastime. There are many things going on at the Plaza, including a wedding, which Eloise is determined to stop. Eloise friends and other employees and residents of the Plaza are all wonderful characters. Julie Andrew's role, though not as acclaimed as other roles she's played, is truly entertaining. I would absolutely recommend this movie to anyone.

Rachel (Sara Topham), the daughter of Plaza owner Mr. Peabody (Victor A.Young), is supposed to marry Brooks Oliver (Rick Roberts), but she used to like Bill, a waiter (which may be one reason she was sent away to college). Eloise, the spoiled brat kid who lives on the top floor, is a good friend of Bill, and she thinks something is just not right about Brooks. Meanwhile, Mrs. Thornton has threatened to turn Eloise's turtle into soup. But when she hears bad news about the cranky old lady, Eloise shows her compassionate side.As in the first 'Eloise' movie, Sofia Vassilieva is wonderful as Eloise, at her best when she is getting on everyone's nerves or using her talent to solve problems, but also capable of being a quiet, decent and thoughtful child. Julie Andrews is good again as her patient Nanny, who takes care of Eloise when her mother is gone (which is often). And the actress playing Mrs. Thornton gave us a nice change of pace in a poignant dramatic performance when she talked about her son--this is not merely a comedy. Christine Baranski played a bigger part this time as the nasty event planner Prunella Stickler, and she overacted very nicely, in a way certain to appeal to kids. Gavin Creel is great as Bill, especially when Bill and Rachel sing together. Creel and Topham are both quite talented musically.This movie was another winner. Great for kids of all ages.

This movie was really a nice treat! Our whole family enjoyed it. It was done just as zany as the books are. The little gal that plays Eloise is very believable. And of course, Julie Andrews is superb as usual. Singing, dancing, comedy and suspense make this an all around hit for everyone.