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.
... View MoreJust before an hour i happened to see this movie "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl". I went with my wife and we enjoyed it so much that the movie has taken us back to our kids age. I recommend this movie for kids, this is a soft and sweet story which we all have stopped looking back and appreciate the beauty of it.I am surprised the theater was empty, hoping its because of the weekday. I like the kids role very much, i have seen her previous movies and a big fan of her. The tree house was a nice touch. I wish all the very best to this movie makers.
... View MoreGive credit where it is due, and once again Breslin dishes more than a dose of sunshine again over a story that puts the spotlight on one of the darkest times in American History. There is more than just a little girl's perspective here, we are treated to a respectful and heartfelt tribute to the people who suffered the most during the Depression. Although the film is told from the point of view of a budding writer who happens to be 10 year old, with the help of a consistent and very talented supporting cast, the emotions come through honestly and without much of the unnecessary and over dramatized productions that now pass as drama.Chris O'Donnell is perfectly cast as Kit's father, the perfect prototype of the American family man who is now facing total disaster as his world crumbles around him. He soon realizes things are worse than he expected, but just like the American spirit, he is not going to let this conquer him. His lovely wife played by Julia Ormond, is a tower of strength, but without the histrionics shown in the 80's movie. Anyone recalls those farm movies with Spacek, Lange, and Field? Here is a film where there is strength, humor, and many more emotions shown with restraint and class.Soon, their home becomes a magnet to boarders and other outcasts of society, and we see some of the era's stereotypes beautifully played by first rate actors like Stanley Tucci, Joan Cusack, Glenne Headley, and Jane Krakowski. There are some intimate scenes where one captures how these people tried to escape the darkness outside by finding strength in each other and humor in whatever little entertainment came their way.The film is short, yet it is full of detail, courtesy of some fine writing, a fantastic production team, and very lovely camera-work. It deserves to be seen and studied.
... View MoreKit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin) is the only child of a Cincinnati couple in the 1930's. An aspiring newspaper reporter, Kit spends some time in her room, tapping out her stories on an old typewriter. Her father (Chris O'Donnell) owns a car dealership and her very pretty mother (Julia Ormond) takes care of their lovely home, where she often hosts garden teas. But, the Great Depression is gripping the nation and soon Mr. Kittredge is out of work and traveling to Chicago to look for a new job. Meanwhile, Mrs. Kittredge is forced to take in boarders to make ends meet, including a dancer (Jane Krakowski), a magician (Stanley Tucci), a mobile librarian (Joan Cusack), an uptight mother (Glenne Headley) and her young son. Also arriving on the Kittredge's doorstep are two young hobos, teenager Will (Max Thieriot) and pre-teen County (Willow Smith). These latter two youngsters will do any odd jobs in exchange for food and Mrs. K. welcomes them over the objections of neighbors. But, will the Kittredge family save their home? Also, will Kit see her fondest wish and get published, all the while solving the mystery of who took her family's safety box of money and other costly possessions? This is a nice, nice film for American families with young girls. Breslin is enchanting in the title role, exhibiting her sweet spunk and contagious enthusiasm at all times. The supporting cast is likewise wonderful, with O'Donnell very fine as the sensitive father and Ormond, especially, doing a terrific turn as the beautiful, courageous mother. All of the other supporting cast members previously mentioned, along with Wallace Shawn as a stuffy newspaper editor, fulfill their roles handily, too, with special mention extended to young Willow Smith for her nice interpretation of the part of a young drifter with a big secret. The film looks sensational, from the Kittredge's gorgeous home and grounds to the costumes to the wonderful cinematography. As to the script, it is a nice combination of history, intrigue, and the triumph of the human spirit, especially the hope and new possibilities that children bring into the world. Even though the direction could have been a bit snappier, the film rolls along nicely, too. In short, this is a lovely film for young girls and their families, with abundant laughs, lessons, and love. Do skedaddle over to the nearest theater and make time for Kit and company. Then, head to the library as well, for the books which inspired the film are very, very fine indeed.
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