User reviews

As a writer of women's history, including World War II, this is one of the few films I've seen which really informs. The settings and clothing were accurate. The mix of people was also true to life. But what surprised me the most was that Kit's family came face to face with the personal dilemmas of the Depression. She was not just a child "voyeur", "do-gooder", or "little careerist" removed from the economic and social pressures which is what I had expected. There were a number of very authentic scenes and interchanges. There were also some very interesting characters such as the mobile librarian.

I spoke to a mother as she came out of the theater with her 5 year old (who liked it). She commented that the movie will give youth of today a view of hardship that most don't understand in our now affluent nation. As a child of Depression-era parents that's the truth: both of my parents' families lost wealth due to small town bank failures. My uncle, instead of going to college, had to join the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCCs).

With that said, however, as a movie I thought the acting uneven. Some of the dialogue seemed a little canned and some words were too contemporary (e.g., Kit: "I was focused on"). But some of that could also just be my first over-reactive impression. I'd have to see it again, to let it all sink in, for as a total historical package it was a lot to absorb, because you have to assess it at several different levels.

But, whether or not you think this is a good or bad movie, in movie terms, this is an important movie for children to see. It is generally fact-based, has depth, and is as authentic a movie as a wholesome, "uplifting" one for 10-year-olds can be. The American Girl phenomenon is true manna from heaven for those of us interested in giving women a place in history.

It's about time they made these movies for kids instead of the shoot-em-up junk that attracts kids nowadays. It's also about time girls were the focus of movies. Where have all the young female role models gone? I just saw Kit and am very pleased at the movie. The historical references are very accurate, the story is accurate as to what was happening the the Depression, and children can learn a lot from this movie. Also, children were respectful to their elders, it's a "clean" movie, but there's a great message and it's about time. No, it's not going to win any Academy Awards, but it might give kids today an idea of what life was like during a particularly troubling period in American history--just like NOW!!!! MAKE MORE of these!!!! I'll take my granddaughter to every one of them--MORE than once! Yes, I took her to see Wall-E, yes, we also saw Indiana Jones, but we need more of THESE MOVIES for kids to balance the imaginations!! GREAT MOVIE!

Kit 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.

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).

Inspired by a popular doll, this film about a family struggling to make ends meet during the depression of the 1930s is entertaining if formulaic and predictable. Everybody is so nice and politically correct that it's enough to induce nausea for adult viewers, which is OK because this one is aimed at tweeners and young teens who read the American Girl books. The filmmakers have thrown in every cliché one can think of and the schmaltz meter hits a pretty high score by the time the happy ending (this should not be a spoiler for anyone) comes around. The cast has a lot of familiar faces and Breslin does look like the doll.

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.

My 9 year old would give this 5 stars for sure! For me, it's 3, but it is indeed a good family movie! It's a sanitized look at life during the depression, with job loss, home loss, and the struggle for a family to make ends meet. They also touch on "hobo" life, and how truly hard life was during that time period. This movie has a strong cast that saves some of the flaws, and like I said, my daughter loved it, and I, much to my surprise, liked it!

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.

The "Great Depression" is today considered the worst and longest economic recession period of the twentieth century. There is nothing new approach in the cinema of that time, which was the background for some stories. A more recent example that speaks so interesting about this troubled and sad period in the world economy and portrays the misery and societal collapse of the 30's movie Cinderella Man released in 2005, directed by Ron Howard and starring Russell Crowe, Renée Zellweger and Paul Giamatti. In this film and others, as well as documentaries about the era are often produced, showing the difficult times, but always looking for great examples of overcoming stress, emphasizing the unity and solidarity will always be the main link in times of crisis.

Produced by HBO Films, and with Julia Roberts as an executive producer, production is based on the Kit Kittredge stories by writer Valerie Tripp, hits theaters more a family drama that has the Great Depression as one of the main characters, who ends up being the thread of the whole story. For the film adaptation, was chosen screenwriter Ann Peacock, who had been responsible for the 2005 adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by CS Lewis. The screenplay by Ann Peacock is unique to a certain extent, because unlike previous films based on the series "An American Girl", some characters in the film are not present in the books. It has its great advantage in bringing a different approach to everything. For the first time, we see a sad period of the 30s being seen through the eyes of a child who goes through transformations arising from the crisis.

Cincinnati, Ohio. Great Depression. In June 1934, Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin) is determined to become a reporter, writing articles on his typewriter in his attic. Meanwhile, the mortgage of your home is about to be executed because his father Jack Kittredge (Chris O'Donnell) lost his car dealership and could no longer afford the payments. He ends up going to Chicago, Illinois to find work, while Kit's mother, Margaret (Julia Ormond) need to turn the house where they live on a pension to support the home. Among those guests arriving there the magician Jefferson Berk (Stanley Tucci), a dance teacher, Miss. Dooley (Jane Krakowski), and itinerant librarian, Miss. Bond (Joan Cusack). On site there were reports of assaults and robberies allegedly committed by the homeless. Kit investigates and finds Will Shepherd (Max Thieriot) and Countee (Willow Smith), living in a homeless camp. Kit writes a story about the camp and try to sell it to Mr. Gibson (Wallace Shawn), the editor of the Cincinnati, but he has no interest in the subject. When a closed box containing all the savings of his mother is stolen, and a footprint with a star similar to the Will of the boot is discovered, the boy becomes the main suspect. Will not believing that he could have committed the crime, Kit and her friends Stirling (Zach Mills) and Ruthie (Madison Davenport) come together to gather enough evidence to find the culprits, proving that homeless friends are innocent.

The Canadian director Patricia Rozema is happy to keep that innocent look and adventurous about the events that are gradually changing the lives of an entire city. At the beginning of the film, some neighbors and acquaintances Kity are being affected by the crisis taking its foreclosure. Her father still has his car dealership, walks into a Chrysler airflows, but already beginning to suffer from the new times. When the crisis reaches the Kittredge family, he has to leave the city to try to get jobs in local gold and have to stay away from his daughter and wife. Kit will correspond through letters to his father telling of all the new developments that were taking place while he was away. Detachable here is the work of Chris O'Donnell and his chemistry with the Oscar nominee for Little Miss Sunshine (2006), Abigail Breslin. Chris O'Donnell passes and the figure of a loving father and devoted husband, and Abigail shows all the love you have for that father. The duo is responsible for the most dramatic and exciting moments of the whole film and deliver great performances.

The initial half of the script shows the desire to become a reporter kit and especially the effects of the crisis that affected not only the girl's family, but to everyone in town, including leaving many people with no place to live and struggling to survive. The beginning of the second half shows us a little better to the residents of the board created by the mother of the protagonist. Is remarkable about the cast that director Patricia Rozema could muster. Stanley Tucci is great as always as the magician Jefferson Berk. Jane Krakowski also composes and dance teacher, Miss. Dooley. The highlights will even Joan Cusack, who composed a fun and interesting character, is the peculiar way of driving, the way to run or even to speak. Julia Ormond is perhaps the best presence of the adult cast, passing all the insecurity, suffering, gentleness, goodness and sadness in specific moments. It is the most natural character among adults. Children of fundamental importance in this film are very well on stage, without exception. Besides the already known talent Abigail Breslin, Madison Davenport is important to mention, Zach Mills, Max Thieriot and Willow Smith, daughter of superstar Will Smith. The final stretch is dedicated to the mystery of the theft of the economies of Mrs. Kittredge and solving the mystery and also has an interesting little twist.

Throughout the recreation of the 30s, the crew created the appropriate climate. Photograph of David Boyd, coupled with the art direction of Michele Brady who brought cars, facades of typical houses with large green lawns of the American middle class, and objects were relevant at the time care in every detail. The costumes Trysha Bakker also excels and helps further the composition of the time.

Patricia Rozema knew leave the movie transitions natural and fluid. Earlier Kittredge family yet was struggling. With the crisis, all the characters live in a new time, having to adapt. Kit not only played, but he had to help his mother take care of the pension, having to take care of the clothes and other obligations. Aina touched on the issue of homelessness most severely affected by the economy. Seen by many large and responsible for the robberies and crime due to desperation in which they were, realized through Kit and other children, they were good people, with families and they were just victims of the situation mostly.

Rozema does not matter at any time to hide or minimize the situation of the Great Depression, but not called, aptly. See the secondary characters being affected by the crisis and the transformations all go through. The situation is not only introduced to show the time when the story was going, including being one of the main reasons for many of the actions in the course of the film. The work brings a lighter touch and pleasant, and can even have fun at many other moments. Still brings notions of political, moral, and a heroine smart, beautiful and extremely charismatic. A captivating film with a talented cast and a responsive steering and precise, as done for the whole family, where we laugh, we are moved and still reflect and learn every scene.

You can't help but think about how disastrous the current situation in Hollywood is when the umpteenth representative of the infamous category "cliché ridden, sugar coated American cute movies" arrives, and you've got to go see it because your niece is crying about itsince the first announcement. I didn't think Kitt Kittredge: An American Girl could've been an exception to the rule, but I was hoping it kind of would because I thought the atypical scenario, different era and diverse cast could have delivered a rather unique movie. It didn't happen, sadly. Kitt Kittredge is about a little girl in Cincinnati trying to become a great journalist during the Depression, while her parents and the US are struggling to get out of the tragic events that were occurring at that time. Is this movie bad? In short, yes. It's got a talented cast, but their lines and performances are mediocre at best. You can't blame the actors for everything that's wrong in this movie, anyway, because the script certainly didn't help. A really big number of clichés already seen in a thousands other movies, ridiculous gags that make you smile for how bad they are, characterizations that are so stereotyped and dull you won't believe it. This movie pushes itself even further, though, when it kicks the cheap cry pedal. There are a lot of scenes in which you're supposed to cry, but delivery is so phoned and trite you're left wondering how could anyone more than six years old would fall into these cheap Hollywood tricks in which they make you automatically cry via a mix of pompous music, ruffian camera angles and redundant lines. This is how Hollywood typically does it, but it doesn't work here. I'll keep it short: if you want to teach your sons about how the Depression was, read 'em a book, even the American Doll ones will do. Do not waste your time with this really, really cheap product which might very well be the biggest cliché fest Hollywood had produced in years. Avoid it.

I actually rented this for my cousin, who's a huge fan of the American Girl line. Having thoroughly loved "Samantha", "Felicity" and to some degree "Molly" it was with great anticipation that we all sat down to enjoy "Kit". About twenty minutes in I saw some rolling eyes and yawns. It's not that this movie was bad, but for a theatrical release it's rather pallid. There isn't a lot of movement and the story isn't all that interesting. It feels rather like Saturday morning cartoons to me. I'm not the target audience here, but my cousin and her friends are, they were rather bored. Sorry to say.

Abigail Breslin did a splendid job at Kit, no complaints there, she was charming, smart and strong. The supporting players were good, though the always terrific Jane Krakowski didn't get enough to do, her amorous dancer deserved more screen time. Kit's friends were okay, a bit generic. This seemed cut from the same cloth as the misbegotten "Nancy Drew" with Emma Roberts. No fault of Emma, but that movie, though having an excellent story, suffered from a poor approach that turned a plucky heroine into an nerd! Kit's no nerd, but she's stuck in a nerds movie.

This was a real shame because the American Girl series provides young women with good role models and strong moral messages. That doesn't mean the movie had to be so dull!! Originally "Kristen" was set for the big screen and perhaps her pioneer story would have played better. "Kit" is just not that memorable.

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.

It is always interesting when movies establish a dark setting and show it from a child's point of view (for example, La Vita E Bella chooses a concentration camp or The Florida Project chooses a housing project).

In Kit Kittredge, it is the Great Depression. The movie's greatest asset is that it succeeds in capturing the era and the atmosphere accurately. The struggle, the fear of an uncertain future, but also the optimism seen through a child's innocent eyes.

On the other hand, it can't be denied that it is predictable, doesn't avoid the cliches, tries too hard to be politically correct and the ending is too feel-good to be true, but that is to be expected in a movie whose primary target audience is the kids.

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.

Although Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is about ten year-old Kit's (Abigail Breslin) family struggles during the depression, I doubt anyone but six year olds will enjoy it. It's been a while since I've seen a cliché-ridden, sentimental film like this---most 10 year olds I know would head for the nearest Harry Potter installment for sanity.

In her faux Nancy Drew act, Kit investigates a series of robberies in the money-short, foreclosure-ridden neighborhood. Even award-winning Breslin seems dazed by the pedestrian plot and plodding direction, which leave no tear- possibility unexplored, no stereotype unexploited (benign hobos, shifty magicians, daffy librarians, lovable kids, bumbling adults—the list goes on).

Those hobos: I don't think Woody Guthrie would recognize their clean clothes and pure hearts, much less a compound that looks more like summer camp than hideout. Joan Cusack's mobile library that she continually drives into garbage cans and fences might appeal to four year olds, not six. Her manic, dense librarian could appeal to three year olds.

But this considerably older critic isn't buying the schmaltz except that Kit Kittredge: an American Girl is an example of American movie-making at its worst. I didn't award it an "F" for fear of being labeled un-American by Dick Cheney.

"Kit Kittredge" began well, and I was impressed by the nice sense of period that the film invoked. Then, after about a half-hour or so, everything went awry, and I got too large a dosage of heavy-handed screenplay and direction. Let me hasten to say, however, that any shortcomings are not the fault of little Abigail Breslin, who is wonderful in the title role. Chris O'Donnell, who plays her father, is quite believable too, as is a nicely understated Max Thieriot in the role of young hobo Will Shepherd. On the debit side, Joan Cusack overacts by a wide margin as mobile librarian Miss Bond, and so does Wallace Shawn as newspaper editor Mr. Gibson. I suppose the main weakness, as so often happens in the motion picture industry, is the shallow script. It is way too manipulative and predictable. I could guess most all that might happen, with everything being tied up in a nice, comfy package by the final iris. Nope, that is not life, and it is also not effective storytelling. The "bad guys" are portrayed as buffoons, simply comic relief (complete with cartoonish music), and of course the downtrodden folks in the hobo community come little short of sainthood, one and all. If you want a truly great American Girl movie, go instead for "Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front," which is outstanding in every respect.

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.

The main girl (not the actress playing her) needed a good smack. I waited the entire film, but nothing. Probably because the dad wasn't there. Kit's personality was just insufferable. She didn't come off as strong or bright. Just entitled, selfish and bratty. Even when Kit's father had to leave to find work, she still kept the same sort of personality. No growth. No change. I thought having to take in boarders would have at least been a shock to her 10 year old ego? Are real 10 year old girls THIS annoying?

I know this movie is for kids, but it felt a little TOO clean and safe. I'm not so sure how accurate of the times it portrayed. I'd guess not so accurate if some children can just walk into a "hobo jungle" (which looked more like a summer camp) and be safe. Kind of makes me want to pick up a book and read about the era though.

The costumes were nice, stylish, cute. Made me wish for the times when the men dressed like men and women dressed like women. In today's age, people can't even define what those are anymore!

I feel like I lost brain cells watching this cliche ridden film. The dialogue is horrible. I couldn't help but just complain and make jokes to myself about it. I'm just going to end here because I'm making a big deal about a stupid movie for dumb kids.

Just 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.

A vastly under-rated, marvelous film with Abigail Breslin proving that she will be a quite a star as the years go on.

Set in May, 1934 in depression era Cincinnati, the film wonderfully captures the depression period and its effects on the inhabitants of the city. We see people losing their jobs and being evicted from their homes during the day. We see families torn apart as fathers had to leave to find work anywhere. Many never wrote or came back.

With all this, we find Kit, whose family is eventually victimized by the economic collapse. This precocious child wants to be a reporter and goes out to view the residents of tents outside of the city. Was surprised that they didn't use the historical name for these areas- Hoovervilles!

This is a great picture capturing depression era Americana. The story then turns into a stealing caper and as usual, the hobos are blamed until Kit and her brood of friends prove otherwise. They didn't even need Jessica Fletcher to prove that which was not so obvious.