From Deseret News archives:
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
There's certainly nothing wrong with a little earnestness in a movie especially when it's a supposed kids film like "Kit Kittredge: An American Girl."
But this Great Depression-era period piece tries so hard to make a point that it becomes overwhelmingly earnest at times. And that explains why its later attempts at comedy are so broad and goofy.
As a result, it is a bit of a mixed package, though it features a good message about tolerance and acceptance, and is one of the more appropriate films that have been aimed at younger audiences and their families lately.
The movie also has a good lead: young Abigail Breslin, who stars as the title character. Kit is a would-be journalist who keeps trying to get a Cincinnati publisher (Wallace Shawn) to print one of her articles.
She has no end of tales to tell either, especially when she sees her friends and their families losing their houses. The Depression really hits home, though, when Kit's father (Chris O'Donnell) loses his car dealership and is forced to hit the road to look for a new job.
Kit and her mother also show kindness to the less-privileged, such as hard-working, teenage drifter Will Shepherd (Max Thieriot). But given the air of suspicion with which these "hobos" are viewed, that makes them all unpopular.
This is some pretty ambitious material for a G-rated movie, and at times director Patricia Rozema and screenwriter Ann Peacock don't know quite what to do with it. The sudden tone shifts at times it's a comedy, other times it's a drama, and there's a strong mystery component are pretty jarring.
Frankly, they are lucky to have this cast. Breslin ("Little Miss Sunshine") pretty much charms her way through some rough patches, and both Cusack and Tucci provide welcome comic relief.
"Kit Kittredge: An American Girl" is rated G, though it features some child-in-peril elements, some brief violent bits (mostly vehicular mayhem and some slapstick) and a few derogatory slurs. Running time: 100 minutes.
E-mail: jeff@desnews.com
Comments
- 3A: Juan Diego grinds out win 10:33 p.m.
- BYU basketball women at a glance 10:25 p.m.
- Cougar women's home improvement 10:22 p.m.
- Deal reached on 'balloon boy' 10:18 p.m.
- U. women's 10:17 p.m.
- Whipple should ease growing pains 10:14 p.m.
- RSL plans to attack early, often 10:13 p.m.
- Palin: Aides kept her 'bottled up' 10:12 p.m.
- Tough year for Lobos and coach 10:12 p.m.
- 3A: Wasatch makes run but falters 10:10 p.m.
- House passes health care bill
335 - SLC council OKs gay rights policies
318 - TCU showdown has big implications
195 - Senators want food tax restored
158 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
155 - Editorial: Mormons and gay rights
141 - Will state consider gay rights law?
137 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
131 - Letters: Strange breed in Utah
119 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
119
Great job Dixie!! You represented Region 9 in great fashion. We are all...
1. With the same core players this team has consistently gotten worse. The...
Congrats to Timpview. The true kings of 4A football! I really thought we...
After reading this article I am thankful for my loving,caring husband. He...
Timpview is going to kill the devils next week for their fourth strait state...
RE: Steve 4:42 PM I wonder too. Didn't used to be that way. Maybe a lot...
stats from 82games. AK and DWill are playing well. Maynor and Price are not...
Timpview 70 Springville 0
I'd be shocked if she ever played a role on the national stage again. Her...
RE 9:15 p.m. I think you meant integrity and morals. I think it is mighty...





You can be the first to comment on this story.