Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (DVD, 2008)

This is a series of movies based on "America Dolls". The others have been duds, what sets this movie above the sentimental platitudes, is the attention to detail of the era. Sure, this movie is really YA oriented, but an adult viewing this flick, will find a wealth of information on "The Great Depression". And with today's economic meltdown and our near depression status, it is understandable how we got through the first one and might fail during the current. Times were different. Government was not involved and it took a world war to get us out of it. This won't happen today. But it is delightful watch these (at times) overly enthusiastic characters. If you look past the dribble, you will see the harsh reality of a very bleak time in our history.

Breslin, always cute, executes too much "cuteness". Other cast members, particularly a very funny featured role by Joan Cusack more than makes up for the somewhat schmaltzy performances. I gave this five stars because the movie deals with some very ignored topics of the time: "Hoovervilles", evictions, taking in boarders to make the mortgage...sound familiar? If it doesn't then you have your head buried in concrete. This is a pleasant movie with some great insights of a bygone time that unfortunately is repeating itself.

Terry D. Robertson
author FILL MY EYES
THE BACKSIDE OF YESTERDAY
BROKEN WINDOWS (aka Susanfan)