KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL* (Released to Theaters USA 2008)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.0|5.0 Stars ìììì

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl—a simple children’s classic to be cherished for years to come—captures innocence in its story about America’s Great Depression. This is a perfect movie for children and adults desiring to capture life as we wish it could be.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The story begins with a typewriter stamping letters onto a page. The camera then shows the inside of Kit Kittredge’s (Abigail Breslin) tree house. While the credits are rolling, the camera, on occasion, flips to the typewriter as it types out the date, May 2, 1934. Kit Kittredge’s voiceover says that the Great Depression is everywhere, but not in her world. That quickly changes as her father loses his business and her mother takes in a wide assortment of boarders. All Kit focuses on, however, is her desire to be a newspaper reporter and she finds her opportunity in the town’s hobo jungles.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Patricia Rozema for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers Julia Roberts and Marisa Yeres for making the film possible. Cast include: Abigail Breslin, Julia Ormond, Chris O’Donnell, Jane Krakowski, Wallace Shawn, Max Thieriot, Willow Smith, Glenne Headly, and Zach Mills.

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a clean, fun-filled, positive film that perfectly captures our imaginative reminiscences of the 1930 Depression years without the depression.

* Also known as Kit Kittredge: An American Girl Mystery

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

FIRST KNIGHT (Theatrical Release USA 1995)

 Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.1|5.0 Starsìììì

 

 First Knight—good story throughout—engages Richard Gere and Sean Connery in a British action drama. Even though Gere’s British accent could use improvement, the action and drama drown that small failure out. The script requires more emotion from Sean Connery than he normally allows, but he pulls a suitable interpretation of his character. Julia Ormond is a good addition to the movie. The rest of the casting, scenery, and details are good throughout the film.  This performs as a King Arthur story from a different perspective. 

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

King Arthur proves his mettle in legendary Camelot. 

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Jerry Zucker for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Gil Netter, Eric Rattray, and Janet Zucker for making the film possible. Characters/cast include: King Arthur (Sean Connery), Lancelot (Richard Gere), Guinevere (Julia Ormond), Prince Malagant (Ben Cross), Agravaine (Liam Cunningham), Sir Kay (Christopher Villiers), Sir Patrise (Valentine Pelka), Sir Mador (Colin McCormack), Ralf (Ralph Ineson), Oswald (John Gielgud), Peter (Stuart Bunce). 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Yes. This is a very well put together movie built for a night out. Not outstanding, but a good watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers