KIT KITTREDGE: AN AMERICAN GIRL (2008) a movie based on a doll? My skepticism meter was off the scale, as I investigated further I realized with the production of each doll, AMERICAN GIRL has carefully authorized an entire back-story to go along with each doll. Kit Kittredge (Abigail Breslin) is indeed a viable story, a story worth telling, and in these uncertain economic times a story with a resonance and priceless timeless quality.
Growing up in America's heartland in the 1934 Cincinnati, Kit is an eleven-year-old aspiring newspaper reporter; Kit spends her days in her room, tapping out her stories on an old typewriter. Her father (Chris O'Donnell) owns a car dealership and her mother (Julia Ormond) is the perfect mom, she takes care of the Kittredge home where she often hosts garden teas. However, world events in the form of the Great Depression are about to descend up Kit and her idyllic life. Mr. Kittredge finds himself thrown out of work and with the family destitute and with no prospects, is off to Chicago to look for a new job. Meanwhile, Mrs. Kittredge in a desperate attempt to make ends meet decides to take in boarders, including 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 little 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 valuable possessions. This is a wholesome film for American families about a brave headstrong girl who is both smart and self-sufficient and a good role model for young girls.
Blond-haired Abigail Breslin is one of our foremost young movie actress is forever enchanting in the title role of ambitious headstrong Kit. As an aspiring writer myself, I'll admit a little affinity for Kit's character. The supporting cast is likewise up to the task, with O'Donnell as the sensitive father and Ormond, 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.
Directed by Patrica Rozema with a screen play by Valerie Trip (author of the original Kit Kittredge stories). The film looks sensational from the Kittredge's gorgeous home to the costumes to the wonderful cinematography, including the musical score and a surprising rendition of “It’s only a Paper Moon” not heard in movies, since, well, PAPER MOON. As to the script, KIT Kittredge is a nice combination of history-lite, intrigue, and the triumph of the human spirit, especially the hope and new possibilities that children bring into the world. In short, KIT is a lovely family friendly film for young girls and everyone else, with abundant laughs, lessons, and love. Do make time for Kit and company.
