In 1904, orphan Samantha Parkington (AnnaSophia Robb) lives with her GrandMary Edwards (Mia Farrow) on her Mount Bedford estate in New York country side. She is expected to learn to be a lady. She befriends the neighbor's servant girl Nellie O'Malley who newly arrives with her two younger sisters and her dad. Nellie's mother died recently and Samantha teaches her how to read. Samantha is sent to New York City with her Uncle Gard to attend school. Gard's new bride Cornelia is a committed suffragette. She receives news that Nellie's dad had died and the girls have been sent to a Dickensian orphanage in the city.
It's not until the evil matron that the movie gains intensity. Before that, it's a fine kids movie but it does need to heighten the tension. It's really jarring to go from the country estate to a child-labor factory. There is a difference between expectations and the real tone of the subject matter. This should not be a kiddie movie but it can't stop being An American Girl movie. AnnaSophia is a really good young actress. Nellie does need a better young actress but I can't really be too harsh on that little girl. She does a capable job. After the girls get caught in the boat house, the scene needs more intensity. The mistress needs to be more evil. Samantha needs to face real danger and Nellie needs to take the blame for her. That's the sacrifice which would solidify their relationship. The factory scene is really dark and the rest of the movie should match that intensity. If anything, I want this remade into a darker and more intense movie but I doubt American Girl is ready for that.
It's not until the evil matron that the movie gains intensity. Before that, it's a fine kids movie but it does need to heighten the tension. It's really jarring to go from the country estate to a child-labor factory. There is a difference between expectations and the real tone of the subject matter. This should not be a kiddie movie but it can't stop being An American Girl movie. AnnaSophia is a really good young actress. Nellie does need a better young actress but I can't really be too harsh on that little girl. She does a capable job. After the girls get caught in the boat house, the scene needs more intensity. The mistress needs to be more evil. Samantha needs to face real danger and Nellie needs to take the blame for her. That's the sacrifice which would solidify their relationship. The factory scene is really dark and the rest of the movie should match that intensity. If anything, I want this remade into a darker and more intense movie but I doubt American Girl is ready for that.