BEVERLY HILLS, Calif.—The kids in this film are the heroes. They are smart, kindhearted and aware, courageous, self-assured, and conscientious.
Meeting the cast of Kit Kittredge: An American Girl on June 13 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills provided quite a contrast to the movie itself, which is set in Cincinnati during the Great Depression.
What struck me is that Abigail Breslin ( Little Miss Sunshine ), and the other engaging child actors truly appear to embody the spirit of the American Girl.
The phenomenon of the American Girl Enterprise has sold more than 14 million books, and its award-winning bimonthly magazine has a circulation of more than 620,000, easily making it the largest publication geared to girls 14 and under. The company aims to educate, entertain, and encourage young girls through stories that blend fictional characters with historical context.
Inspired by the American Girl franchise, Kit Kittredge is the story of the spirited 9-year-old who aspires to be a reporter, while her family life and community are disrupted by the nation's economic collapse. Kit's father (Chris O'Donnell) leaves her and her mother (the ever-refined Julia Ormond), in hopes of finding work in the city. Mother and daughter make ends meet by opening their home to a colorful assortment of boarders, including a sassy dance instructor (Jane Krakowski), a quirky librarian (Joan Cusack), and an itinerant magician (Stanley Tucci).
Tensions build as the local children, known as the "hobos," are suspected of a crime spree in town. Kit must use her reporter's skills to unravel the mystery of the crimes that appear to frame young Will (Max Thieriot) and even younger Countee (Willow Smith).
Director and mother of two daughters herself, Patricia Rozema ( Mansfield Park, When Night is Falling ) wanted to bring a different theme to the screen. "I loved Kit, this little reporter who wants to write, who wants to express herself, who wants to do good. So many movies are about, 'Oh, I can have love, I am a princess, I own the world now,'" said Rozema.
Breslin, who seemed tired after a long day of interviews, still gave it her all when we met, rising to the occasion with her natural effervescence and endearing sincerity. Petite framed, with large soulful almond-shaped blue eyes, she carries herself with frenetic kid spunk mixed with maturity.
When asked which of her many characters in her career is most like her, Breslin thought a moment and answered, consistent with her nascent depth of insight. She explained that because she brings herself in the moment to each one, they all in some way become her.
With an impressive list of credits including No Reservations, Signs, and Nim's Island, the talented and versatile Breslin landed an Academy Award nomination for her performance as Olive in Little Miss Sunshine, proving that she can play both comedy and drama with equal virtuosity.
"I really wanted to do something for my daughter … and it's a great script," said Chris O'Donnell ( Batman Forever, Scent of a Woman ). This seemed the sentiment and goodwill shared by all involved in this project—to create something positive with substance for this often neglected population group.
As for myself, I excitedly called my 8-year-old niece in New Jersey after the screening, eager to share with her the good news of Kit Kittredge coming to theaters soon.
Feeds