Harriet The Spy
(1996)
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Eleven-year-old Harriet's (Michelle Trachtenberg) obsession for observation is well-chronicled in her most treasured possession: a notebook marked "Private," in which she collects her frequently unflattering--though accurate--thoughts about those around her. When her classmates discover her penchant for "spying," however, they're anything but amused. Adapted from the 1964 book by Louise Fitzhugh. |
Although a rather slow rendition of the popular children's novel by Louise Fitzhugh, this comedy nevertheless has a lot of enthusiasm and nice performances going for it, which should enchant fans of the book. Harriet is the schoolgirl who spies on her friends and family, making copious observations about them in her secret notebook. It's hardly a surprise that, when the book falls into the wrong hands and Harriet's scribblings are read out, her subjects are none too pleased. While not as colourful or zippily paced as the novel, this is a quirky film from director Bronwen Hughes, which benefits from a great group of kids and a warm adult performance from Rosie O'Donnell as Harriet's nanny.