Madeline

Madeline (1998)

Genres - Action, Adventure, Drama, Children's/Family  |   Sub-Genres - Family-Oriented Adventure, Family-Oriented Comedy  |   Release Date - Jul 10, 1998 (USA)  |   Run Time - 88 min.  |   Countries - France, Singapore, United States  |   MPAA Rating - PG
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Review by Derek Armstrong

Madeline is a clean and faithful-looking recreation of a popular storybook world, effortlessly capturing the appropriate tone, and brimming with adorable little girls. However, little girls -- or those reminiscing about their girlhood -- are probably the only ones who will feel a special fondness for this movie, considering its narrow appeal. Others might smile mildly at the precocious adventures of this clan of freckled children, but the story doesn't offer any adult-sized wit or anything else that exceeds cuteness in its narrative value. Worse, it actually perpetuates some thoughtless stereotypes in its portrayal of the neighboring Spanish family, whose son has a string of about 15 surnames. This is supposed to be playful ethnic riffing, but it comes across as condescending. More often, Madeline is a generally pleasing little movie that gets energetic performances from its youthful cast, notably Hatte Jones in the title role, as well as a game lead adult performance from Oscar winner Frances McDormand. The cinematography and cobblestone streets all look great. Just don't plan to rent the movie unless you have a ruby-cheeked daughter in tow, or were a serious fan of the original stories.