KIT KITTREDGE is totally wholesome American fare, as the title suggests.  Kit (LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE’s Abigail Breslin) is an adolescent coping with life set in the 1930’s depression.  Her father (Chris O’Donnell) leaves home for Chicago after losing his job while mother (Julia Ormond) takes in boarders to make ends meet.  The film traces Kit’s adventures as she deals with boarders (played by Stanley Tucci, Joan Cusack et al.), her friends and family.

There is nothing really wrong with Rozema’s rendering of a family movie except that is remarkably bland at times.  As a child, Kit never gets into mischief.  Neither do most of the other kids.  The culprits (the thieves) are obviously discovered by the clever children at the end.  As expected, all’s well that’s ends well with a over sweetened happy ending with father returning home and director Rozema milking the audience’s tears for all they are worth.  But her film is extremely detailed in period props, wardrobe and settings.  This is where at least some pleasure of her film lies.  But one still would observe the spotlessly clean and tailored hobo clothes with a pinch of salt.  KIT KITTREDGE is set in Toronto and around.  Rozema is also proudly Canadian.

The film is catered towards older children over the 10-year old age group.  The younger crowd (they could be heard) was extremely restless during the promotional screening even though a few antics such as the librarian’s driving come cross as infantile.  KIT KITTREDGE is movie art for children.