This movie is boring. Madeline just isn't a enjoyable character, and the rest is just meh.
Madeline
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Great for young kids and fans of the books.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Madeline was written by Nell Minow
Parents need to know that there's a kidnapping that younger children might find scary, and the overall absence of parents, Pepito's parents are loving but rather neglectful, and Madeline is an orphan.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about how the film compares to the book. Which do you like better? Would you have done anything differently if you were making this film?
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More on Madeline
What’s the Story?
One of the most beloved heroines of children's literature is brought to life in this movie based on the classic series of books by Ludwig Bemelmans about the "twelve little girls in two straight lines" who live in "a small house in Paris that was covered with vines," and especially "the smallest one," Madeline (Hetty Jones). Bemelmans' gorgeous water colors turn into gorgeously photographed Paris, set vaguely in the 1950s, setting the stage for Madeline's night-time race to the hospital for an appendectomy, her fall into the Seine and rescue by the brave dog Genevive, and her adventures with Pepito, the son of the Spanish ambassador. Oscar-winning actress Frances McDormand plays Miss Clavel, the nun who cares for her charges with imagination, wisdom, and love, and courage. Veteran British actor Nigel Hawthorne is stern Lord Covington, who wants to sell the small house covered with vines and close down the school.
Is It Any Good?
Young children, especially fans of the books, will enjoy the film. Newcomer Hetty Jones is a spunky Madeline, brave enough to say "Pooh Pooh" to a tiger, smart enough to know that if she asks Pepito to be extra quiet he will find some way to do something noisy, and determined enough to find a way to stop Lord Covington from selling the school his late wife loved so dearly.
Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar, Director: Daisy von Sherler Mayer
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1999
MPAA Rating: PG
Run time: 88 minutes
Theatrical release: 1/1/1999
MPAA Rating: PG
Our Members Say
See all 5 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
Madeline is spunky, yet boring.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
funny film
good movie, but not worth buying. there is a reference to a large bra as "boo_ie baskets".
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Thanatophobics beware...
If you have a fear of hospitals/doctors/medical stuff, then I don't reccomend this to you. Maybe it's just me, but the hospital scene where Miss Clavel and the paramedics are rushing Madeline to the surgery room, and where she's got this gas mask over her head, well that's all too much for me. Whenever I hear the word "Surgery" or "Operation" or "Hospital" I just practically go into a panic attack.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
My girls loved it...but it's scarier than the books!
My daughters LOVE Madeline, and were excited to see this movie. The only issues I have with it were the references to death that are NOT in the books! In the movie, Madeline is an orphan. It works with the story line of the movie, but both of my children have had anxieties about me and/or my husband dying since watching the movie. Also, the benevolent benefactor of the school dies in the hospital while Madeline is there recovering from her appendix removal. Her husband, whom we later learn is simply unsure how to deal with his grief, decides to sell the school. The drama is keyed-up in the movie, making too scary for some young fans of the books. That said, the film is well-acted and enjoyable, and while I, too, object to the "boobie-baskets" choice, it fits the scene. (The owner has just informed the school mistress that he will be closing the school, and the girls have refused their dinner, sneaking down to the kitchen later they are up to no good.) While I would have preferred that the movie stick closer to the story line of the books, we (my mom, the girls & I) all enjoyed the movie and recommend it!
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
This movie is great.
Kids any age can watch this movie. I think it is a great movie because there are a lot of funny parts. All the little girls were great actors. I think Miss Clavel was a great teacher to them. Thats all I have to say about this movie. See you later.
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