Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the movie explores some sensitive storylines, such as socioeconomic differences and how children cope with the death of parents -- the main character is an orphan being raised by her grandmother. The DVD does a good, thoughtful job of addressing these issues.
Families can talk about how Samantha demonstrates concern for those who are less fortunate and how her efforts occasionally go awry. For instance, although her rescue of the orphans is well intentioned, what might have been a better way to handle it? Also, was it wise for her to wander the streets of New York alone to find Nellie in the factory?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Teresa Talerico
SAMANTHA: AN AMERICAN GIRL HOLIDAY beautifully brings to life both New York in the year 1904 and one of the dolls from the American Girl collection. Originally airing on TV, this story of Samantha (AnnaSophia Robb), a 9-year-old orphan who lives with her wealthy grandmother (Mia Farrow), is a poignant portrait of a girl trying to make a difference.
Spirited and sensitive, Samantha has a loving relationship with "Grandmary," although the girl's tomboyish ways occasionally frustrate (and bemuse) the dignified older woman. Samantha also gets frustrated and sad because she deeply misses her parents and knows talking about them would be too upsetting for Grandmary.
When three young sisters and their widower-father move in next door to work as servants, Samantha immediately befriends the girls. She grows especially attached to Nellie, and even offers to teach her to read since Nellie and her sisters don't attend school. The obvious class difference is handled skillfully, and Samantha understands how she can make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Indeed, the movie portrays Samantha as a role model for young girls. However, she is also a believable character who sometimes uses poor judgment, as when she convinces Nellie to sneak out for a turn-of-the-century sleepover in the boathouse, or when she nobly tries to rescue the three sisters from a grim orphanage.
Samantha also struggles with jealousy when her beloved, fun-loving Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges) introduces her to his fiancée. But the little girl learns to love her new Aunt Cornelia (Rebecca Mader), a kind and intelligent woman who genuinely cares about Samantha. Soon, the family has arranged to have Samantha spend several months in Manhattan with Gard and Cornelia.
The film also provides an interesting history lesson about this era by incorporating elements such as the opening of New York City's subway system and even the advent of bathroom showers. The movie has a strong social conscience, as well, evident in how Cornelia is portrayed as a suffragette working for a woman's right to vote, or how a sweatshop is depicted as a harsh environment that abuses the child-laborers it employs. Samantha becomes a "crusader" in her own right, organizing a coat drive for orphans and speaking out about the negative aspects of industrialization in a climactic speech contest.
Families who enjoyed this movie might also like Molly: An American Girl on the Home Front, Annie or Oliver.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA couple kiss at their wedding. |
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ViolenceA young factory worker is injured when his finger gets caught in a sewing machine. The injury is not seen, but it's implied that it's fairly gruesome. |
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Social BehaviorAccepting change with grace, preserving memories of loved ones, helping those who are less fortunate, learning when to ask for help. The cruel operator of an orphanage doesn't get away with her bad behavior. |
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CommercialismThe movie is based on Samantha, a doll in the popular "American Girl" collection. Although the movie itself does not include products, the packaging includes a coupon for $10 off an American Girl purchase. A special feature provides a tour of the American Girl store in New York City, which sells a variety of merchandise related to the dolls. |
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