Eloise in Hollywood (NR, 2007)

Based on the popular series by Kay Thompson, this straight-to-DVD movie finds precocious 6-year-old Eloise (voiced by Mary Matilyn Mouser) still living at the Plaza Hotel and being waited on by its adoring staff as she looks forward to seeing her mother at last. When Nanny (voiced by (Lynn Redgrave) gets a call that Mommy has been called away on business for another two weeks, we get a glimpse of the sadness that all the room service in the world can't make up for. However Eloise gets a nice consolation prize in the form of a visit to Hollywood under the protective generosity of Mommy's much-discussed, never-seen friend, producer Mr. Murcheson. Eloise's adventure in Hollywood includes chauffeur-driven limousines and suites at the Hollywood Hills Hotel, and an inside chance to audition for a bit part in one of Mr. Murcheson's movies.

Some parents might consider Eloise a bit fresh and self-centered, but here she's down-to-earth and hard-working compared to aspiring child actors she meets on her trip. With Nanny's constant and stable guidance, Eloise learns what it's really like to be an actress, and she's not sure she likes what she sees. The movie does a good job of illustrating the negatives of the movie business, and is probably a good way to initiate a conversation with the star-struck girls between 4 and 9 who will enjoy this most.

One of Eloise's most endearing traits is her great imagination and energy, and the video does a nice job of bringing that to life. The scenes of how Eloise kills time during the inevitable waiting, for auditions and for scenes to be shot, are amusing. And the dialogue is true to the book, with Nanny issuing edicts in triplicate and Eloise introducing herself as "Hi I'm Eloise I Am Six" as though it's her full name.

Studio: Starz Media
Director: Wesley Archer
Cast: Lynn Redgrave, Mary Matilyn Mouser, Tim Curry
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 45 minutes
Theatrical release: March 13, 2007
DVD release: March 13, 2007
MPAA Rating: NR