Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Charming period comedy is a frothy fairy tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
What's the Story?
Guinevere Pettigrew (Frances McDormand) is no Mary Poppins, which may explain why she keeps losing one governess job after another. And when her agency won't give her any more work, she's left penniless and homeless. Luckily, she manages to finagle her way into a job as a social secretary for Delysia Lafosse (Amy Adams), a kind-hearted but fiercely ambitious starlet who needs all the help she can get to keep her engagements -- professional and personal (she's juggling three beaus) -- in check. In just 24 hours, Miss Pettigrew does, indeed, make a difference in Delysia's life. And, much to her surprise, vice versa.
Is It Any Good?
Based on the 1939 novel by Winifred Watson, MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY exudes the jaunty fun of a high-society London bent on squeezing the last bit of joy out of life before heading to war. From the costumes to the Cole Porter- and piano-heavy score, all of the period details are flawless. And Adams is absolutely delightful in her role -- naughty and nice and infinitely expressive without being over the top. (Watch her twitch her nose and stick out her two front teeth when referring to a rabbity competitor and try not to be charmed.) As the well-grounded Miss Pettigrew, McDormand, clad in sensible brown shoes and a prudent wool coat, is the perfect foil to Adams' flighty, lingerie-bedecked heroine. Left to their own devices, they start the movie unmoored; together, they bring out each other's best self.
Still, as engaging as its two stars may be, on close inspection, the movie feels fragile. Its charm is winning, but plot-wise, it's precarious. Yes, it's a fairy tale, but its underpinnings barely hold it together (a little like Delysia, actually). Although we get to know Delysia well enough, the same can't be said for Miss Pettigrew -- not enough to believe that she's never lived until this one day, anyway. But sometimes we just want to go to the movies to be entertained, and that Miss Pettigrew does.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what drives Delysia to succeed. Do you see any parallels between her situation and that of today's aspiring media stars? Why are people willing to make sacrifices to be famous? Families can also discuss why Miss Pettigrew has such an effect on Delysia. What effect does she have on Miss Pettigrew? In the movie, they both undergo an overnight change; is that believable? If not, does it matter? What do they learn from each other?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 6, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : August 18, 2008
- Cast : Amy Adams , Frances McDormand , Lee Pace
- Director : Bharat Nalluri
- Inclusion Information : Indian/South Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 92 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some partial nudity and innuendo.
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate