Redundant and unnecessary.

Let's be realistic.

How sad is this?

After playing with our expectations, this turns out to be a very different sort of film.

I must admit that I am very partial to movies where an aspiring musician, singer or instrumentalist, is on a journey to achieve their dream. Here it is Evan Rachel Wood as Emily Lindstrom, 14, who loves the violin. In an opening scene we see her going to her new neighbors to 'borrow their TV', not literally, but to watch the live televised symphony convert. She practices the piece all week, then plays along with the telecast. And she is very good, especially for a girl of 14. This is a very nice and clean movie, without sex and bad language. Vivica A. Fox is Pauline, former symphony violinist who is a friend and also seems to be Emily's teacher. The title 'Little Secrets' has at least a couple of meanings. One is the neighborhood 'job' that Emily has. She sets up a booth as 'secret keeper' and various kids come to her with their secrets, often pieces of something valuable that is broken, and Emily places them in a brown bag, and locks it into her chest. The other meaning is her own secret. Her birth parents were killed by a drunk driver when she was only 10 months and she was adopted. No one other than her adoptive parents know that secret. It creates some ill feelings when 40-something mom becomes pregnant and is ga-ga over her coming newborn, making Emily wonder if she is a second-class daughter.Michael Angarano who was so good in 'Sky High' is Philip, the new 12-year-old neighbor who becomes good friends with Emily. His older brother David is played by David Gallagher, who takes a keep interest in Emily when he returns from tennis camp. SPOILERS. Emily gets an opportunity to audition for a youth symphony, but has an untimely accident. She trips and falls off the roof, where she often practices outside her second floor bedroom. She has to be hospitalized and her violin is broken. But Philip had made a video of her playing a classical piece, he and brother David brought the tape to the auditions, and later Emily received a letter of acceptance. And, her dad gave her a new violin.

Sunday morning, all my friends went visiting their homes, no college, and a perpetual feeling of 'I'm-about-to-yawn-any-minute-now' creeping out at me. Needless to say, I was bored out of my skull when this movie came up on TV. It seemed like a cheesy movie, and I would have seen just about anything at that moment. (of course with the exception of Freddy Prince Junior movies, but then again, that just shows good sense) It did indeed seem like nothing more than idle time pass when I started off; a cute story about a teenager who protects her neighboring kids' secrets for a fee... simple little secrets like a broken vase... but somewhere along the line, the movie took shape to a surprisingly deeper story.It is a lovely tribute to friendship. It covers the bond between friends in a very neat way. It is a movie about trust, inspiration, and growing up. Most of the people played their part well. Evan Rachel Wood gave an particularly compelling performance.I loved the violin sequences. And the general musical undertone was well delivered. The kids' general problems were also cute. The central theme of a 'professional secret keeper' was an interesting combination of fairy tale and reality. Perhaps that was why I was surprised how great it finally turned out.It has its bad points, of course. *spoiler* Somewhere in the process of making this cute little story, they decided to put in romance as well. It was as if they felt COMPELLED to add in that piece. An obligatory addition. And they had to end the romance part on a positive note. It somehow doesn't fit in. Not by a long shot. I loved all other parts of the ending, but that bit felt too out of place *spoiler* All in all, I'd say you should give this a watch. You'll find out age doesn't matter. You're never too old to enjoy this movie. Like me, though, you may regard this as a children's movie at first, you may also be pleasantly moved. And if you're one of those people who feel just a tad bit reluctant to really yell out how much they actually loved it, don't worry. We can keep that little secret.

It may be the first time we are seeing a film without any fights and sex. Really it is film about love and full of love. We envy that world. Actually it is world of our dreams, a world of love. We congratulate the story maker and directer for this wonderful film.We think the script, direction and acting was really good.We think that this kind of love films are a necessary divertion in this world of religious hatred and violence.We never expected such a film from Hollywood. We usually see such good films on French TV. Here our Bollywood is an evil place producing 100s of filthy movies every month. We love to see such films.

Little Secrets, 2001, PG, **+ out of **** Starring: Evan Rachel Wood, Michael Angarano, David Gallagher and Vivica A. Fox The plot: A 14-year old violinist charges her friends 50 cents for keeping her secrets.It is real that this film gave me 100% delight! Sure, it ran in 366 screens. That's 123 more than "Thirteen". The good thing is: Evan Rachel Wood (Once and Again) plays Emily Lindstrom. She plays the violin in the movie. She also tells secrets to kids and teens. I'm sure the best thing about "Little Secrets" is the reason Evan was the lead star at that. At an estimated $5 million, this film comments to kids about broken merchandise. If you are pleased about Evan Rachel Wood, this is one great indie that hits the spot. It is true that back in September 2003, Evan promoted the movie on WAM! at the tender age of 15! How nice! And one best thing about keeping secrets is: Express yourself with the kindness of strangers! I know one of the best things that keep me in the mood for is this: Evan doesn't play the violin in real life! And one more thing that really is a gem is: Disney Channel will be airing this movie!