Perfect cast and a good story

People are voting emotionally.

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

I loved this movie. It tugs at your heartstrings a la "Little House on the Prairie", but it also teaches young viewers a lot about the time in which Samantha lived -- and the social issues that the people of 1904 were confronting. My daughter and I have had several discussions prompted by this movie and it even amazes me how much things have changed in a century. Today's girls can hardly imagine children working in factories or women not being allowed to vote. Samantha, though privileged and isolated, admirably deals with her problems with courage and great sensitivity.The acting could be a little better and there is one factory scene that's a bit disturbing, but overall, it's definitely worth watching.

I loved this movie! I collected the American Girls Dolls as a child and have read most the books. Samantha was my favorite. The movie followed the books pretty well. Of course, some was left out, but thats normal. It was fantastic. Samantha's character was portrayed well. Her determination to save Nellie was very admirable. Grandmary was done very well. The movie was a good length for a children's movie. The tale was very moving. Seeing Samantha grow and learn was done so well. The viewer felt involved in the story. The childhood connection made the movie greater. The cast was perfect. The chemistry really helped it seem like they were a real family that truly cared and loved each other. I highly recommend this movie.

Obviously, the target audience for a movie like this is young girls who love the American Girls Collection. But within that, it is a thoroughly enjoyable treat, made specifically for kids but not at all the sort of movie that will drive grown-ups crazy.The story is sweet and simple, but heartwarming, about a rich little girl named Samantha growing up in 1904. The script takes the various adventures from the Samantha books in the American Girls Collection, from Samantha's friendship with servant girl Nellie to the wedding of Uncle Gard and Aunt Cornelia to Samantha's speaking contest at her school in New York City, and blends them together in a very satisfying way- sure to please any girl who has the doll or has read the books! And perhaps what makes this "kid's movie" more appealing to the entire family is the inclusion of the historic happenings of 1904 America, when the motor car was an exciting new invention and the Suffrage movement had begun. This is, of course, the basis of the American Girls Collection and it's a wonderful way to bone up on your history and be entertained at the same time (hey, I didn't know that's when showers were invented!).AnnaSophia Robb, who plays the title role, is quite a familiar face to family audiences, having starred as Opal in Because of Winn-Dixie and as the infamous gum-chewing, girl-turned-blueberry Violet Beauregarde in Tim Burton's Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. AnnaSophia is a very talented young actress, and she plays the role of Samantha with a nice combination of sweetness and spunk (and she's cute without being cutesy, which is always a relief for the grown-ups). In fact, most of the cast is stellar, and Jordan Bridges (son of Beau Bridges) plays fun-loving Uncle Gard with a blend of charm and realism. Surprisingly enough, Mia Farrow, who plays Samantha's proper Grandmary and is undoubtedly the most famous performer in the lineup, is a trifle stilted and seems to be upstaged by the rest of the troop.The fact that there are only two or three males in the entire show indicates that this is not really a boy's movie (I'm a grown-up boy, so I have permission to watch these kinds of movies and not be embarrassed anymore). Still, this is terrific family entertainment, for girls who love the American Girls, and for anyone who loves to walk away from a movie feeling good!

This film was delightful from the start to its somewhat predictable conclusion. A touching story was well presented in this beautifully made movie with surprisingly good performances from all the actors, even the young stars. It will be a holiday classic to be enjoyed for years to come with our entire family. The girls who play Samantha and Nellie are perfectly casted in these parts, and deliver terrific poerformances that lend to the realism of the story. Young and old alike will enjoy this movie, which surprised me by being as good as it was. Although the movie was sponsored by American Girl (who sell a line of dolls from the movie), it was easy to totally forget this while watching it. Hats off to all the sponsors, actors, and producers - for knocking this beautiful move "out of the park"! It just couldn't have been done any better and delivered a joyful and beautiful holiday message that can be applied every day - don't be afraid to stand up and keep trying for what is right, and eventually things will work out well. What a delight!