Tass, Nadia

The Miracle Worker

Fans of "Pepsi Girl" Hallie Kate Eisenberg will find her scarcely recognizable as the silent, sullen young Helen Keller. Blind, deaf, and mute, Helen is unable to communicate with her family except through temper tantrums. She is allowed to eat with her hands, tear buttons off the clothes of others, and even knock over the baby's cradle. She is barely pacified with candy and headed toward institutionalization when Annie Sullivan enters her life. Plagued with vision problems of her own and orphaned at a young age, Sullivan has the right mix of steeliness and empathy to turn her young student's behavior around and teach her language. Allison Elliot (The Spitfire Grill) disappears into the role of the teacher whose job is made tougher by Helen's imperious plantation-owner father (David Strathairn) and soft-centered mother when they doubt her authority and challenge her methods. This Disney television remake of the Oscar-winning 1962 original--based on William Gibson's play--lacks some of the emotional impact of its predecessor, especially in the climactic pump scene. Eisenberg often seems a little stiff as the wildcat Helen, but Elliott and the able supporting cast make this 88-minute update worthwhile. Ages 7 and up. --Kimberly Heinrichs

This contemporary version of the classic true story stars the acclaimed talents of Hallie Kate Eisenberg (THE INSIDER, BEAUTIFUL, and BICENTENNIAL MAN) as Helen Keller, and Alison Elliot (THE SPITFIRE GRILL, THE WINGS OF THE DOVE) as Annie Sullivan. Helen, who has been unable to speak, hear, or see since childhood, is increasingly difficult to educate, and her parents find Annie Sullivan. Although she is new to teaching, it is through Annie's strong will and unshakable faith that Helen discovers how to survive and thrive in the world through the eyes and ears of others. Your family will love this story of these remarkable American women.

Felicity - An American Girl Adventure

The doll you love comes home on DVD in a full-length live-action movie. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure has all the joy excitement and you-are-there history of the best-selling books about Felicity Merriman a spirited girl growing up in Virginia in the years just before the American Revolution. Nine-year-old Felicity (Shailene Woodley) knows she's supposed to stay quietly indoors doing "sitting-down kinds of things." But she yearns for the freedom of the outdoors...and especially for the adventure of riding horses. Then she meets a beautiful copper-colored mare who's mistreated by her cruel owner. When Felicity tries to rescue the horse she calls Penny she learns valuable lessons about loyalty responsibility and independence.Running Time: 80 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 012569723573

The American Girl Movie Collection (Samantha - An American Girl Holiday / Felicity - An American Girl Adventure / Molly - An American Girl on the Home Front)

Samantha - An American Girl Holiday

A live-action movie based on American Girl's most popular character Samantha! Every little girl will want to share Samantha's adventures in the bustling New York City of 1904.Running Time: 86 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 012569457829

The American Girl collection of books, dolls, and accessories makes its film debut in this inaugural title featuring bestselling character Samantha, in a live-action holiday story set in 1904. AnnaSophia Robb plays Samantha Parkington, a poised yet playful 9-year-old who lives with her wealthy grandmother (Mia Farrow) in a country estate after the untimely death of her parents. Still grieving her loss, Samantha takes comfort in her friendships with new pal Nellie, a servant girl, and her dashing Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges), a successful businessman. When Uncle Gard marries Cornelia (Rebecca Mader), Samantha is reluctant to embrace this female "intruder" until she spends three months with the newlyweds in New York City. In time, Samantha grows to trust and admire Cornelia, a spirited suffragette. Emboldened by Cornelia's example, Samantha takes her own courageous risks to improve the plight of some young orphans. This superbly produced film provides a glimpse into America during the Industrial Revolution, while showcasing the promising talents of young Robb. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson

Child Star - The Shirley Temple Story

Newcomer Ashley Rose Orr sings and dances up a storm in this made-for-TV movie from Disney. Based on Shirley Temple Black's autobiography, Child Star, the movie does an excellent job of depicting her life as a beacon of hope during the depression years. If Orr doesn't look exactly like the pint-sized dynamo (or act as well), she captures her effervescent essence--her sparkle--and is ably supported by Connie Britton and Colin Friels as her naive, if supportive, parents. The story falters when it skips to Temple at 15, three years after Twentieth Century Fox had severed its ties with her. As the movie ends, we see her returning to acting. It isn't made clear that this would only be a temporary return or that she would devote the rest of her life to politics. Until that point, however, this is a compelling portrait of the quintessential child star. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

As America struggled through the Great Depression in the 1930s, a little girl with big dimples and indescribable charm danced her way into the hearts of moviegoers around the world. Based on the true story of child star Shirley Temple, portrayed by look-alike Ashley Rose Orr (Broadway's ANNIE GET YOUR GUN), this delightful film follows Shirley's early career, starting with her discovery by a studio executive at age four. Adored by the public almost overnight, Shirley quickly became Hollywood's top box office draw. But as her fame grew to legendary status, Shirley's parents, George and Gertrude Temple (Connie Britton TV's SPIN CITY), struggled to protect her from overzealous fans, Hollywood exploitation and, eventually, the end of her studio contract and the threat of financial ruin. Filled with famous song-and-dance routines, wonderfully recreated and expertly performed, CHILD STAR: THE SHIRLEY TEMPLE STORY, is pure joy for families and fans worldwide!

Samantha - An American Girl Holiday (Limited Edition Gift Set w/Locket)

A live-action movie based on American Girl's most popular character Samantha! Every little girl will want to share Samantha's adventures in the bustling New York City of 1904.Running Time: 86 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 012569457928

The American Girl collection of books, dolls, and accessories makes its film debut in this inaugural title featuring bestselling character Samantha, in a live-action holiday story set in 1904. AnnaSophia Robb plays Samantha Parkington, a poised yet playful 9-year-old who lives with her wealthy grandmother (Mia Farrow) in a country estate after the untimely death of her parents. Still grieving her loss, Samantha takes comfort in her friendships with new pal Nellie, a servant girl, and her dashing Uncle Gard (Jordan Bridges), a successful businessman. When Uncle Gard marries Cornelia (Rebecca Mader), Samantha is reluctant to embrace this female "intruder" until she spends three months with the newlyweds in New York City. In time, Samantha grows to trust and admire Cornelia, a spirited suffragette. Emboldened by Cornelia's example, Samantha takes her own courageous risks to improve the plight of some young orphans. This superbly produced film provides a glimpse into America during the Industrial Revolution, while showcasing the promising talents of young Robb. (Ages 8 and older) --Lynn Gibson

Amy

Felicity and Samantha: An American Girl Gift Set

Felicity: An American Girl Adventure:The doll you love comes home on DVD in a full-length live-action movie. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure has all the joy excitement and you-are-there history of the best-selling books about Felicity Merriman a spirited girl growing up in Virginia in the years just before the American Revolution. Nine-year-old Felicity (Shailene Woodley) knows she's supposed to stay quietly indoors doing "sitting-down kinds of things." But she yearns for the freedom of the outdoors...and especially for the adventure of riding horses. Then she meets a beautiful copper-colored mare who's mistreated by her cruel owner. When Felicity tries to rescue the horse she calls Penny she learns valuable lessons about loyalty responsibility and independence. Samantha: An American Girl Adventure: A live-action movie based on American Girl's most popular character Samantha! Every little girl will want to share Samantha's adventures in the bustling New York City of 1904.System Requirements:Running Time: 172 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating: NR UPC: 012569725904

Felicity - An American Girl Adventure (Gift Pack with Book and Doll)

Felicity - An American Girl Adventure (Gift Pack with Bracelet)

The doll you love comes home on DVD in a full-length live-action movie. Felicity: An American Girl Adventure has all the joy excitement and you-are-there history of the best-selling books about Felicity Merriman a spirited girl growing up in Virginia in the years just before the American Revolution. Nine-year-old Felicity (Shailene Woodley) knows she's supposed to stay quietly indoors doing "sitting-down kinds of things." But she yearns for the freedom of the outdoors...and especially for the adventure of riding horses. Then she meets a beautiful copper-colored mare who's mistreated by her cruel owner. When Felicity tries to rescue the horse she calls Penny she learns valuable lessons about loyalty responsibility and independence.Running Time: 80 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY UPC: 012569725898