Matt Kramer
This latest movie from American Girl is the gift you give to your daughter, granddaughter, or niece who loves ballet and dance, because Isabelle not only dances into the spotlight but also on the screen for most of the film! While the previous two American Girl movies of recent years focused on a specific talent (gymnastics with McKenna and painting with Saige), this one really, really focuses on ballet, so ballet students will feel right at home with all the dancing, ballet terms, rehearsals, and of course, the production of The Nutcracker (which any and all dancers could probably do in their sleep). For non-ballerina girls, it's still good fun, but ballet girls will especially enjoy and identify with it.The production is very handsome and colorful, this being director Vince Marcello's third consecutive outing with American Girl. It looks and feels very much like McKenna and Saige, which means there are plenty of giggle scenes and lots and lots of sweetness, quite a bit more than in the earlier AG films that were based on the historical dolls.Yes, some could comment on the sugary approach or the giggle dialogue, but here's the deal. American Girl is one of the only companies in the known world producing clean, wholesome, innocent entertainment for children. I am very glad they continue to dance in the spotlight with fun and suitable family viewing. It's sweet and heartfelt, and our children need as much of that as they can get. Thanks, AG!
