60
If you have someone under 10 to take to the movies, this one is charming and painless.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
40
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
Even Thompson, the one you look forward to watching, is disappointing.
70
Los Angeles Times by Gene Seymour
A spicy little pastry with just the right proportions of flakiness and gooeyness.
63
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
An excellent movie… if you're a seven-year old girl. That's less a negative evaluation than it is a statement of fact. This isn't a "family film;" it's a "children's film."
50
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
One of those raucous, hyperactive kiddie flicks that knocks you upside the head from its opening frame.
83
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
What actors! The great Miriam Margolyes has a wonderful cameo as a scullery maid, and Colin Firth manfully endures a face full of frosting. And then there's Angela Lansbury, playing her first movie role in 20 years as the villainous Aunt Adelaide.
60
The Hollywood Reporter by Ray Bennett
Colorful, noisy and brimming with special effects, the picture may please young audiences simply looking for loud action, but its corny storyline and brittle lack of warmth may discourage both parents and children.
75
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
Will kids like the movie? I suspect they will. Kids like to see other kids learning the rules even if they don't much want to learn them themselves.