Like so many other girls, I grew up enjoying the adventures of Madeline. I was hesitant when I first heard about the making of this movie. It was like hearing that Tom Hanks would do a serious role, or that Jack Nicholson could play The Joker... I just didn't see it. I was so pleasantly surprised by this movie! The casting of Frances McDormand was impeccable. She had just the right amount of feeling and structure for the role. And the writers didn't revert to the old trick of using the "lead authority figure" as their comedic relief. It would have been a shame to have reduced the figure of Miss Clavell to that of a clown. Several stories from the books have been wonderfully intertwined and makes for great viewing. Young Hattie was a great find for the role of Madeline as well, not precocious, just darn good. This is a great family movie, though not necessarily for the young boys of the family. It was made for girls who know and love Madeline. I highly recommend it!
