Madeline (1998)

This film is simply one of those light-hearted creations that keeps you spellbound from title to credits. "Madeline" is a tour-de-force for the children's film industry ... a true masterpiece that touches the heart. The acting far surpasses what one might expect from young talents such those in the movie -- Hatty Jones and Clare Thomas were absolutely superb -- though the grown-ups didn't do badly, either. In fact, much of the credit should go to the "twelve little girls" and the "bad hat" next door, all of whom shared a magnificent performance that did justice to the original characters. They added the essential touch of "cuteness" without appearing overly innocent (Madeline had a mischievous streak that would rival Kevin McAllister's).

In summary, "Madeline" is a film with just the right ingredients to make even adults squeal with delight. While many other "family films" have a tendency to fall flat, this one rises to the occasion and stares right at the competition with a straightforward "Pooh pooh". Three cheers and two thumbs way up for a job well done! Bravo!

Fmovies: I saw it when I was 8 or so, more than once I believe since I remember it perfectly (around 10 years ago) and I can say that this was a great movie, with a great message, movies like that are missing these days. Sometimes I'm just sorry for some films supposedly "for children" but with plots or a storyline that I think are an insult to their intelligence.

"Madeline" was an innocent, simple and funny movie that I really enjoyed and highly recommend to families, reminded me of "Matilda". I can't wait to see it again when I have kids....

I didn't see that little girl (Hatty Jones) in any other movie which I think is very sad for child actors, but Frances MacDormand is very funny.

I was fortunate enough to see "Madeline" on a plane trip. Through babysitting, I had viewed the cartoon series and even read a book. I'm happy to say that I quite enjoy Madeline's adventures and was pleased to see it turned into a movie. I was saddened, however, when the movie, though accurate, did not turn out to be as adventurous as I had imagined. Full credit to the cast - it was not their acting but rather the pathetic state of the staging where three storylines were written rather stiltedly. It was mild entertainment but I'd only recommend it to fans of the series/books and younger children. Better luck next time...

Madeline fmovies. In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines, Lived twelve little girls in two straight lines.

If you don't know and love those lines, and if your children don't either, then none of you are likely to enjoy Madeline very much.

Ludwig Bemelans wrote those opening words for the first Madeline book published in 1939. Admirers of Bemelans cite his charming, economical use of words and images. He also illustrated his stories. Madeline the film is by all accounts a faithful homage to this man's notable children's literature.

It's possible that some parents have schooled their children to appreciate the Madeline tales but if they haven't it's likely that Madeline will be considered a little too tame by all but the real littlelees. There's just none of the brash, relatively violent noise of most children's film fare here.

However the film does star Frances McDormand (Fargo) and Nigel Hawthorne (Yes Minister, The Madness Of King George) and they do what they can with a film that some will find charming.

Hawthorne in particular is particularly touching in one of the final scenes. And young Hatty Jones is appropriately determined and fearless.

If you are looking for crashes, explosions, graphic violence, graphic sex, foul language-look elsewhere.Absolutely captivating children's movie for the whole family. Good screen version of a few of Bemelman's stories well acted by a good cast.Mc Dormond is fine as Miss Clavel ,the nun who runs the house all covered with vines with 12 little girls in two straight lines. Hattie Jones is perfect as the mischievous and adventuresome Madeline, the smallest of the girls.Story has something to do with the school closing, but it does not matter.What is here is well acted, directed and moves at a good pace without any dull stretches. A perfect example of a movie that doesn't "talk down" to its audience. The movie does manage to capture the essence of the characters and they all are fine. Paris never looked so good, even if the time line was changed from the 1930s to the 1950s. The transitions from French to English dialogue can be somewhat confusing, but in the light of the films overall context, they can be overlooked. Film is sweet without being saccharine or overly sugary, and the authority figures do not come across as boobs or idiots, but rather as believable characters.Its a shame that Hattie Jones never made another movie. Her portrayal as Madeline hits all the right notes. She will not disappoint Madeline fans-and there are many, including myself. A charming movie and a treat, Madeline has an overall sense of innocence that seems all too rare in this day and age. Surprisingly intelligent and faithful to its sources, Madeline is a keeper!

Not entirely captivating by all means, but very sweet and charming. While the story has some weak spots and the screenplay superficial at times, what saves it is how it is filmed and acted and how it keeps to the spirit of the picture books. I for one loved how it was filmed; I wasn't expecting another Wizard of Oz or Secret Garden, but the film is very nicely shot, with some dark serious tones but I particularly loved the shots of the Parisian skies. The music is beautiful as well and has a certain liveliness to it. The acting is very good; Hattie Jones has a very likable spunk and with her cute appearance the camera clearly loves her. Frances McDormond is perfectly cast as Miss Clavel, staying true to her character. Nigel Hawthorne is given less to do, but he does well with what he is given as Lord Covington(or Lord Cukooface as the girls call him). Overall, this is a charming and I think underrated film. 8/10 Bethany Cox