Greetings,
So, I'm pretty smart, right? And I've always been that way. Even when I was a youngster. Also, I love mysteries. Whether it's Sherlock Holmes stories or the cases on my favorite show, Law & Order, I like figuring things out with clues. Good times, indeed. So, all things considered, I love Nancy Drew. Now I must admit, I've only read a handful of the books, but that was all it took for me to become a fan. And as it turns out there have been quite a few adaptations of the books, mostly on TV and by way of the PC games, which I love. (Side Note: Check out the YouTube channel of Arglefumph: The Nancy Drew Dude!) But when it comes to film, there were about four of them back in the 30's and then, many decades later came the adaptation I will be discussing today, 2007's Nancy Drew.
Nancy Drew stars Emma Roberts as the titular character, and I happen to think that she was a good choice. She had a certain charm and precociousness about her that fit the character well. The plot of the film follows Nancy, as she and her father, Carson, played by very well cast Tate Donovan, leave their hometown of River Heights and head for L.A. where he has a temporary job. Okay, Problem #1. I have no idea why they took her out of River Heights for this, her first film in about 70 years. I mean, we barely get to see Bess and George, or Hannah. What's up with that? We do get quite a bit of Ned, though, who is played by Max Thieriot. Problem #2. I wasn't necessarily a fan of this choice in casting of such an important character. Believe it or not, I think he looked too young, and I don't think he ever clicked properly. Just my opinion. Oh, and Problem #3, it's set in modern times. At least, it is when they get to L.A., even though everyone in River Heights is acting like it's 1953.
Anyway, when they get out to California, Nancy and her father settle into a house that is the center of a mystery, and she chose it specifically for that reason. Problem #4. I don't recall Nancy ever deliberately going after mysteries. I thought she always just fell into them whilst living her life. Though I could be wrong. The mystery is actually about the disappearance and subsequent death of a famous actress from years earlier. To be fair, that aspect of the film isn't bad at all. It is a decent story which moves the plot along nicely.
But in between trying to solve the mystery, Nancy has to go to school, where she's not at all liked and is picked on by the "cool girls". Although, she does find herself a little sidekick...for the entire duration of the film. Problem # ... whatever. These side characters are kind of annoying. Not knocking the kid actors here. I'm sure they're very nice and talented in real life, but I just don't know about the people they were portraying. They just seem to get in the way. I feel like Nancy would have done much better on her own. Or with Bess and George!! Okay, I have to move on from that.
Look, I know I've been listing my issues with this film, to and fro, but I do think it has some very redeeming qualities, besides the ones I already mentioned. Rachel Leigh Cook, Marshall Bell and Barry Bostwick show up in this and I think they all did a fantastic job. And from a clearly aesthetic perspective, I thought the set design was wonderful, particularly the mystery house. And I loved the wardrobe that they gave Nancy. It was very throwback to a nostalgic time. Like maybe the time in which this film should have been set. No, stop it. We're concentrating on the good things. Of which they are quite a few.
Bottom line is this. I may have some problems with Nancy Drew, but overall, it's not that bad. It's not the best movie I've ever seen, but it sure as heck is not the worst. It is what it is, and what it is, in fact, is a pretty cute film. And sometimes, that's all we need. So, if it seems like something you might enjoy, give it a watch.
Love and full moons,
Becky the Writer
