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      Madeline

      PG Released Jul 10, 1998 1h 30m Kids & Family Comedy Drama List
      65% 31 Reviews Tomatometer 43% 25,000+ Ratings Audience Score Parisian schoolgirl and orphan Madeline (Hatty Jones) schemes to save her boarding school and home from being closed and sold by its owner, the severe Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne), whose benevolent wife (Stéphane Audran) has recently passed away. Madeline's sweet antics are often a burden to her goodhearted but stern headmistress, Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand), whose true appreciation of Madeline is revealed when Madeline and a schoolboy named Pepito (Kristian de la Osa) are kidnapped. Read More Read Less

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      Critics Consensus

      It may be a tad tedious for older viewers, but Madeline's clever, adventurous heroine is likely to charm its intended audience.

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      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member Even 25 years later this is a lovable, warm hearted adaptation for children of all ages Based on the beloved children's book series by Ludwig Bemelmans back in 1939 focusing on a Parisian child who's oh so curious and brave at the same time played by Hatty Jones The time period is actually set during the 1950s as Lady Covington's school for girls houses 12 little girls headed by Frances McDormand as nun Miss Clevel about to be sold by Mr. Covington His wife dies and he feels it's best to close the school but the girls attempt to stop him in their own way The story is pretty much a collection of the many stories written as this young girl encounters many different challenges and adventures She has her appendix removed, meets a new boy named Papito, is rescued by a dog named Genevieve, and attempts to face Lord Covington It's a brisk 95 minutes but carries quite a lot of charm, childhood innocence, and Jones as Madeline uses enough of her spunk and creativity to succeed Her friends and Miss Clevel are just as likable Whimsical sensibilities are abound with director Daisy Von Scherler Mayer managing to bring the illustrations of the book to life along with the likability of its star A lot of great messages; we can't have something just by wishing it, we shouldn't judge people too quickly This is still one of my favorite childhood films and a very decent adaptation that'll appeal to parents and children for generations Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/10/23 Full Review andy h A sweet memory for several millennials and gen zers, Hatty Jones undeniable adorability and frances mcdormand's undercooked presence make this a worthy treat for family's who watch the cartoon or read the books. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member This movie was okay. I did like it much more than I thought I would! It will probably appeal more to girls than boys, just because of the nature of the film. Some of the content might feel childish to older viewers, but its really a film for all ages. I liked Frances McDormand as the teacher. She was fun to watch! Nigel Hawthorne was also great as the headmaster! The story kind of got a little dry halfway through, and became kind of cheesy! Overall, though it was an okay film! Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review steve d Unwatchable and deeply boring for all but the youngest viewer. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Madeline is a pleasant little film based on the children’s books written by Ludwig Bemelmans. The story is about a school for young girls that is at risk of being shut down. This is particularly frightening for little Madeline who doesn’t have any parents to take care of her if the school is closed. We see the girls get into a number of silly situations along the way, mostly prompted by the actions of Madeline. I wouldn’t necessarily describe her as a trouble-maker, but she is a bit precocious at times. Hatty Jones was simply adorable in the role, and I never found her obnoxious or annoying. I liked how this film shows the relationships between the young kids, because it all felt authentic based on the way children that age will treat one another. Casting Frances McDormand for the role of the nun/teacher Miss Clavel was a great choice, because she nails that mix of stern and compassionate. The film is quite juvenile and silly, so it’s not exactly made for me, but I think those qualities are perfect for the target audience. It does a wonderful job of finding the right tone for a kids’ movie without being aggressively juvenile or condescending, and I will probably end up recommending it to some of my friends with young ones. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 04/27/20 Full Review Audience Member I always loved this movie since I was a little girl! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Critics Reviews

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      Ella Taylor L.A. Weekly This pleasant but pedestrian live-action film has one great thing going for it in the shape of Hatty Jones, a tiny Brit with currant-bun eyes full of forthcoming transgression. Aug 30, 2016 Full Review Lisa Schwarzbaum Entertainment Weekly Rated: C Sep 7, 2011 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Great for young kids and fans of the books. Rated: 3/5 Dec 25, 2010 Full Review Rachel Wagner Rachel's Reviews (YouTube) An underrated gem Apr 11, 2020 Full Review Leigh Paatsch Herald Sun (Australia) This charming kids' pic has aged very well indeed, and is a surefire selection for any young viewers who like their movies mischievous and magical. Rated: 4/5 Oct 12, 2018 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Jul 21, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis Parisian schoolgirl and orphan Madeline (Hatty Jones) schemes to save her boarding school and home from being closed and sold by its owner, the severe Lord Covington (Nigel Hawthorne), whose benevolent wife (Stéphane Audran) has recently passed away. Madeline's sweet antics are often a burden to her goodhearted but stern headmistress, Miss Clavel (Frances McDormand), whose true appreciation of Madeline is revealed when Madeline and a schoolboy named Pepito (Kristian de la Osa) are kidnapped.
      Director
      Daisy von Scherler Mayer
      Producer
      Stanley R. Jaffe
      Screenwriter
      Ludwig Bemelmans, Malia Scotch Marmo, Mark Levin, Jennifer Flackett
      Distributor
      Columbia Tristar, TriStar Pictures
      Production Co
      TriStar Pictures
      Rating
      PG
      Genre
      Kids & Family, Comedy, Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Jul 10, 1998, Wide
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Apr 16, 2012
      Box Office (Gross USA)
      $29.8M
      Runtime
      1h 30m
      Sound Mix
      SDDS, Dolby Digital, Surround
      Aspect Ratio
      Flat (1.85:1)
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