Introduction: When we begin to read a book, literary experts encourage us to enter into the "Great Conversation." We are to interact with the story, inquiring into its message. Ask the 5 W's of journalism: Who, What, When, Where, Why. In the end, learn from what we read.
Movies are no different. The same "Great Conversation" occurs in movies; but instead of reading the story, we watch it unfold before our eyes. Directors, actors, and special effects experts do all the work of making a tale come to life, leaving very little for our imagination to create. Consequently, it takes less brain power to watch Sense & Sensibility than it does to actually read Jane Austen's classic. However, this doesn't give us license to check our brains at the door when we go to the movie theater.
Geoff Botkins, a film producer who has helped produce Vision Forum's Independent Christian Film Festival in San Antonio, Texas, stated that films are a teaching medium. Those who write the screenplays and direct the films are communicating their beliefs. We are to never watch films as passive entertainment but are to be active in understanding what these people are trying to teach us--the "Great (Film) Conversation."
Hence the goal of these movie reviews: to identify what the screenwriters, directors, and actors are trying to teach us and what worldviews they set before us.
A Plot Overview:
When I was younger, I read a few of the Nancy Drew books but never got into them though I am a great mystery novel fan. From the little I read, I could appreciate who this girl was: an inquisitive, go-getter who was always thinking outside the box.
The film then is no different character-wise. Emma Roberts embodies the innocent and inventive Miss Drew wholeheartedly which gives the film a cheery, light-hearted overtone.
As the writers and director work, they incorporate the classic 1930s and 1940s character with modern technology. This time Nancy Drew has to solve the mystery of her and her father's rental mansion in L.A. with the help of her iPod, cell phones, and the Internet.
Girl on a Mission:
From the very first moment of the film to the closing credits, we are shown a young girl who is unique and interesting. Modern movies are consistently parading characters who try their very hardest to be "cool", "hip", and "in-style." (The Princess Diaries and Freaky Friday come to mind.) In this movie, however, not only is Nancy Drew not trying to fit in but she doesn't even try to be "normal." When confronted about her style of clothing, she confidently states with a smile, "I like old-fashion things." The film makers show, quite well, that it is acceptable, and even encouraged, to be who you were created to be (and we would say as God created you to be). It is a refreshing message to be sent in a world of constant peer pressure.
Nancy Drew's wardrobe is topic of discussion in the film and will be here as well. Ms. Drew's entire wardrobe seemed to be constructed of modest, yet tasteful clothing; fashionable yet covering. On the other hand, the teen-age girls who do wear the modern style which is quite revealing are presented as well, rather distastefully dressed. Again, a message that is not normally sent via the silver screen.
Finally, in the center of all of Nancy's sleuthing is the desire to help other people. This is a lesson we are told she learned from her father. Together they try and help those who cannot do it themselves. With powerful gifts, they have a unique position to aid others and this they do most willingly.
A Few Words of Caution:
Though the film has a great deal of positive messages, there are a few of disappointing areas.
Nancy and her father move from River Heights to L.A. where her dad takes a temporary job. Because he is going to be very busy with work and Los Angeles is a very different world from River Heights, Mr. Drew asks his daughter not to do any sleuthing while in the new city. Directly against his wishes, Nancy investigates the mystery of their mansion. The desire to be who she is (a detective) conflicts with her father's request to not solve mysteries. The film shows "following who you are" overrides the command to obey your parents. Scripture tells us, "Honor your father and your mother that it may go well with you." Not once did I hear an apology from Nancy for not obeying her father.
Nancy's father also encourages her to be "normal" which to him means doing the normal thing teenagers do such as throw a rowdy party (see next paragraph). It is disappointing to see that the filmmakers showed this stereotype of a father. Instead of encouraging his daughter to not compromise who she was and just not sleuth, he told her to go be like the "other kids." This is not a happy thought when we see who the other kids are.
A word might be said here to those worried about the party scene that is shown in the trailers. Nancy Drew was throwing a birthday party and handed out invitations at school. However, two of the girls invited decide to bring their own friends to party. Thus, the event gets rather out of hand. Loud music is blared, teens are destructive to the property, and a reference is made to "making-out". At the end the police are called because of the disturbance. Mr. Drew congratulates Nancy on trying to be "normal" and having a rowdy party. This type of get-together between teens is not necessarily encouraged but neither is it discouraged.
In Conclusion:
My mom and I had a thoroughly wonderful time together at this movie and it is truly a girl flick!
Much can be said for this film who's main character doesn't compromise who she is and never once feels bad for being so. As my mom likes to quote, " 'Normal' is just a setting on the dryer!" This is the truth that could have been this films tag line. Nancy is just fine the way she is. In fact being "un-normal" makes her all the more likable.
So for an afternoon movie that is a mile wide and an inch deep, it is a lighthearted story that encourages young girls to be modest and innocent, yet not oblivious to the wonderful world around them.
--HM
