This updated version of the childhood classic sleuthing series, Nancy Drew, is a refreshing family movie for the summer.

My son, age 11, surprised me by asking to go see it this last week. I was surprised, but looked up a few reviews and it looked pretty good.

Nancy Drew, coming from the naive and innocent hometown she does, ends up with her father in California. While one might assume that this would simply be another "teen" movie about a girl "fitting" in and beginning to make friends in a place (high school) where she is clearly out of place (the California coast), the movie surprises you to the end. Nancy Drew doesn't lose her independent view of life nor does she lose the penny loafers. This isn't just another movie about a girl who loses her "little girl ways" while growing up and begins to go from the awkward stage to the "grown up" stage. In fact, Nancy is probably already the "grown up" in this movie, with her organized sling bag and "tinned" pastries she uses to bribe information out of folks during her sleuthing. She is opinionated, strong, and already knows where she is headed in life. Not many movies portray such a strong, independent role model for young women. This movie does.

Sweet, refreshing, and a fabulous role model for pre-teen girls, this young actress did a fine job portraying the character we all grew up with. My son and I both came out of the theater very happy with the movie choice.

I could also see this movie as a new TV series or as a series of movies, there could potentially be much more material under the surface with this character.

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Family Movie
Viewing Method: Other
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Pacing