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Harriet The Spy Reviews

1996 Certificate PG Certificate PG (TBC)
  • Rated:
  • 60
  • from 444 members

Eleven-year-old Harriet's (Michelle Trachtenberg) obsession for observation is well-chronicled in her most treasured possession: a notebook marked "Private," in which she collects her frequently unflattering--though accurate--thoughts about those around her. When her classmates discover her penchant for "spying," however, they'.. Read more

Starring Rosie O'Donnell, Michelle Trachtenberg, Gregory Smith, Charlotte Sullivan
Director Bronwen Hughes
Genres Comedy, Family

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  • Critics' reviews (6) of Harriet The Spy

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  • 3 stars out of 5

    Although a rather slow rendition of the popular children's novel by Louise Fitzhugh, this comedy nevertheless has a lot of enthusiasm and nice performances going for it, which should enchant fans of the book. Harriet is the schoolgirl who spies on her friends and family, making copious observations about them in her secret notebook. It's hardly a surprise that, when the book falls into the wrong hands and Harriet's scribblings are read out, her subjects are none too pleased. While not as colourful or zippily paced as the novel, this is a quirky film from director Bronwen Hughes, which benefits from a great group of kids and a warm adult performance from Rosie O'Donnell as Harriet's nanny.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • "...A sweet-natured morality tale....Trachtenberg is fresh and natural....Her interactions with O'Donnell, who lends her character the right balance of eccentricity and maturity, are particularly enjoyable..."

    • Variety
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • "...WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE for pre-adolescents....The glee and neurotic terror of a kid lurching into adult consciousness..." -- Rating: B+

    • Entertainment Weekly
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • Most helpful members' reviews (3) of Harriet The Spy

    View all

  • Rated - 5 stars

    good topic

    I rate this 5 not because any special effect but because of subject! This very good movies which deal with the issue of bully it a must fos primary school children and adult who can watcth this and discuss the issue

      • A customer from se
      • Posted 28 Jun 2005 20:42

  • Rated - 5 stars

    magical michelle

    wonderful entertaining family film,very good and michelle is excellent.

      • david campbell from troon,scotland
      • Posted 31 Mar 2006 15:38

  • Rated - 5 stars

    excellent classic children's film

    my sister and I used to watch this when we were little (near enough when it came out) it is an excellent film and still one of ou favourites! Must watch this if you've got kids, as it is a family film for sure.

      • ebbyru from Hornchurch
      • Posted 03 May 2008 19:23

  • Most recent members' reviews (2) of Harriet The Spy

    View all

  • Rated - 5 stars

    good topic

    I rate this 5 not because any special effect but because of subject! This very good movies which deal with the issue of bully it a must fos primary school children and adult who can watcth this and discuss the issue

      • A customer from se
      • Posted 28 Jun 2005 20:42

  • Rated - 5 stars

    magical michelle

    wonderful entertaining family film,very good and michelle is excellent.

      • david campbell from troon,scotland
      • Posted 31 Mar 2006 15:38

  • Rated - 5 stars

    good topic

    I rate this 5 not because any special effect but because of subject! This very good movies which deal with the issue of bully it a must fos primary school children and adult who can watcth this and discuss the issue

      • A customer from se
      • Posted 28 Jun 2005 20:42

  • Rated - 5 stars

    magical michelle

    wonderful entertaining family film,very good and michelle is excellent.

      • david campbell from troon,scotland
      • Posted 31 Mar 2006 15:38

  • Rated - 5 stars

    excellent classic children's film

    my sister and I used to watch this when we were little (near enough when it came out) it is an excellent film and still one of ou favourites! Must watch this if you've got kids, as it is a family film for sure.

      • ebbyru from Hornchurch
      • Posted 03 May 2008 19:23

  • Rated - 4 stars

    Good

    I didn't watch it but my daughters instructed me to rate highly. Apparantly a better than average film.

      • A customer from Glasgow
      • Posted 21 Oct 2008 20:50
  • 2 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    For all the family

    This film entranced everyone - 11 year old boy, 7 year old girl, mum and dad - no mean feat!

      • A customer from London
      • Posted 02 Mar 2004 09:09

  • Critics' reviews (6)

  • 3 stars out of 5

    Although a rather slow rendition of the popular children's novel by Louise Fitzhugh, this comedy nevertheless has a lot of enthusiasm and nice performances going for it, which should enchant fans of the book. Harriet is the schoolgirl who spies on her friends and family, making copious observations about them in her secret notebook. It's hardly a surprise that, when the book falls into the wrong hands and Harriet's scribblings are read out, her subjects are none too pleased. While not as colourful or zippily paced as the novel, this is a quirky film from director Bronwen Hughes, which benefits from a great group of kids and a warm adult performance from Rosie O'Donnell as Harriet's nanny.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • "...A sweet-natured morality tale....Trachtenberg is fresh and natural....Her interactions with O'Donnell, who lends her character the right balance of eccentricity and maturity, are particularly enjoyable..."

    • Variety
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • "...WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE for pre-adolescents....The glee and neurotic terror of a kid lurching into adult consciousness..." -- Rating: B+

    • Entertainment Weekly
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • Adapted from Louise Fitzhugh's 1964 novel about a determined 11-year-old, this primary-coloured piece is a sweet but... read more on Time Out

    • Time Out
    • Posted 04 Nov 2008

  • "...This spunky movie takes daring detours all the time..." -- 3 out of 4 stars

    • USA Today
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

  • "...A smart-kid movie, with big lessons and even some subtlety..."

    • Los Angeles Times
    • Posted 11 Mar 2005

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      • Eleven-year-old Harriet's (Michelle Trachtenberg) obsession for observation is well-chronicled in her most treasured possession: a notebook marked "Private," in which she collects her frequently ...

Rating breakdown

444 Member ratings
  • 100
28
  • 90
25
  • 80
44
  • 70
59
  • 60
91
  • 50
63
  • 40
51
  • 30
37
  • 20
31
  • 10
15

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