While I was in LA a few months back rubbing shoulders with Hugh Jackman, I had the opportunity to watch an early screening of The Secret World of Arrietty.
To be completely honest with you, when I heard everyone talking about “The Borrowers”, I had no idea what they were talking about. I had never heard a darn thing about anything related to small people living beneath the floorboards of houses and “borrowing” items from the homes inhabitants. But evidently, there is a novel written by Mary Norton that was published in 1952 that this film was based off of.
Oh, the life of a sheltered child…
Arrietty (voice of Bridgit Mendler), a tiny, but tenacious 14-year-old, lives with her parents (voices of Will Arnett and Amy Poehler) in the recesses of a suburban garden home, unbeknownst to the homeowner and her housekeeper (voice of Carol Burnett). Like all little people, Arrietty (AIR-ee-ett-ee) remains hidden from view, except during occasional covert ventures beyond the floorboards to “borrow” scrap supplies like sugar cubes from her human hosts. But when 12-year-old Shawn (voice of David Henrie), a human boy who comes to stay in the home, discovers his mysterious housemate one evening, a secret friendship blossoms. If discovered, their relationship could drive Arrietty’s family from the home and straight into danger.
After watching The Secret World of Arrietty, I was kind of sad that I didn’t have the opportunity to experience The Borrowers, so it’s on my list of things to read to the children. The Secret World of Arrietty is a great story, just as long as it won’t scare your children (people living under your house is just a little weird), and I love the storybook feel of the movie. The colors are incredibly bright and vivid.
I do think it starts out pretty slow and remains slow throughout. Although it did keep my attention, I doubt it would hold the attention of my three young children. They definitely wouldn’t keep up with the story line. But regardless, children are not, I hope the film does as good here in the US as it did Japan.
The Secret World of Arrietty will hit theaters February 17, 2012.
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Sounds like a movie to see – thanks!
Looks good!
The images look beautiful!
I haven’t heard of this either, so thanks for sharing! Will definitely be looking into this when it comes out!
I have to agree I found it a bit slow, but I still liked it.
I remember the Barrowers!!!! that was the cutest film its definitely an older movie but I believe we’ve watched it in the last yr it was on cable. Interesting about the movie it might be a nice under the covers and hot chocolate and marshmallows film
This looks really good. I can’t believe I had not heard of it before.
What an interesting movie – I wonder why I haven’t seen the commercials for this yet!
I havent even heard of this movie, ill have to check it out.
I haven’t heard of this yet! It looks really cute!
I’ve never heard of this – I’ll have to check it out!
I can’t believe you had never heard of The Borrowers!
I love the borrowers! This movie looks too cute!
I have never heard of borrowers either. And this movie looks like it is animated by the same people that animated the movie Ponyo. That was a pretty odd movie, I’ll admit. But this one has me curious.
thanks for the info, never heard of it either
I’ve never heard of The Borrowers either so I’ll have to check that out first!
Oh, “The Borrowers” is a wonderful book. I highly recommend you read it to your kids, or as they’re old enough let them read it!
I have never heard of it, but I think my 12 year old might like to see it.
Sounds interesting! I think I had heard of it but now know I have!
I love The Borrowers. There’s also an older movie based off the book.
Looks like a cute story line. I haven’t heard of this one, either.