Nancy Drew (2008)

Nancy Drew (Emma Roberts) has made quite a name for herself in River Heights by always being one-step ahead of local law enforcement. The young sleuth loves the thrill of mystery. When her lawyer father Carson (Tate Donovan) heads to L.A., Nancy is right alongside. Although she commits to becoming a normal teenager at her father's insistence, mystery finds Nancy. Before long, she's on the case of a 1950s screen siren's murder and someone doesn't want any 'meddling kids' around.

The stories of Nancy Drew from Carolyn Keene filled my impressionable years with adventure, mystery, and fun like no other. Those yellow-spined tomes still make my heart jump. 2007's adaptation of the literary gumshoe had no chance.

Emma Roberts is adorable. She tries. Nothing, however, can save this movie from itself. The screenplay is deplorable and instead of developing the literary character, writer/director Andrew Fleming reinvents the beloved character to modern day--Smallville drops and all. Fleming explains away Nancy's propensity for sweater sets, headbands and penny loafers as "I like old things."

The production is solid and obviously respects the well-known character. Part mystery, part comedy, the film is enjoyable. The cast obviously relish their roles as the film has a carefree attitude towards the most glaring and unrealistic of story lines. Cameos from Chris Kattan, Eddie Jemison and Bruce Willis are also fun.

Nancy Drew goes the way of {now svelte} Care Bears and {annoyingly sassy} Strawberry Shortcake. What's next?! My Little Pony?! PLEASE stop ruining my childhood memories!!!

For what it is, Nancy Drew is a family-friendly girl-power movie. If it inspires another generation to read, I'm happy. Don't watch, as I do, expecting to see the Bess, Hannah, and Nancy Drew of Keene--just enjoy for the decidedly safe send-up it wants to be.