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Thoughts on the Homeless American Girl Doll

babysugar — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 08:00:08 -0700

I'm all for exposing my child to the different walks of life. One of the reasons why I believe in the public school system is that children can get a taste of the real world by making friends with different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. Taking kids along to volunteer can open their eyes and show them how good it feels to help those less fortunate. Having said all that, I'm not sure where I stand on the newest addition to the American Girl doll lineup.

As the economy has suffered, more children have become homeless. As a way to teach children about the unfortunate plight of some youngsters, the toy makers created a limited edition "homeless" doll named Gwen. I understand the concept and think it could be a great talking point but it does seem a tad ironic that the pretty lil blonde lass costs $95. While that's the going rate for the highly coveted dolls, it seems the company could have helped the homeless cause even more if they made the proceeds go directly to a homeless cause, say one that might actually help homeless children even. What's your take on the latest American Girl doll?

What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday

BuzzSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:30:46 -0700

All of the new DVD releases hit stores (and Netflix) on Tuesdays. So each week in What to Netflix: New DVD Tuesday, I sort through the best of the batch and tell you what to add to your queue. In addition to the selections below you can also add to your queue the kid-friendly adventure Journey to the Center of the Earth.

The L Word
Before the fifth season of Showtime's The L Word started this Summer, there were a lot of questions: Is Jenny still going to be so terrible? Is Shane settling down to make a family (uh, for real this time)? Will Alice stay with Tasha when she's shipped back to Iraq? Well, some of you may know the answers to these questions and some may not.

Now you can take home the entire season to catch up or relive the glory this Winter before the sixth and final season airs Sunday, Jan. 18. Special features include "The 2008 Wolfe Women's Party in Tampa" and "The Making of the Subaru Pink Ride."

Two more selections up next so read more.

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl
I bet there are a lot of little girls (and OK, big ones, too) that are super excited for the release of this movie, which stars Abigail Breslin as the intrepid budding journalist Kit Kittredge. Interestingly, the Depression-era feel-good flick is actually kind of timely now, given the current climate. Netflix describes the plot as such: "With Kit's father (Chris O'Donnell) away looking for a job, her mother (Julia Ormond) takes in boarders to make ends meet - and when the family savings are stolen during a series of robberies, Kit sets about finding the thief."

You'd think a movie like this one would have a special features bonanza attached to it but as it is, there's just an "American Girl Movie Trailer Gallery" featuring previews for direct-to-DVD American Girl movies.

Death Defying Acts
I noted over the Summer how strange it is that a movie with two big-name actors and an acclaimed director had almost zero publicity around its opening weekend. But that was the situation with Death Defying Acts, a story set in 1926 Britain where Harry Houdini (Guy Pearce) "enters into a passionate affair with a Scottish psychic (Catherine Zeta-Jones). The psychic and her daughter (Saoirse Ronan) attempt to con Houdini during a highly publicized séance to contact his mother whose death has haunted him for many years. However, all does not go to plan."

Despite the red flags, I still think it sounds pretty cool and I love that little Atonement actress so I'm definitely adding this to my list of movies to watch at home. Special features include commentary by director Gillian Armstrong and producer Marian MacGowan, and a making-of featurette.

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Link Time! 10/14

BuzzSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 13:30:25 -0700

American Girl announced yesterday that it would discontinue all products related to Samantha Parkington?! - Popwatch
Were those a bunch of clues about the future on How I Met Your Mother last night? - The TV Addict
Check out a list of the seven funniest horror movies, and the lowdown on this year's most popular movie-inspired Halloween costumes (Joker, Iron Man, etc.). - Cinematical
Check out Bjork's new single, with backup help from Thom Yorke. - Stereogum
Scrooge McDuck pops up on a list of TV characters you could trust with your money in these tough economic times. - TV Squad
Guillermo del Toro discusses his new take on Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five. - MTV Movies Blog
Practice your Office lingo with this "Addictionary." - Pop Candy
Click here to chat about Rocco DiSpirito's hot pink ruffly number from this week's Dancing With the Stars, and make your official winner predictions. - Watch With Kristin
Celebrating the news of a new Saturday Night Live clip site. - geeksugar

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Did You Ever Get Into the American Girl Series?

BuzzSugar — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 08:00:37 -0700

I've already declared my love of the American Girl books, which I enjoyed mostly because they incorporated interesting historical stuff into stories about girls who - aside from the differences in time periods - were just girls like me and my friends. Now, even though I'm an adult with no kids, I'm excited to see the adorable Abigail Breslin play Kit Kittredge in the movie adaptation heading to theaters just in time for the 4th of July.

Not only did I love the books, but I was the ecstatic recipient of a Kirsten doll at one point. My friend's mother even sewed us pajamas that matched our dolls (the white nightgown for me and Kirsten, the red-and-white striped two-piece PJs for my friend and her Molly doll). At that time, there were only three girls to learn about: Kirsten, Molly and Samantha. Now there are tons! And customizable dolls, too. It's crazy to think how far the American Girls have come over the years.

Was the American Girl series a part of your childhood, too?

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First American Girl Feature Film: Kit Kittredge

BuzzSugar — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:34:05 -0800

I don't know about you, but before I was all about The Babysitters Club I couldn't get enough of the American Girl book series. Of course, these days there is all sorts of American Girl stuff to accompany the stories, and there are way more than just the basic five or six characters I grew up with.

With fond American Girl memories in mind, I recently watched the trailer for the first American Girl feature film: Kit Kittredge, with Abigail Breslin in the starring role. Kit Kittredge is a Depression-era American Girl with (what else?) a go-getter attitude and a fierce determination to become a great journalist. With a supporting cast that includes Joan Cusack, Stanley Tucci, Chris O'Donnell and Jane Krakowski, I'm genuinely looking forward to seeing this movie.

Kit Kittredge arrives in theaters July 2, so to check out the trailer, read more

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Kit Kittredge: An American Girl: Interview with Chris O'Donnell

LilSugar — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:00:25 -0700

He caught our eye as Charlie Simms, the kind hearted collegian, playing opposite Al Pacino in Scent of a Woman and young ladies swooned when he broke up a Circle of Friends as Jack Foley. Chris O'Donnell is the quintessential American male with conventional good looks, smarts and the friendly disposition of the boy, now man, next door. He's the kind of guy that men and mothers like. And, he's the only actor that made us believe that Meredith might pass up McDreamy.

The real life father of five - Lily, 8, Chip, 7, Charlie, 4, Finley, 2 and Maeve, 6 months - who is married to wife, Caroline, is spending the summer on the silver screen as Mr. Kittredge in Kit Kittredge: An American Girl starring Abigail Breslin. The scenes between the dapper dad and his precocious daughter who face hardship during the Great Depression leave a lump in your throat. We recently had a chance to chat with the actor about his latest film.

There are two moments in the film, when Kit spots her dad in the soup kitchen and the ensuing conversation they have by the tree-house, that have an incredible impact on the audience. It's that notion of a parent not being able to provide for his children. How did you prepare for the scene?

I've got kids of my own; We all love our parents and we love our spouses, but until you have your own kid you don't really know what that kind of love is. It's where you would put yourself in front of a moving train for your kid and I think that you understand what that must have felt like. Mr. Kittredge's trying to protect his daughter as most parents do and not have her worry about the hardships of what was going on in their time. And when she sees him in the soup kitchen, he's forced to tell her a little bit more about what the realities are and what they are going to have to do. He tries to put the best spin on it or prepare her for it by telling her that story about his car - don't let it beat ya, and as parents that's about all you can do. It's a situation where he has to go off to find work.

To see the actor's fears as a father, read more.

In that same vein, as the father of five who found early success much like Mr. Kittredge, is being able to provide for your children a legitimate fear of yours, or do you have others?

What's tough for me is when I'm away on location because in my business it's feast or famine when it comes to spending time with my kids. I either have more time than I know what to do with or I don't have any time with them, so I try to maximize my time when I'm with them. But when I'm away on location, thank God for Apple iChat because I can see them on the computer. It's scary - part of being a parent is trying to teach the kids the lessons they need to learn. And sometimes, the kid comes home and asks you a question and you're kind of stalling thinking what's the answer that I am supposed to give here. I'll be calling my older brothers or sisters and asking what do we tell them about this again? Because you realize they are coming to you for all this information and most of it is instinctual, but every once in a while they'll come up with something and you'll think that's a tricky one. You know, let me get back to you on that one.

It's been said that you did Batman for your sons and this movie for your daughters? Is Lily a fan of the American Girl series?

She is a fan and I knew about it because I'm from Chicago and I had visited the store before with my nieces and now with my daughter and we've got a lot of the dolls and that sort of thing. I was highly aware of the whole American Girl phenomenon and I think that for people that do know about the dolls they are going to be so excited about the movie. And, for everyone else that wants to take their kids to a movie on the weekend, they are going to be really pleased because there's so many times that kids want to go to a movie and I can't tell you how many bad family movies I've sat through. This one really works; It's a great ride. It teaches kids a great lesson and they don't even realize they are being taught a lesson. When I left the theater with my daughter, she started asking me all about the people who lost their houses and it was great to have brought that subject up especially now - it's going to be so timely.

Do you think there's a difference between the way kids are said to grow up fast today versus the way they did during The Great Depression?

We've had an incredibly successful run in the economy for the last however many years. I mean obviously it's stalled and heading in a recession now. Then, the economy starts to get tough and that trickles down and you kind of get back to basics. Certainly anyone who lives through a depression and my father did, they don't forget the lessons they learned the same way that the men and women that fought in WWII don't. People don't always have an appreciation of what happened unless they were there and I think that's what's so great about films and books. If you saw Band of Brothers you have such an appreciation for what these guys went though in that generation. And not to compare this to Band of Brothers, but I think it's a great way for kids to get some understanding of what the depression was about, what people went through in a way that they will be excited to see and learn about it.

You've gone from being the naive character in Scent of a Woman to the father in American Girl. Is that transition hard to take or a natural transition?

It felt like the role was easy for me to relate to because I've got an 8-year-old daughter and the emotions that Mr. Kittredge is feeling for his daughter - I just understood and connected with that. But it was the first time I played a parent and I've been doing this for a long time and you start to play different roles. I'm not the kid anymore and I'm a dad so it's just kind of a natural evolution.

The Kittredges lived by the motto, "Don't let it beat you." Do the O'Donnells have a motto?

I don't know that we have a motto. That's a pretty good one right there.

So you'll adapt that one?

We might have to.

We're celebrating Kit Kittredge: An American Girl with a special giveaway next week. Stay tuned for more details.

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Lil Big Screen: Kit Kittredge: An American Girl

LilSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 08:00:51 -0700

Women may have Sex and the City this summer, but girls have Kit Kittredge: An American Girl. While the former blockbuster is all about love and labels, the latter release focuses on history and the homefront. And, for every Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte and Samantha - there's been a precocious character like Kit Kittredge who paved the way.

The movie, based on the popular American Girl books and dolls, is a must see for families looking for a flick with a message and entertainment value. Played by Academy Award nominee Abigail Breslin, Kit Kittredge is a nine-year-old girl growing up in Cincinnati during the Great Depression. As the comfortable world she has known falls apart, she relies on her family's motto, "Don't let it beat you" and the support of her parents and friends to pull her though.

In order to hang on to their home, Kit's dad (Chris O'Donnell) sets out to Chicago to find work while Kit and her mother (Julia Ormond) take in boarders, an array of characters that include a dancer, a librarian and a magician, and befriend hobos. Laughter and tear inducing scenes ensue. Kit's an aspiring reporter whose fact finding missions lead her to solve a series of robberies. While many young ladies grow up with Barbie or Bratz, American Girl offers more than those sexy plastic dolls. It speaks to the minds of lil women with its array of independent characters that are intelligent, inventive and principled. And, I'd prefer that for my daughter any day.

Lilsugar had the opportunity to chat with Chris O'Donnell about this poignant picture, so check back tomorrow for our interview with the real life father of five.
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Win an American Girl Shopping Spree!

LilSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:19 -0700

Kit Kittredge: An American Girl is this Summer's must see family film. And, lilsugar is giving one lucky winner the opportunity to shop until they drop at the American Girl store with a $500 American Express® Gift Card! A second winner will receive the Kit Kittredge doll® ($95) and her dog, Grace ($18).

To enter, YOU MUST LOG IN and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member and log in before you take the quiz. If you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

The contest is open to US residents only and ends on June 29, 2008 at 11:59pm PDT. For Official Rules click here.

Take the quiz

Hollywood Goes Gaga For American Girl

LilSugar — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 10:17:22 -0700

It was a night of guys and dolls and American girls. On Saturday, the popular dolls that lil girls love so much came to life on the silver screen when Kit Kittredge: An American Girl had its World Premiere at The Grove in Los Angeles. Check out the slideshow to see pictures of attendees, from the star Abigail Breslin to the proud papa of a cast member, Will Smith. Source

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Party Girl #3: American Beauty

FabSugar — Thu, 28 Dec 2006 06:18:15 -0800

I know what you're thinking: Reese Witherspoon is not exactly a party girl. This may be, but I'm sure the newly single Reese has some fun plans this New Year's and we all love her American Beauty look so she is our third party girl personality this week. Polished, elegant and perfectly coiffed is the way of the American Beauty. Let's put together a fantastic New Year's outfit for Reese that will turn a few heads!

So please go Fab Finding and help me put together a drop dead New Years outfit for this personality. And you have to be quick as I'll be piecing the outfit together today and revealing it at the end of the day! Don't forget to tag your items with American Beauty. Party on!

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