Eloise at the Plaza

Six-year-old Eloise makes New York's Plaza Hotel her personal playground in this live-action adaptation of Kay Thompson's 1955 book: she runs down the halls drumming on walls, makes rude faces at the guests, exercises in the elevators, and pours pitchers of water down the mail chute. Dr. Phil would definitely not approve, nor do we. Sofia Vassilieva has the look of illustrator Hilary Knight's iconic character, but the film has transformed Eloise from a free spirit into a monstrously spoiled brat. A day in her charmed life includes tormenting her tutor, playing matchmaker for a reluctant debutante, befriending a young prince, and calling room service to send up "one roast beef bone, one raisin, and seven spoons." A welcome Julie Andrews costars as Eloise's beloved nanny, who tries, tries, tries to keep her young charge in line, and Christine Baranski turns up long enough to be the brunt of one of Eloise's pranks, setting the stage for a sequel. Adults who cherished the book when they were young aren't likely to be amused, but some children may be tempted to cheer, “you go, girl.” Optional. (K. Lee Benson)