Wild Child

Sixteen-year-old Malibu princess Poppy (Emma Roberts) is used to getting her own way, but when she takes things too far, papa Gerry (Aidan Quinn) ships her off to a British boarding school (Poppy's mother died in a car accident five years before). Making a huffy exit, Poppy is initially rude to everyone, but her classmates can hold their own, and eventually—since this is a comedy of comeuppance—she learns some manners. Compassionate headmistress Mrs. Kingsley (Natasha Richardson in her final role) and Matron (Shirley Henderson) also do their part to help keep Poppy in line. Naturally, there's a nemesis, lacrosse star Harriet (Georgia King), and a cute boy, Mrs. Kingsley's son, Freddie (Alex Pettyfer). Despite her attraction to Freddie (whom Harriet also has a crush on), Poppy tries to get Mrs. Kingsley to expel her so she can return home, but the headmistress is convinced that the strong-willed teenager isn't beyond redemption. As an actress, Roberts is fairly obnoxious most of the time, but that seems to be director Nick Moore's intention. Packed with catty comments and dress-up montages, Wild Child offers ample ‘tween appeal, and is mildly entertaining. Recommended, overall. (K. Fennessy)