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© St. Petersburg Times, published September 2, 2002
Movie: Little Secrets
Rating: PG
Summary: Emily (Evan Rachel Wood) is a violinist who is rehearsing diligently for her upcoming audition for the local youth orchestra. But in her spare time, she runs a business in her back yard. All the neighborhood kids who have broken something, or done something they shouldn't have, share their secrets with her for a small fee. She gives them advice, then graciously stores the evidence in a trunk and promises never to share their secrets. When a new family moves in next door, the two boys living there start to distract Emily. Her focus shifts from her music to all the secrets she's been storing, and eventually, everything begins to fall apart, turning her world upside down.
My view: This is a story with good morals, extremely sugarcoated but good, the plot of which I can't discuss without revealing part of the ending. The plot was actually imaginative and original. It is obviously a low-budget film, but the target audience (predominantly girls) will be satisfied.
Favorite part/Least favorite part: The younger actors (ages 10 and under) were much more enjoyable and believable in their roles than the older kids (13 and 14). The older ones caused me to roll my eyes on multiple occasions. The younger ones were likable and funny. They did the kinds of things you'd expect from a younger sibling.
Recommendations: Little Secrets will be enjoyed best by kids ages 9 to 12, especially girls.
Grade: C+
-- Billy Norris, 14, is in the ninth grade at Seminole High School and is a former member of the Times X-Team.