So, a new Nancy Drew movie came out theatrically… Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (based on the second book in the original series, as it turns out). I’d only noticed a trailer for this one on YouTube and never at the theater… and it appears to be such a stealth release its not even listed on the box office website I visit as a wide or even limited release. Either it made less than $1200 dollars or simply somehow nobody noticed.
Anyhow, only reason I saw it was to have seen it. I didn’t expect much… I’ve never read Nancy Drew but have seen a couple of the earlier movies but hardly remember them. I do recall trying the Hardy Boys books when I was a kid and finding them hopelessly old-fashioned (chum).
But, hey, they updated this new movie (like most of the movies and tv shows surely do) and now Nancy is a spunky, fun-loving, mystery-fascinated sixteen year old redhead who skateboards and listens to girl power tunes. And the actress playing her is immensely charming. She has three girl friends who are also bright and fun that do have some squabbles but generally reflects a positive, supportive girl group. Not only is Nancy a good role model (except when she’s picking locks, I suppose) but the whole female friendship presentation is laudable.
I suspect the actual mystery being solved is right from the books. It feels like something that could have been written in the 1930s. But, of course, they pepper in modern trappings like cyberbullies, Instagram references, etc. Plot-wise, Nancy is just trying to help a sweet (yet saucy ex-burlesque dancing) old lady who is sure her house is haunted.
I really enjoyed this flick. It’s not the best movie by any stretch but its sweet, funny, and charming. If you have young girls (or boys) in your life, I’d highly suggest looking for it. I’d hope if you were a fan of the Nancy Drew books that it doesn’t betray them. And, if like me, you aren’t a book fan, that hardly matters. Of course, if your think “Why would I ever want to see a Nancy frickin’ Drew movie”, I’m not sure adjectives like charming and sweet and funny would turn you. I get that. But it was a delightful (argh!) movie anyway :-).
Score: 83