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"I learn about everything I can and I write down everything I see. If I want to be a writer, I'd better start now; which is why I am a spy." Preteens, especially, will want to sneak a peek at this somewhat edgy adaptation of Louise Fitzhugh's beloved 1964 novel. Michelle Trachtenberg stars as Harriet, who records observations about her sixth-grade classmates and neighborhood characters in her notebook. She's got a lot of explaining to do when the notebook falls into her friends' hands and they form a spy-catchers' club in retaliation. Rosie O'Donnell costars as Harriet's nanny, Golly, who tells her, "There are as many ways to live as there are people in this world, and they all deserve a closer look." And so does this movie, produced under the Nickelodeon banner. Trachtenberg may have worn out her welcome on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but she is pitch-perfect here as the plucky would-be scribe. As is said often on The Simpsons, it's funny because it's true. Donald Liebenson

All Movie Guide

The first feature film from the Nickelodeon cable channel, Harriet the Spy is an updated version of Louise Fitzhugh's best-selling 1964 children's novel. Sixth grade outcast Harriet (Michelle Trachtenberg) is an only child who has mostly been raised by her nanny, Golly (Rosie O'Donnell), rather than her materialistic parents. Harriet wants to be a writer when she grows up, and only Golly encourages her creative pursuits. Meanwhile, Harriet dons a yellow raincoat and a belt full of gadgets to spy on everyone around her, including her eccentric neighbor with a lot of cats and the other kids at school. Carefully taking notes in her private notebook, Harriet makes clever and cruel observations about her subjects, including her best friends, would-be scientist Janie (Vanessa Lee Chester) and overburdened Sport (Gregory Smith). Harriet's world begins to change when Golly leaves, signaling that it is time for her to grow up. Then a snobby girl a school, Marion, gets her hands on Harriet's special notebook and makes its contents known to the whole school. Soon everyone is against Harriet, and she must concoct a plan to get even. Andrea LeVasseur

Product Details

• UPC: 097360562248
• Source: PARAMOUNT
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Alternate Wide Screen (1.78:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English
• Subtitles: English
• Time: 1:41:00
• Sales Rank: 3,586

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Hotel for Dogs/Harriet the Spy/Stardust

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