The first of what are sure to be many movies based on the popular American Girl marketing juggernaut, Kit Kittredge stars Abigail Breslin as a predictably perky tween in Depression-era St. Louis. When her family fall on hard times, it’s up to the resilient Kit to keep their spirits — and their fortunes — up. Although her film has about as much visual flair as an after-school special, director Patricia Rozema gives an appealing attention to period detail, and Breslin is sweet as usual in her first big starring role. As you’d expect from a kids’ movie, everyone learns a lesson or two; Kit’s biggest seem to be that hoboes (yes, hoboes) are people too and, what’s more interesting, adults aren’t always trustworthy. Resistance to the American Girl world seems futile, but try anyway: Kit Kittredge has about as much depth as a glassy-eyed doll. 92 minutes | Boston Common + Fresh Pond + West Newton + Suburbs
