Today’s Prayer Focus

Little Manhattan

MPA Rating: PG-Rating (MPA)

for mild thematic elements, language and brief action.

Moral Rating:	not reviewed
Moviemaking Quality:
Primary Audience:	Family
Genre:	Adventure Romance Comedy
Length:	1 hr. 29 min.
Year of Release:	2005
USA Release:	September 30, 2005 (limited)

Relevant Issues

Love

TRUE LOVE—What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer

Learn how to make your love the best it can be. Discover biblical answers to questions about sex, marriage, sexual addictions, and more.

Featuring	Josh Hutcherson, Charlie Ray, Bradley Whitford, Cynthia Nixon, Jonah Meyerson
Director	Mark Levin Jennifer Flackett
Producer	Arnon Milchan, Gavin Polone
Distributor	20th Century Studios, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Studios, a division of The Walt Disney Company

“Nothing’s as big as your first love.”

Here’s what the distributor says about their film: “New York City is the most romantic place in the world—even if you’re only 10 years old and falling in love for the first time. That’s what young Gabe discovers as he pursues the object of his affections, his classmate Rosemary, in LITTLE MANHATTAN. The romantic comedy is about life, love and the Big Apple, as seen through the eyes of a fifth-grader.”

Positive
Young people
Critics

Positive—I enjoyed this movie very much. I saw it while on a flight and had few choices, so I came upon it almost by accident and was so delighted that I did! We are very careful about our movie choices, and most have so much objectionable content that we cannot have them in our home. This movie will be in our home as soon as it is available for rent (or purchase).

This movie did not refer to the gospel in any way, but neither did it deal with sex, drugs or profanity. I do wish filmmakers would move past their obsession with vomiting, that was, in my opinion, the only objectionable content. (You are exposed to that within the first few moments of the movie.) Once you get past that, you get to wander with the main characters, through several “first experiences;” you are reminded that love and anxiety and insecurity are ageless. The movie also has a subplot that deals with the impending divorce of the parents. I thought the movie was very well done, well written—it left me feeling like I wanted to watch it again!

I would recommend this movie to anyone. (With the exception being people who would be offended at the idea of 6th graders liking each other, and the boy did give a very quick peck kiss at one point.)
My Ratings: Good / 4½

Julie, age 42

Movie Critics

…a family movie in the best sense: It plays equally to all ages, reaffirming human resilience without mucking it up with sappiness…

New York Daily News, Jami Bernard

…This ode to puppy love has its fetching moments, but a “Little Manhattan” goes a long way…

The Hollywood Reporter, Michael Rechtshaffen

…disarming…” 3 out of 4 stars

Newsday, Gene Seymour

Comments from young people

Positive—This movie was really good. The boy who played the lead. (Josh Hutcherson) was a really good actor and perfect for the part. This movie was really sad at parts and I loved it. I think everyone would like this movie.
My Ratings: Good / 4½

Ashley, age 13