4/5 "...and Kleenex makes a very good hat!"
  by Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood)
One of the most beloved characters in all children's literature, Kay Thompson's "Eloise" finally makes it to the screen in ELOISE AT THE PLAZA, Disney's 2003 live-action movie adaption of the first "Eloise" book, directed by Kevin Lima ("Enchanted").

Six-year-old Eloise (newcomer Sofia Vassilieva) lives at the plush Plaza Hotel in New York, with Weenie ("a dog that looks like a cat"), and Skipperdee, a turtle with braided ears. She's cared for by the "rawther" marvelous Nanny (Julie Andrews).

Impatiently awaiting her invitation to the Plaza's upcoming Debutante Ball (where, she assures Nanny, she will be dancing with a prince no less), Eloise befriends a lonely boy named Leon (Kintaro Akiyama), and also finds time to play matchmaker for a shy new Plaza guest (Stephanie Mills).

Designed to resemble the illustrations of Hilary Knight from the original books (who also makes a "rawther" fun cameo), ELOISE AT THE PLAZA is a joyful romp from beginning to end, just as delightful for adults who grew up with the character as it will be for their own children. The casting is sheer perfection, with Andrews a welcome presence as Nanny. Gavin Creel plays the lively bellhop Bill, Jeffrey Tambor is flustered Plaza manager Mr. Salomone; and Kenneth Welsh is Nanny's gallant Sir Wilkes.

Kay Thompson allegedly modeled the character of Eloise on her goddaughter Liza Minnelli, though friends have noted that Eloise shares many personality quirks with the real-life Thompson as well. Thompson is one of the most fascinating characters in showbusiness: the principal musical/vocal arranger at MGM in the 1940s and 1950s, she has been acclaimed for virtually creating the "MGM sound" during that period. Thompson was also a highly talented performer in her own right, headlining a nightclub act with The Williams Brothers and starring in the sublime movie musical "Funny Face" with Fred Astaire in 1957.

Definitely one for the whole family. Highly recommended!

5/5 Eloise at the Plaza
  by Carl W. Grubbs
We bought this movie to share with our grandchildren. It is very appropriate for children that are young adolescents and very enjoyable to watch as a family. I highly recommend it.


5/5 Eloise
  by TEAM LORD (Norton, Ma USA)
This was the first Eloise dvd I purchaced after seeing it on TV...My daughter just had to have it...She is only 3, but watched it a couple times a day when I taped it...So that being said I went online to order it...Highly recomended.... ;0)

5/5 Yes, Yes, Yes
  by Karen Joan (Texas)
The Eloise books are a long standing tradition in my family. My mother gave me her Eloise books when I was little, and I have passed them on to my own daughter. She is now four years old, but she has enjoyed listing to Eloise's antics since she was two. Eloise is well known and loved by all generations of my family, and I have really enjoyed sharing her stories with my own child.

The Disney DVD, ELOISE AT THE PLAZA, truly captures the spirit of those original Eloise books. In ELOISE AT THE PLAZA, Eloise, delightfully played by Sofia Vassilieva, is a typical self-centered, curious 6 year old girl, who always speaks her mind, but has a heart of purest gold. Eloise likes to "help" and to "fix things," but she is only trying to make those around her happy. Of course, Eloise's version of "helping" often leaves to craziness and mayhem, but that is all part of the fun. And in the end, as with all Disney movies and Eloise book, everything always works out for the best.

Sofia Vassilieva is adorable and spot on in her portrayal of Eloise, perfectly bringing this well loved character to life. The incomparable Julie Anders is superb as Eloise's loving and understanding Nanny. What a wonderful surprise to find her in this film. Jeffrey Tambor fantastically plays a very neurotic Mr. Salamone, the hotel manager, and the rest of the cast is equally entertaining.

My wee one has been quite ill this week, so, as a special surpise, we cuddled up together on the couch this evening to watch ELOISE AT THE PLAZA. She simply loved it, and mom loved seeing her kid smiling and laughing after such a rough week. ELOISE AT THE PLAZA is a charming, warm, fun, entertaining family film that breathes new life into these beloved, classic, children's characters. It is a film that I am sure we will be watching again and again.


5/5 MY GIRLS LOVED IT!
  by Carrie M. Martell (CT)
The shipping was fast, and my girls were thrilled with the dvd. I would purchase from this seller again!