Kay Thompson's literary classic comes to life in this TV movie starring a free-spirited 6-year-old living in New York's Plaza Hotel. Sofia Vassilieva lights up the screen as Eloise, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Hilary Knight's illustrated namesake, from her bright red ribbon to her dainty designer shoes. Equal parts irrepressible imp and cherubic charmer, Eloise has the run of the hotel under the (mostly) attentive eye of beloved Nanny, played "rawther" marvelously by the timeless Julie Andrews. As the Plaza prepares for its debutante ball, a young prince arrives incognito, who Eloise befriends in her usual dervish style. The cast's comic timing transforms otherwise seeming clichés into a masterful romp through several stories-within-a-story, whether it's Eloise matchmaking a romantic liaison for Nanny, or orchestrating reconciliation between the prince and his estranged father. A making-of featurette and art lesson by Hilary Knight round out this heartwarming package, a fitting tribute to Eloise's creator. (Ages 5 and older)
--Lynn Gibson
Based on the best-selling children's classic, ELOISE AT THE PLAZA brings one of literature's most beloved characters to life in a new heartwarming and hilarious movie that "is reason for celebration" (Orlando Sentinel). Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva) is a fun-loving little girl with a knack for finding adventure every place she looks. While under the care of her "rawther" wonderful nanny (Julie Andrews), Eloise tries to play matchmaker to a lonely prince and wrangle an invitation to the society event of the season. Join New York City's most adventurous six-year-old in this charming new family film. It's "as bright and quick-witted as its high-spirited heroine" (Newsday).
1 How many ways can you watch Eloise....let's count
Twice on Monday, Three times on Tuesday, Once on Wednesday, ....
My girls consistently ask to watch this movie over and over and over again. The precocious little blonde girl keeps them laughing and pretending. I have to chuckle to myself when I hear my three year tell me..."It's absolutely dreadful" in the best accent she can muster.
2 Timeless Movie
No matter how many times I watch, I'm always get carried away with the jokes, touching moments and Eloise's carefree acts. It is such an entertaining and also heart moving movie.
The lines used from The Little Prince also add more value to the plot and I felt so much when Eloise's little prince say it in the memory of his mother.
It worths every second to watch this cause you just don't wanna miss Eloise's next witty move ;P
3 A movie I will enjoy watching with my daughter time & again!
This is a great movie for children and adults alike. Eloise has a little something to offer for children (free-spiritedness and creativity) and adults (a message about listening and opening your heart while speaking your mind) - and a fun way of delivering it! I have always adored Kay Thompson's Eloise character - with her messy hair and silly antics and wild energy! Seeing her come to life through Sofia Vassilieva was a pure joy! Julie Andrews is fantastic as "Nanny"! To be honest, I can't think of a single flaw in this fun little film. It is my 5-year-old daughter's new favorite - and I'm happy to watch it with her over and over again. Eloise is not a perfectly well-behaved princess - but what little girl really IS? I don't think a discussion of role models is even appropriate in the realm of entertainment - if you're looking for role models, read to your children and BE their role model. Eloise is fun and full of life and spirit - and if we all absorb even a fraction of her energy and creativity we'll be better off for it. I hope my daughter is as free-spirited and expressive at age 6 as the fun-loving Eloise - that would prove to me that I am allowing her to be a child in every way possible! What could be better than that?
4 Eloise is amazing!
OK, I honestly don't know what that guy is on, but how can he say Eloise is a terrible role-model? In a society filled with people such as Britney or Christina most parents would be thrilled to know that their 14 year old daughter admires someone half her age who says and does what everyone (regardless of age)is thinking, or wants to do! No matter who you are and what age you are, you have something to learn from Eloise, whether that means stay in style with her Adrianne Vitadini pink and white striped sheets (which I have by the way, but I've had them for 8 years), or to take a risk, stand up to someone, and to be yourself no matter what the circumstances! Eloise, in my opinion is a fabulous role model, for young kids, teens wanting to stay young, or adults wanting to let out that Eloise that I know for a fact is in us all!!
Was that kinda preachy??? lol
and just for the record--i am 14!
5 At last! But there is one glaring omission...
As a longtime Eloise fan who also knows a lot of the background behind the books and their author, Kay Thompson, I am astounded that the DVD extras -- or liner notes -- failed to mention several obvious tributes to Thompson that were in the telemovie. First, the "signature Eloise pink" color that appears throughout the costume and set design could also be seen as a sly reference to Thompson, whose big musical number in the Hepburn/Astaire classic film "Funny Face" was, oddly enough, "Think Pink!" Also, at the close of the movie, when you see Eloise through a doorway embracing a shadowy figure that is obviously her mother, you also see a clue to Eloise's real mother, Kay Thompson, in the oversized white hat that the shadowy figure is wearing, one of Thompson's signature accessories.
Perhaps this can be rectified in the DVD release of "Eloise At Christmastime." It would be a shame to deny Kay Thompson at least some of her richly deserved recognition. Artist Hilary Knight gets more than enough "props," ironic when you consider that it was Knight who was largely responsible for stalling the reissuance of the classic Eloise books, as he "didn't want to only be remembered as the guy who drew Eloise." I can think of a lot worse things to be remembered for.
Please...more background on the genius Kay Thompson!
6 Amazing Film Version
Six-year-old Eloise (Sofia Vassilieva), is a crazy, fun-loving, curious little girl living in New York's fabulous Plaza Hotel, who manages to find mystery, mayhem, and adventure, no matter where she goes, while her wonderful Nanny (Julie Andrews) chases her all over the place. And, in ELOISE AT THE PLAZA, Eloise sure does get into a lot of mischief. She's trying to wrangle herself an invitation to New York's biggest society event of the season, the Debutante ball, searching for a Prince who is supposedly staying at the Plaza, and playing matchmaker for Nanny, who just happens to have a secret crush on a certain Lord living at the hotel.
With appearances by Jeffrey Tambor, playing a fantastically neurotic Mr. Salamone, Hilary Knight, the original artist who illustrated all of the ELOISE books, and a dog and turtle, playing Skipperdee and Weenie, who couldn't be more precious, ELOISE AT THE PLAZA is sure to please even the most cold-hearted person. A must-have for all. You won't be disappointed.
Erika Sorocco
7 So cute!
I really love the Eloise books, and I was worried that the movies were going to be bad, but this is truly a great feel-good movie that I will watch over and over again!
8 Oh my lord! There's so much to write about this movie!
I absolutely love this movie and I watch it almost everyday! Sofia Vassilieva did an amazing job portraying the fun-loving, hyper, and happy Eloise. Ever since I was little I was always compared to Eloise being all skippy and silly, but no where could the casting agents have found a better Eloise. Julie Andrews's character of Nanny is the complete opposite of the other nanny characters that she played in the past and also did a great job showing her "true-Nanny" on screen.
I would definitely recommend this movie for all ages as it will put a huge smile on your face!
9 remember when you were six?
One night I was absentmindedly channel surfing and came upon Eloise at Christmastime on ABC. I'd heard of the books growing up, but never read one myself for whatever reason. After watching just two minutes of this movie, I was sucked in for the next two hours. I'm eighteen, done highschool and moving on in life but OH how Eloise fills you up with that childhood inspiration. Where the world is your playground, everything is possible, there is never a dark cloud. The next day I purchased Eloise at the Plaza and rushed home to watch it and, not surprisingly, fell in love. The actress cast as Eloise is irresistably cute and with all honesty, I could watch this movie and this movie alone every night for the rest of my life. Buy it for your children, or watch it on a rainy day.
10 forty years of fun
I have loved Eloise since I saw a TV special long ago in the days of live TV. Eloise is not a 'brat'; she is a free spirit who loves adventure and is not afraid to try things. She is an experimenter. Eloise is what children would like to be, if only they dared. Sofia brings the absolute essence of Eloise to the screen (I can't imagine anyone doing the role better), and her 'supporting' cast of stars are excellent. I agree that they should make all the Eloise movies while Sofia is still little. I would buy them all for myself (and, of course, my grandchildren, especially the granddaughters). My granddaughters will certainly get this one in their Christmas stockings.
11 Why Bother?
Eloise movies are so the opposite of "heart-warming".
what kind of sick people want to make movies about little brats that learn life lessons, or stay at the plaza hotel? BORING! Just don't watch it, that was my mistake. at least i didn't buy it, i watched it on tv. But don't even do that. it's a waste of two hours in your life that you'll never get back. these movies are so bad that they don't even deserve 1 star! i feel sorry for you if you think otherwise.
12 "Do you ever have an idea that's so perfectest that hurts?"
I know this sounds silly but after watching "Eloise at the Plaza" I really wished Disney could finish the making of ALL four Eloise movies in just ONE year, so that Sofia Vassilieva would stay the same all along -- I mean, this fun-loving six-year-old girl hopping around New York City for all kinds of adventures... Of course they can always have Julie Andrews come back as the "rawther" wonderful Nanny, and Jeffrey Tambor as the "definitely glass half-empty type" Mr. Salamone, even Weenie the dog and Skipperdee the turtle -- these characters would still look the same. But Sofia is growing up (she was nine when this one was filmed, and by the time the next sequel -- Eloise at Christmastime -- is released she would be eleven already.) Oh well.... why don't I just settle for the joy of the present and savour every delightful minute this movie has to offer. If "The Little Prince" is an all-time beloved story for children and grown-ups alike, I believe "Eloise at the Plaza" will become a classic family movie that never ceases to bring a lot of laughters (and tears) to people who cherish life and each other.
13 cute, well written, just like the books..........
This is such a cute movie! The details are exactly like the book. Sofia plays Eloise quite well. Sometimes, I have to get my way! Ms. Andrews plays nanny perfect! DON'T be confused to her other NANNY roles. NANNY is Eloise is THE OPPOSITE then MARY Poppins! All in all, ELOISE AT PLAZA in cute, well written, and just like the books, just with added characters.
I recommend the DVD with all the bonus Making of Eloise at the Plaza and How to draw Eloise, plus previews for ELOISE AT CHRISTMASTIME and all the Eloise books. It's great! Eloise, you hate but gotta love her! :-)
14 Eloise is absolutely Brilliant!
It dawned a rainy day here in Pennsylvania. My five year old woke up with the flu, feeling positively miserable. I reached into my secret stash of Christmas gifts and pulled out the Eloise movie (recently purchased).
Let me tell you, this sweet, funny movie made my daughter giggle, even through her body aches and upset tummy.
This movie is a brilliant, absolutely fabulous. The casting was wonderful. Julie Andrews as a totally different kind of Nanny is funny and warm. Sophia V, the girl who plays Eloise, is hilarious and extremely talented. The Plaza in the 50s comes to life through the colorful, elegant sets.
Get this movie. It is adorable and fun.
15 I loved this movie!
When I was little, I loved the Eloise books. When I saw that a movie was being made, I was really excited. I made sure to tape it and have watched it many times, but the quality is, of course, not as good as the DVD will be- so I am going to buy the DVD! The casting in this movie is really good- Sofia and Julie Andrews are wonderful.
16 Cute, and captures the spirit of Eloise!
This movie was even cuter than I expected, and quite well done. Julie Andrews looks -exactly- like the Nanny pictured in Kay Thompson and Hillary Knight's books. The movie perfectly captures Eloise's endless enthusiasm, as she shows the world what it means to be 6-years-old and living largely unsupervised in one of New York's fanciest hotels. I'm glad this thoroughly likable movie is finally coming out on VHS/DVD, since I missed taping it when it aired on ABC. I had no idea it would be so charming!
17 OH MY LORD I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, Sofia Vasselvia is older than me by one measley month! But I'm in love with this film. Julie Andrews is astonihing in this, but the whole film itself is made up, but at least loyal to Thompson's book. Though, if she saw this she would probably sew The Wonderful World of Disney, because she declared Eloise would never be dramatized again.
But, they are making a sequel: (2 actually,I wish three though). Eloise in Paris, and Eloise at Christmastime. So, if you are a fan of Eloise honest to god rent and/or by this movie!
FOR ELOISE FANS ONLY*
