Instant Favorite.

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.

Blistering performances.

I became an AnnaSophia Robb fan when she starred in Because of Winn Dixie. I didn't even know she had played Samantha earlier in her career, so when I found the DVD I was thrilled. OK, so I am a nut for Victorian period little girl/orphan movies: I may have watched A Little Princess, Annie and The Secret Garden fifty or more times each. And they still make me cry. Samantha had the same effect and should probably be included with my small list of Victorian little girl/orphan genre classics.I would like to rave about AnnaSophia's acting, her big eyes and timid smile are unmatched since the days of Ann E. Todd. OK, so Dakota Fanning sometimes gets it. Its rare IMO to find an actress as talented as AnnaSophia, and I am looking forward to seeing all of her movies.

First of all, I have always been more of a fan of Kirsten, and have been all the way back when there were only three American Girls to love. I've never been much interested in an over privileged little girl preaching on behalf of the lower classes, which in short is Samantha. So you combine the preachy quality of Samantha with a poorly written script, and mediocre actors like Mia Farrow and Jordan Bridges, you get Samantha: An American Girl Holiday.Was anyone else annoyed by how Samantha's bangs were cut uneven throughout the entire movie? This isn't an important criticism I know, but just something that bugged me.In conclusion, this movie doesn't stand well on its own. You would have to like Samantha to enjoy this movie. It is just sort of there. It isn't "classic holiday movie" material, and is forgettable. Overall I was very disappointed in this movie.

The story is a heartwarming experience for families to share this Christmas, or any time of year. The lessons taught give the viewer a good feeling inside. The costumes are a feast for the eyes. The costume designer must have had a delightful time researching this era.The interiors of the homes are beautiful. The pianos depicted are gorgeous. The historical details of the factories are chilling. It reminds us of America before child labor laws and votes for women. But it doesn't get graphic or preachy. Accolades to a wonderful movie for adults and children alike! Children will learn a little American history from this movie, as well as lessons in friendship.

This is the kind of movie that leaves you with a magical, wonderful, warm feeling. It was full of warmth, kindness, giving, bravery, joy,loyalty, beauty... The scenery was beautiful as well and complimented the wonderful storyline, which takes place in the early 1900s. Samantha is shipped off to New York, where she misses her home town and friends. In New York, however, she shows great strength and bravery as we are taken along her adventure. Children and adults alike can enjoy this movie, and Samantha, for the most part, is a wonderful role-model for young girls. I wish more movies were made of this high quality! This movie was an absolute delight, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.