Harriet the Spy
Harriet may only be in the sixth grade, but she's already found her calling: to be a spy. In a private journal she takes everywhere, Harriet records suspicious activity and keeps a running list of observations on virtually everyone she knows. It seems harmless enough until, one day, someone finds the journal and exposes Harriet's critical thoughts about her classmates. Suddenly, even her best friends are against her, and Harriet resolves to take revenge.
Critics Sentiment
Harriet reconciles with friends and they set off stink bomb at pageant
Marion and friends pour blue paint over Harriet in art class
The film recovers dramatically from its lowest point of cruel bullying to a satisfying reconciliation, jumping from 3.5 to 7.8 in the final act.
Harriet the Spy follows a classic arc from engaging setup through a dark middle section that many reviewers found uncomfortably mean-spirited, before recovering with a satisfying resolution. While critics praised Michelle Trachtenberg's performance and the film's refusal to condescend to its young audience, many noted the vindictive middle act made them uncomfortable. The ending successfully redeems the earlier cruelty with realistic friendship dynamics and moral growth.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 34
Michelle Trachtenberg
Harriet M. Welsch
Rosie O'Donnell
Ole Golly
J. Smith-Cameron
Mrs. Welsch
Eartha Kitt
Agatha K. Plummer
Vanessa Lee Chester
Janie Gibbs
Gregory Smith
Sport
Robert Joy
Ben Welsch
Dov Tiefenbach
Boy with Purple Socks
Charlotte Sullivan
Marion Hawthorne
Teisha Kim
Rachel Hennessy
Cecilley Carroll
Beth Ellen Hansen
Nina Shock
Carrie Andrews
Conor Devitt
Pinky Whitehead
Alisha Morrison
Laura Peters
Nancy Beatty
Miss Elson
Don Francks
Harrison Withers
Eugene Lipinski
George Waldenstein
Gerry Quigley
Sport's Dad
Jackie Richardson
Janie's Mother
Mercedes Enriquez
Windchime Lady
Crew
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