Nancy Drew

As, one would have thought, who could resist Nancy Drew? But after this wishy-washy, combed-down, dressed-up, cleaned-out, mashed-in film, you just might. Who on earth thought that the teen detective we all loved and grew up with would turn out to be this prudish, Little Goody Two Shoes literally, as you shall see, quick to preach and so, so hard to like?

Yes she was always gentle and well-mannered, even when being threatened, and could paint, cook, study, stitch, speak her mind and sleuth8212; not necessarily in that order and not qualities to endear anyone with the rest of the class. But Nancy always seemed real, someone you could turn to in times of trouble. Here she may spend more time organising her wardrobe.

The filmmakers think nothing of transporting Nancy to Hollywood, where she solves the mystery of a dead superstar that has baffled many before her, while dressed in the same, carefully coiffured 1930s style. Guess who8217;s the butt of all jokes before, with the help of a few photos, an obnoxious 12-year-old who Nancy would have known better than to spend time with, and the ever-loyal Ned, she solves the case?

Why this sub-plot? Why another teen misfit? Why not a normal girl with abnormal interests? Given that the Nancy mysteries aren8217;t likely to figure among the 20th century8217;s greatest, why underplay Nancy herself?

Emma Roberts, who plays the lead, is better known as Julia Roberts8217;s niece. Given this wide-eyed, bright-smile performance, she may stay that way. Our Nancy deserves better. And so, by the way, do Hardy Brothers.