TxMike I must admit that I am very partial to movies where an aspiring musician, singer or instrumentalist, is on a journey to achieve their dream. Here it is Evan Rachel Wood as Emily Lindstrom, 14, who loves the violin. In an opening scene we see her going to her new neighbors to 'borrow their TV', not literally, but to watch the live televised symphony convert. She practices the piece all week, then plays along with the telecast. And she is very good, especially for a girl of 14. This is a very nice and clean movie, without sex and bad language. Vivica A. Fox is Pauline, former symphony violinist who is a friend and also seems to be Emily's teacher. The title 'Little Secrets' has at least a couple of meanings. One is the neighborhood 'job' that Emily has. She sets up a booth as 'secret keeper' and various kids come to her with their secrets, often pieces of something valuable that is broken, and Emily places them in a brown bag, and locks it into her chest. The other meaning is her own secret. Her birth parents were killed by a drunk driver when she was only 10 months and she was adopted. No one other than her adoptive parents know that secret. It creates some ill feelings when 40-something mom becomes pregnant and is ga-ga over her coming newborn, making Emily wonder if she is a second-class daughter.Michael Angarano who was so good in 'Sky High' is Philip, the new 12-year-old neighbor who becomes good friends with Emily. His older brother David is played by David Gallagher, who takes a keep interest in Emily when he returns from tennis camp. SPOILERS. Emily gets an opportunity to audition for a youth symphony, but has an untimely accident. She trips and falls off the roof, where she often practices outside her second floor bedroom. She has to be hospitalized and her violin is broken. But Philip had made a video of her playing a classical piece, he and brother David brought the tape to the auditions, and later Emily received a letter of acceptance. And, her dad gave her a new violin.

Hamish Joy Sunday morning, all my friends went visiting their homes, no college, and a perpetual feeling of 'I'm-about-to-yawn-any-minute-now' creeping out at me. Needless to say, I was bored out of my skull when this movie came up on TV. It seemed like a cheesy movie, and I would have seen just about anything at that moment. (of course with the exception of Freddy Prince Junior movies, but then again, that just shows good sense) It did indeed seem like nothing more than idle time pass when I started off; a cute story about a teenager who protects her neighboring kids' secrets for a fee... simple little secrets like a broken vase... but somewhere along the line, the movie took shape to a surprisingly deeper story.It is a lovely tribute to friendship. It covers the bond between friends in a very neat way. It is a movie about trust, inspiration, and growing up. Most of the people played their part well. Evan Rachel Wood gave an particularly compelling performance.I loved the violin sequences. And the general musical undertone was well delivered. The kids' general problems were also cute. The central theme of a 'professional secret keeper' was an interesting combination of fairy tale and reality. Perhaps that was why I was surprised how great it finally turned out.It has its bad points, of course. *spoiler* Somewhere in the process of making this cute little story, they decided to put in romance as well. It was as if they felt COMPELLED to add in that piece. An obligatory addition. And they had to end the romance part on a positive note. It somehow doesn't fit in. Not by a long shot. I loved all other parts of the ending, but that bit felt too out of place *spoiler* All in all, I'd say you should give this a watch. You'll find out age doesn't matter. You're never too old to enjoy this movie. Like me, though, you may regard this as a children's movie at first, you may also be pleasantly moved. And if you're one of those people who feel just a tad bit reluctant to really yell out how much they actually loved it, don't worry. We can keep that little secret.

FANMALE I recently watched this with my family, and we all enjoyed it so much. There is a simple theme to it, girl has a dream, and in the end she reaches that goal. Evan Wood was very convincing in her role as Emily. Her smile and expressions were wonderful, the relationship between Emily and Philip was classic. There was no language or violence, or anything in this movie to detract from the story. Michael Angarano though, stole the show, he's got such a great comedic ability, and he was excellent as the kid who loses out to his brother, and yet it works out. The little kids were great, I loved Isabelle, she had the best personality and was played exceptionally well by Caitlin Meyer. I hope to see her in more movies. (she looks a bit like Mary Kate and Ashley) The other kids were adorable too, the kitten girl and the klepto and the one who dug to China.I liked this movie and would recommend it to anyone who wants to see a great family flick.

quincy-white I had never heard of this movie when I saw it in the video store, but I rented it on a fluke just because I'm a fan of Evan Rachel Wood. It turned out to be a fun and dramatic gem, cute without being too cute. It takes on a difficult challenge, making a kids movie adults can also enjoy, all without Shrek-style irony. The revelations in the end can be seen coming before they happen, but it is still enjoyable watching the arcs of all the characters, as well as the subtle lesson in truth. Recommended rental.