The Great Gilly Hopkins

Have you ever watched a family movie that felt a little rough around the edges, but still managed to tug on your heartstrings? "The Great Gilly Hopkins" is one of those. It follows a fiercely independent, tough-talking foster kid, Gilly, as she bounces between homes and eventually meets a quirky foster mother who just might be a match for her spirit. The film adapts Katherine Paterson’s classic book in a way that preserves much of its heartfelt, slightly prickly charm.

What stands out are the performances—especially Sophie Nélisse as Gilly, whose balance between bravado and vulnerability feels genuinely moving. Kathy Bates, as the well-meaning but no-nonsense foster mom, is a highlight and brings a warm, layered presence to the film. Their evolving dynamic is really the core of the story, and it's hard not to root for both of them.

I did feel like the movie sometimes didn’t quite know what tone it wanted—there are moments that go for big, cheesy sentimentality and others where it tries to be more quirky and raw. That blend works in parts, but at times it’s a little uneven. Some of the supporting character arcs also felt rushed or underdeveloped.

Cinematography-wise, it’s nothing flashy, but it works for the story. The movie takes place in drab, real-life settings—suburban houses, classrooms—which actually matches the unglamorous, day-to-day struggles of its characters. Nothing visually spectacular, but it keeps the focus on the human elements.

You would enjoy this if you like family movies that are a little bit rougher and real, rather than all sugar and sunshine. It's a solid pick for parents and teens, or anyone who likes heartwarming stories with complex, imperfect families. Just don’t expect a Disney-level gloss or constant laughs.