Catch That Kid
2004 · United States, Germany · 91 min
- Director
- Bart Freundlich
- Screenplay
- Derek Haas, Michael Brandt
- Music
- George S. Clinton
- Cinematography
- Julio Macat
- Editing
- Stuart Levy
Cast
What it is about
Maddy Phillips, a twelve-year-old girl, loves climbing like her father Tom, who was seriously injured in a fall years earlier and has since been left paralyzed. When the family learns of an experimental operation that could save him, they find that insurance will not cover it and that the bank where her mother Molly works will not lend the money. Maddy comes up with a daring plan that draws on her knowledge of her mother's security system, and she enlists her friends Gus and Austin to help carry it out.
How it was made
The film is a remake of the Danish film Klatretøsen (2002). Bart Freundlich directed it from a screenplay by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, with music by George S. Clinton, cinematography by Julio Macat and editing by Stuart Levy. Kristen Stewart leads the cast alongside Corbin Bleu and Max Thieriot, while Jennifer Beals and Sam Robards play her parents. During development the project went under working titles including Catch That Girl and Mission Without Permission. A novelization was released in conjunction with the film, written by Suzanne Weyn, Michael Brandt and Derek Haas.
Reception and legacy
The film received mostly negative reviews. It holds a 13% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes from 86 reviews and a score of 33 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics objected to its questionable morals and lack of originality, often comparing it unfavorably to the Spy Kids trilogy. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave it an average grade of «A−». It earned 16.7 million dollars in the United States against a budget of 12 million. Roger Ebert gave it a positive review, noting that it was more fun than Agent Cody Banks, though he did not consider it a standout in its genre.
Stills
Trailer
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Trivia
A controversial audition
In a 2016 article for The Guardian, actress Mara Wilson revealed that she auditioned for the role of Maddy, even though she knew she was too old for it.
A remake of a Danish film
The film is a new version of Klatretøsen, a 2002 Danish production with a similar premise.
More films by Bart Freundlich
The Rebound
After the Wedding
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