I watched this movie on TV last night and thought it was adorable. Julie Andrews (my all-time fav) was great in her well-done switch from her usual elegant, classy English lady to the cockney Nanny. Eloise got on my nerves a little bit because she was so overly-dramatic, but that's how she's supposed to be, and I'm sure I came across the same way when I was 6. All in all, I'd say it was just an adorable movie, and I can't wait to see the next one this holiday season.
21 Reviews
Fun, fun, fun!
ritalee28 April 2003
Being bored was not allowed in this movie! Julie Andrews was brilliant as always! The lovable newcomer Sofia Vassilieva was also a delight to watch. Awesome entertaining action from start to finish. The plot line was refreshing even if there were some 'clichéd' moments. All in all a wonderful family movie. Kids, teens and adults will love it because there is something in it for everyone. Although there was something about the end that made you feel it shouldn't have ended there--maybe it's the hook for the sequel. Well, I'm hooked!
"Do you ever have an idea that's so perfectest it hurts?"
peterdao24 November 2003
I know this sounds silly but after watching "Eloise at the Plaza" I really wished Disney could finish the making of ALL four Eloise movies in just ONE year, so that Sofia Vassilieva would stay the same all along -- I mean, this fun-loving six-year-old girl hopping around New York City for all kinds of adventures... Of course they can always have Julie Andrews come back as the "rawther" wonderful Nanny, and Jeffrey Tambor as the "definitely glass half-empty type" Mr. Salamone, even Weenie the dog and Skipperdee the turtle -- these characters would still look the same. But Sofia is growing up (she was nine when this one was filmed, and by the time the next sequel -- Eloise at Christmastime -- is released she would be eleven already.) Oh well.... why don't I just settle for the joy of the present and savour every delightful minute this movie has to offer. If "The Little Prince" is an all-time beloved story for children and grown-ups alike, I believe "Eloise at the Plaza" will become a classic family movie that never ceases to bring a lot of laughters (and tears) to people who cherish life and each other.
More garbage from Disney
Tolsdorff6 August 2006
Once again Hollywood and the new "Disney" have ruined another classic. The beauty of Eloise was her innocence and ability to creatively entertain herself living sans parents at The Plaza under the sometimes watchful eye of her Nanny and the hotel's staff.
Apparently the more obnoxious the better, after all she is now a role model for millions of spoiled little brats living dysfunctional lives with their disinterested parents.
The original version of the book that became the basis for this horrible movie was intentionally withheld by Kay Thompson back in the early '60s because she felt that "Eloise" was also for a adults. This movie "Eloise" is more akin to the Hilton sisters type of behavior.
Mr. Salomone in real life was a class act and a handsome gentleman, not the bald headed neurotic ass portrayed in this take.
Maybe at some point, the real "Eloise" be portrayed in another version, one that will have the charm that these characters deserve.
Apparently the more obnoxious the better, after all she is now a role model for millions of spoiled little brats living dysfunctional lives with their disinterested parents.
The original version of the book that became the basis for this horrible movie was intentionally withheld by Kay Thompson back in the early '60s because she felt that "Eloise" was also for a adults. This movie "Eloise" is more akin to the Hilton sisters type of behavior.
Mr. Salomone in real life was a class act and a handsome gentleman, not the bald headed neurotic ass portrayed in this take.
Maybe at some point, the real "Eloise" be portrayed in another version, one that will have the charm that these characters deserve.
wonderful movie
LadyblueCPD5 January 2007
Delightful movie ..leaves you wanting to see more of the misadventures of Eloise. I am so disappointed that there are only 2 Eloise movies . That child who plays Elioise (Sofia Vassilieva) is so delightful. It's definitely a movie to share with Grandma. Julie Andrews and Sofia Vassilieva together are like peanut butter and jelly. This character should be a role model for little girls as she has the wholesome charm I want my granddaughter to have. This charming story is fast paced and has humor to keep both children and adults entertained. I want to see more more Eloise!!! The whole family will want to see more of the adventures of Eloise
Hopefully children like Eloise are in the minority.
mccrohan16 July 2006
I have enjoyed many movies featuring USA children actors. Jackie Coogan and Shirley Temple were wonderful. I consider the Hal Roach (Our Gang ) to be classics and I have re-run many of of them with increased delight. I even laugh at many of the antics of Denis the menace. Hovever I started to shudder after the first few minutes of watching Eloise.. This is the most obnoxious brat of a child that I have seen in a movie. Surely, it is the patriotic duty for Hollywood to present a true picture of American family life and not this fiction drivel. I is not many years ago, when the major Hollywood studios had high standards and a film like Eloise in the Plaza would not have seen the light of day.
I'm a 76 year old grandmother and found this movie delicious (for me).
bettiem28 April 2003
My children enjoyed the Eloise books many years ago - now my grandchildren have fun with the little tyrant of the Plaza. We love New York, and saw a lot of it in this movie. We love "The Little Prince" and were thrilled by the way it was worked into the plot. Every single character from the room service waiter to the carriage driver to the harried manager to the Yale student tutor to the young debutante and her mother, snobbish Mrs. Daniels to the chef to the main character was marvelous. Each one seemed made for the part. Julie Andrews as Nannie was so easy to identify with, and Eloise - what a wonderful six year old. She should be another Shirley Temple or more. My personal favorite was the son of the Prince. I could identify with his pain as well as his courage to test the New York waters, led magnificently by the naughty but nice Eloise. The plot is not only humorous but also profound. This is a childrens' an adults' and seniors' movie. I will never again walk into the marvelous Plaza Hotel at 59th and Central Park South without thinking of precious and precocious Eloise. Disney take note, I would love a sequel.
Tragically sad to Turtles and Fine actors
Andrew_S_Hatton17 December 2011
Obviously it is technically clever.
I stopped watching after about 40 minutes - it is a 'family film' more suitable for children's entertainment and the basic premise of a little rich 'madam' in a fancy hotel driving the adults crazy has loads of potential. I don't know if there is ultimately any good points and the horror child gets her come uppance or not but along the way there are some appalling things.
The misbehaviour is fine but for the Director to show such awful treatment of a turtle or terrapin is wrong. I believe many such small creatures are bought as pets given an appalling existence and then disregarded when they out grow the domestic setting in which they have been placed.
Film companies and TV companies who display this sort of stuff have a moral responsibility not to give apparent approval to poor animal management.
Then there is Julie Andrews false 'cockernee' accent. It is ridiculous and unnecessary, I cannot imagine why any director would require her to do it and presume she only agreed in order to get the income. It is fine for Dick van Dyke in 'Mary Poppins' we know he is not English and was exaggerating. If Julie Andrews cannot manage a genuine cockney accent (although I can't see why the part calls for a cockney accent) someone who can should have been cast.
Film not suitable for children who are not discerning about animal care.
I stopped watching after about 40 minutes - it is a 'family film' more suitable for children's entertainment and the basic premise of a little rich 'madam' in a fancy hotel driving the adults crazy has loads of potential. I don't know if there is ultimately any good points and the horror child gets her come uppance or not but along the way there are some appalling things.
The misbehaviour is fine but for the Director to show such awful treatment of a turtle or terrapin is wrong. I believe many such small creatures are bought as pets given an appalling existence and then disregarded when they out grow the domestic setting in which they have been placed.
Film companies and TV companies who display this sort of stuff have a moral responsibility not to give apparent approval to poor animal management.
Then there is Julie Andrews false 'cockernee' accent. It is ridiculous and unnecessary, I cannot imagine why any director would require her to do it and presume she only agreed in order to get the income. It is fine for Dick van Dyke in 'Mary Poppins' we know he is not English and was exaggerating. If Julie Andrews cannot manage a genuine cockney accent (although I can't see why the part calls for a cockney accent) someone who can should have been cast.
Film not suitable for children who are not discerning about animal care.
wonderful, very funny; Sofia Vassilieva was perfect
vchimpanzee28 April 2003
Warning: Spoilers
A prince is coming to The Plaza Hotel in New York City, and of course everything has to be perfect or the hotel could lose its five-star rating. Two possible complications: a debutante ball, which must also be done exactly right. And then there is the problem that neurotic manager Mr. Salomone identifies by holding his hand about four feet off the floor, as if to indicate the height of a six-year-old child.
Eloise is a spoiled but likeable rich kid who lives in The Plaza with her nurse Nanny. We never find out about her father, and her mother is away in Paris for several days. It is all Nanny can do to keep Eloise under control. The poor woman has little success in her effort. Eloise is so spoiled that when she calls room service, a special red phone rings. The hotel gets numerous complaints about the adorable tyke's behavior, but to Salomone's dismay, not much can be done.
Eloise wants to go to the debutante ball, and of course Salomone absolutely must keep her from finding out about the prince (which, naturally, she does) or she will wreck everything. She falls for a nine-year-old boy in a colorful boarding-school uniform and asks the boy (who calls himself Leon) to help her find the prince. Both children manage to wreak havoc throughout the hotel, and later they go out and have fun in the city. Nanny is frantic when she can't find the girl, as are the people who are responsible for Leon.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Daniels, the mother of one of the debutantes, wants her daughter to marry a rich boy, but Molly has her eye on Eloise's tutor Philip. Nanny also has a potential suitor, but Mrs. Daniels is interested in the man.
Eloise has the ability to cause mayhem, but she could have a real future in solving problems, because she is also a natural at fixing things when she has to.
Sofia Vassilieva must surely have been older than six. No child that age could be that talented. She is very funny and so easy to like in spite of her behavior. And she even shows herself to be more than a brat when Leon explains how much he misses his late mother. Julie Andrews does a good job but won't make anyone forget Mary Poppins or Maria von Trapp. Jeffrey Tambor is perfect for the harried hotel manager.
The year is never mentioned, but I wondered why everyone used dial telephones (I like them and just thought they were a nice touch) or why Molly couldn't simply wear contact lenses (her mother kept asking her to remove her glasses). When the children traveled the city, I noticed a lot of nice cars from the 50s, though if you look closely there are some modern-looking cars on screen for about a second, while a stretch limo in one scene is obviously from the 70s or later.
This was a wonderful movie for the whole family.
Possible SPOILERS: The actor playing the prince also does a fine job, especially when he is reunited with his son (whose name is NOT Leon, in case you hadn't figured that out). Christine Baranski has an all-too-brief but well-done cameo near the end as the new event coordinator and victim of one of Eloise's pranks. (What would happen if water was dumped in the mail chute--Especially if someone downstairs was mailing a letter at the time?)
One gag I particularly liked: the housekeeping supervisor demanded that the prince's sheets, made of the whitest cotton available, be hand washed. The employee ignored her and threw the sheets in the washer, where Eloise had disposed of Leon's bright red school jacket and cap because she didn't like them.
Eloise is a spoiled but likeable rich kid who lives in The Plaza with her nurse Nanny. We never find out about her father, and her mother is away in Paris for several days. It is all Nanny can do to keep Eloise under control. The poor woman has little success in her effort. Eloise is so spoiled that when she calls room service, a special red phone rings. The hotel gets numerous complaints about the adorable tyke's behavior, but to Salomone's dismay, not much can be done.
Eloise wants to go to the debutante ball, and of course Salomone absolutely must keep her from finding out about the prince (which, naturally, she does) or she will wreck everything. She falls for a nine-year-old boy in a colorful boarding-school uniform and asks the boy (who calls himself Leon) to help her find the prince. Both children manage to wreak havoc throughout the hotel, and later they go out and have fun in the city. Nanny is frantic when she can't find the girl, as are the people who are responsible for Leon.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Daniels, the mother of one of the debutantes, wants her daughter to marry a rich boy, but Molly has her eye on Eloise's tutor Philip. Nanny also has a potential suitor, but Mrs. Daniels is interested in the man.
Eloise has the ability to cause mayhem, but she could have a real future in solving problems, because she is also a natural at fixing things when she has to.
Sofia Vassilieva must surely have been older than six. No child that age could be that talented. She is very funny and so easy to like in spite of her behavior. And she even shows herself to be more than a brat when Leon explains how much he misses his late mother. Julie Andrews does a good job but won't make anyone forget Mary Poppins or Maria von Trapp. Jeffrey Tambor is perfect for the harried hotel manager.
The year is never mentioned, but I wondered why everyone used dial telephones (I like them and just thought they were a nice touch) or why Molly couldn't simply wear contact lenses (her mother kept asking her to remove her glasses). When the children traveled the city, I noticed a lot of nice cars from the 50s, though if you look closely there are some modern-looking cars on screen for about a second, while a stretch limo in one scene is obviously from the 70s or later.
This was a wonderful movie for the whole family.
Possible SPOILERS: The actor playing the prince also does a fine job, especially when he is reunited with his son (whose name is NOT Leon, in case you hadn't figured that out). Christine Baranski has an all-too-brief but well-done cameo near the end as the new event coordinator and victim of one of Eloise's pranks. (What would happen if water was dumped in the mail chute--Especially if someone downstairs was mailing a letter at the time?)
One gag I particularly liked: the housekeeping supervisor demanded that the prince's sheets, made of the whitest cotton available, be hand washed. The employee ignored her and threw the sheets in the washer, where Eloise had disposed of Leon's bright red school jacket and cap because she didn't like them.
10 out of 10 -- Spunky, Fun, Light-hearted and Warm...a Family film pure and simple...
snapper-1226 December 2004
As my children and I were watching Eloise at the Plaza we were tickled too many times to count them all and laughed endlessly. Ten year old star Sofia Vassilieva is several things: 1) Beautiful 2) Charming 3) Precocious 4)Unbelievably intelligent 5) Funny 6) Sweet as sugar and 7) A highly skilled child actress.
There are not too many films today, including some Disney videos, which are truly a family-safe composition...as too many times we conscionable parents are set-up by liberal Hollywood with a cute theme, but only to suffer foul four-letter words and filthy sexual double-entendres vomited forth from the mouths too-many of today's movie children. The South Central Los Angeles corruption of America's morals has been flooding movies for a decade now. But I am so pleased to announce that Eloise at the Plaza (and also Eloise at Christmastime) does not indulge the revised lessening of children ethics in any way whatsoever.
In fact Eloise is a lovable treasure. This movie is about a sprightly, bubbly munchkin of a 6 year old girl with a teasing way, but a wholesome way about her. When all things are taken into account there is notably no places in this story where a parent needs to hold their hands over the eyes or ears of their younger children. There are no points that need to be sped up to the next DVD chapter. Like a Blessing from parent Heaven, the good heart of Eloise is exactly as a conscionable parent would have expected it...fun, frivolous, endearing, and full of unexpected kid 'spunk'.
10 out of 10.
There are not too many films today, including some Disney videos, which are truly a family-safe composition...as too many times we conscionable parents are set-up by liberal Hollywood with a cute theme, but only to suffer foul four-letter words and filthy sexual double-entendres vomited forth from the mouths too-many of today's movie children. The South Central Los Angeles corruption of America's morals has been flooding movies for a decade now. But I am so pleased to announce that Eloise at the Plaza (and also Eloise at Christmastime) does not indulge the revised lessening of children ethics in any way whatsoever.
In fact Eloise is a lovable treasure. This movie is about a sprightly, bubbly munchkin of a 6 year old girl with a teasing way, but a wholesome way about her. When all things are taken into account there is notably no places in this story where a parent needs to hold their hands over the eyes or ears of their younger children. There are no points that need to be sped up to the next DVD chapter. Like a Blessing from parent Heaven, the good heart of Eloise is exactly as a conscionable parent would have expected it...fun, frivolous, endearing, and full of unexpected kid 'spunk'.
10 out of 10.
as an American spy, Jason Jones wants to know why Maziar Bahari's country is so scary
lee_eisenberg7 December 2016
I've never read any of the Eloise books. I can only say that "Eloise at the Plaza" is unlikely to appeal to anyone over the age of thirteen. What caught my attention was the brief appearance of Jason Jones, best known as a correspondent on "The Daily Show".* His wife Samantha Bee now hosts "Full Frontal" on TBS.
What I concluded from this movie is that there's no way to stop spoiled rich kids from doing out-of-control things. This is known as affluenza: someone with an overly coddled upbringing develops no sense of responsibility. A teenager in Texas was drinking and driving and killed some people in the process, but got a light sentence on an affluenza defense.
So, if you're interesting in seeing some of the cast members, you might be impressed. The cast includes Julie Andrews, Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski (Leonard's mom on "The Big Bang Theory"). Otherwise only the tykes will enjoy it.
*Jason Jones was the one who interviewed Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari. As a joke, he called himself an American spy who wanted to know why Iran was so scary, and Bahari noted that Iran and the US had a lot in common, namely an enemy in al-Qaeda. Iran's government mistakenly thought that Jones was an actual spy and imprisoned Bahari. Jon Stewart's movie "Rosewater" was about this.
What I concluded from this movie is that there's no way to stop spoiled rich kids from doing out-of-control things. This is known as affluenza: someone with an overly coddled upbringing develops no sense of responsibility. A teenager in Texas was drinking and driving and killed some people in the process, but got a light sentence on an affluenza defense.
So, if you're interesting in seeing some of the cast members, you might be impressed. The cast includes Julie Andrews, Jeffrey Tambor and Christine Baranski (Leonard's mom on "The Big Bang Theory"). Otherwise only the tykes will enjoy it.
*Jason Jones was the one who interviewed Iranian journalist Maziar Bahari. As a joke, he called himself an American spy who wanted to know why Iran was so scary, and Bahari noted that Iran and the US had a lot in common, namely an enemy in al-Qaeda. Iran's government mistakenly thought that Jones was an actual spy and imprisoned Bahari. Jon Stewart's movie "Rosewater" was about this.
This was an first-rate movie with excellent performances.
dalewis-15 May 2003
This movie was full of excitement, humor and sparkle. An excellent performance by young Sophia drove the movie with never a dull moment. She may be the most talented young actress I have seen. Julie Andrews was great, as always.
Only watched 10 minutes.... Very poorly behaved child
whippedcreamroses17 January 2023
I don't have much experience with the Eloise books but I thought my daughter might like this a bit and maybe we could get the books to enjoy after. Nope. I couldn't even sit through 10 minutes of this movie without worrying that my daughter was going to start acting like this girl... Which is so annoying, bratty, and not sweet at all. Kids are impressionable and I don't think any young girl would benefit from watching and potentially looking up to Eloise in this movie. I came here to read reviews and was even more shocked to see many reviews that praise the film? I am surprised that people are okay with showing this to their children.
Eloise At the Plaza
hilarioushumour25 June 2005
Great movie, great actors! I saw it because of Julie Andrews, whom I'm adore very much, and during the film and laughed very much because of the way it was played, because of the girl who plays Eloise. Julie Andrws as the confused and old governess (If you have seen TSOM, you will see the big difference), who tries to take care of little Eloise on six years.. Eloise knows everything, also the things she's not suppose to know. There is going to be a ball on The Plaza, where the King, and prince (from China or Japan..?) are invited. Little Eloise finds out, but in this case she must not know it (Too late.. ;)) Dirty things are happening on the Hotel, the receptionist is very awful, because she seek lonely girls, this is an intertwined story, which is very funny because one of the main characters gets involved. From here it can't been any better. The whole story is just hilarious. I'll recommend it to all who love Julie and want to see something very funny, because t's one of the funniest movies i've seen (Besides V/V). See it.. Specially Julie fans :) I give it ten out of ten.
a charming story about a precocious 6-year-old who lives at the Plaza
cindy-4728 April 2003
The actress who plays Eloise cannot be only 6, but is just wonderful. She is assertive and good-hearted without being either bratty or cloying. Julie Andrews is a great lady who allows herself to look plain, but still manages to be captivating. I watched it because I loved the book as a child, but found it entertaining for adults as well. I'm looking forward to the next, at Christmastime.
I absolutely love the Plaza!
jgrills21 March 2004
This movie is fantastique! Sofia Vassilieva has got to be the most talented little actress I have ever seen! I cracked up whenever she said
:NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" She has the most brattiest little voice!
To those who want to know if it's good or not: It's excellent; go buy the video! It can get a little boring after seeing it over and over, but it's definitely worth seeing!
10/10
:NAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" She has the most brattiest little voice!
To those who want to know if it's good or not: It's excellent; go buy the video! It can get a little boring after seeing it over and over, but it's definitely worth seeing!
10/10
Polly does it again as "Debutante Linda"
allmybiz12317 September 2006
I am a huge fan Of Jessica Polly (credited Beitchman). When I heard that she was in this movie I just had to see it. Normally I find Disney movies passe and trite, but if you're in the mood for it, this movie is exactly what the doctor ordered. It's an enjoyable romp for romp's sake. But let's talk more about Jessica, shall we? (sigh) And how 'bout that Julie Andews. She is it! Seriously though, the movie is great for kids of all ages with a little something for everyone to enjoy. Music, laughter, even ballroom dancing! I watched this movie with my nieces and nephews and they laughed so hard. We all had a spectacular time. I don't know if the movie is available on DVD, but if it is, by all means rent it. You won't be disappointed.
My 9 year old daughter loves this movie!
calisparkz26 April 2021
First off, why is there adults in here rating this movie 1 & 2's? Some clown blabbing about drunk drivers killing people? This is a movie for young children!!! What's wrong with these people? These morons aside...the movie has a pretty decent cast, there's no bad language, no nudity, no violence and lastly no one is doing drugs! Rest assured that you can leave your kids to watch this without any supervision at all! You're welcome!
Cute and Funny in the Right Places; Sofia is GREAT!
Saturns_Illusionist1 December 2003
I finished watching this really cute comedy about a six-year-old girl who lives at a 5 star plaza and causes havoc. It's very warm-hearted, and people who love the Eloise books will love this movie. I can't wait until next Sunday, Eloise at Christmastime is on.
Sofia Vassilieva is charmingly funny, REALLY cute and is a great lil' actress, the part of Eloise fits her like a glove. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us. Sofia's spunky and brilliant, she's a great actress for her age, maybe the future of Hollywood.
Eloise is just a little girl, trying to get people to notice her in bad and good ways. She wants to go to the Debutante Ball but has no one to take her. When she overhears someone saying that a prince is coming to stay at the plaza, she immidiately wants the prince to take her to the ball. When she stumbles across a 9-year-old boy, who IS the prince but Eloise doesn't know it until the end, she asks him to help her look for him. Eloise also takes him around New York and they have all kinds of fun. Somewhat unrealistic, I know, but adorable none the less. This should definetly get a higher ranking then 4.9. It should at least get a 6.7. If you haven't seen it, please do, you won't be dissapointed.
Sofia Vassilieva is charmingly funny, REALLY cute and is a great lil' actress, the part of Eloise fits her like a glove. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us. Sofia's spunky and brilliant, she's a great actress for her age, maybe the future of Hollywood.
Eloise is just a little girl, trying to get people to notice her in bad and good ways. She wants to go to the Debutante Ball but has no one to take her. When she overhears someone saying that a prince is coming to stay at the plaza, she immidiately wants the prince to take her to the ball. When she stumbles across a 9-year-old boy, who IS the prince but Eloise doesn't know it until the end, she asks him to help her look for him. Eloise also takes him around New York and they have all kinds of fun. Somewhat unrealistic, I know, but adorable none the less. This should definetly get a higher ranking then 4.9. It should at least get a 6.7. If you haven't seen it, please do, you won't be dissapointed.
What were they thinking!
DirtySweet11 May 2003
As a lover of the original Eloise books I can honestly say that making a movie out of it was a huge mistake. The charm of the Eloise books is her unique imagination but also the fact that she spends he time alone and bored in a big hotel. The addition of the extra characters completely ruined the entire book and it seems foolish that the amazing Eloise books are associated with this movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
