Dynamixor The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Rio Hayward All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Nayan Gough A great movie, one of the best of this year. There was a bit of confusion at one point in the plot, but nothing serious.

Lela The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

bj_kuehl I like Adrien Brody's work, so I looked forward to getting my hands on this somewhat difficult-to-find movie, and it was worth the effort. It's a heart-warming story about an orphaned 13-year old NYC street urchin who is sent via the Orphan Train to Nebraska where he is adopted by a Swedish immigrant family who recently lost their older son to typhoid. Not everything is hunky-dory, of course, and both orphan and family are forced to adjust to each other and remember what it feels like to be a newcomer in a strange place. The story moves along briskly, and there are two scenes in which Brody performs magic tricks that earned him the name "the Amazing Adrien" when he was growing up. An additional bonus is included in which discussion topics are suggested for parents who wish to use this story as a teaching-tool with their children. If you're a Brody fan and/or you grew up watching "Little House on the Prairie," this movie will appeal to you.

Diane Wallace This is a straightforward story told simply, making it enjoyable family entertainment. At just about one hour long it's also suitable for even very young children; it will definitely appeal to teenagers.I have no problem with the casting, but the Swedish accents of the farmers are a little too heavy when it comes to understanding all of the dialogue in two instances. The script itself is tight and believable.I praise the settings and cinematography. The contrast of the dark squalor of New York City to the bright, summer plains of Nebraska is memorable. It made me want to spend some time in the rural Midwest!Although the plot is predictable (everyone lives together happily ever after), getting there is what makes the story. A heartwarming viewing experience without being mushy.