Onlinewsma Absolutely Brilliant!

AnhartLinkin This story has more twists and turns than a second-rate soap opera.

Lidia Draper Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

Fatma Suarez The movie's neither hopeful in contrived ways, nor hopeless in different contrived ways. Somehow it manages to be wonderful

JLRMovieReviews Two children run away from home and stay at the New York museum. Sound unbelievable! Well, it happens in this film, "The Hideaways." Based on a children's book, the film centers its attention more on the older sister than the younger brother. I had never seen this before, but I feel like I would have loved it had I seen this when I was younger. But even as an adult now, I really like it a lot. The film may not seem like much, but we are completely immersed in their own little world as they discover art in the museum. The movie is so well written and made believable by the actors' credible acting. Then much of a to-do is made of a Madonna sculpture and who actually made it. They come to find out it was donated by a rich and eccentric lady. When the girl decides she has to know all about it, they find out where she lives and visit Mrs. Frankweiler, played by Ingrid Bergman. In one of her last films, Ms. Bergman is a delight as she toys with their curiosity and ultimately has a long talk with the girl about life and one's choices. I particularly enjoyed that; it was a very touching moment, maybe made even more poignant for those people who know of Ingrid Bergman's life and career. (She would live only another 7 years.) This is a very endearing, sweet film that children (and Ingrid Bergman fans) would love. I wish it were shown on television, so that today's younger generations could discover this great little film about growing up. Discover "The Hideaways," or "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" today.

irishm I found this in the children's section of the public library and borrowed it expecting to hate it... I had loved the book as a child and was afraid the video version would be another hatchet job like Rosie O'Donnell's trashing of "Harriet the Spy". This is actually pretty good. I see it's labeled "home version", and I don't know what that means, except that I sure didn't see Richard Mulligan in it as the father, so I suspect it might be rather heavily edited. Part of the charm of the book that is unable to make it to the screen is the interior thought processes of Claudia, her interpretations and feelings of her experience in the museum. We can see it on the screen, but we don't really feel it along with Claudia (and Jamie). The movie does try, but it doesn't always succeed. Having said that, it also doesn't insert things that don't belong there, or take away important points that DO belong there, for which I'm very grateful. It remains true to the period. The casting is quite good; both kids were believable in their roles. All in all, I was very pleasantly surprised and might watch it a second time... and I don't even have kids! But for those who do, the book is still your best bet... overall, it does a better job bringing the whole enjoyable story to life.

Teddy-48 Loved the book and have watched the film every time I've noticed it on TV so, unlike many book-to-film adaptations, it didn't irritate me.Not a bad little adaptation of an enjoyable children's book, though not the film to go for if you're expecting complex plot or heart-stopping excitement.For those who don't mind spoilers, it is the story of a sister and brother who run away from home and end up living in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (yes, it's improbable, but none the less enchanting and enjoyable). They remain there until the girl discovers, or thinks she has discovered, proof that one of the pieces in the museum is by a great artist and sets out to meet and consult the woman who donated the piece, Mrs Basil E. Frankweiler (Ingrid Bergman).

Meeyum I found Sally Prager's portrayal of Claudia delightful. The character is intelligent, curious, full of wonder, and caring toward her younger brother. Her independence and courage are admirable. I sympathized completely with "Mrs. Frankweiler's" attraction to this spunky young girl. Ingrid Bergman's appearance toward the end of this movie elevates the film to a new level; as ever, her acting is superb.