Emily's First 100 Days of School

Emily's First 100 Days of School is a heartwarming family movie from 2006 starring Diana Canova as the titular character's grandmother. The movie is directed by Mark Risley and based on the children's book of the same name by Rosemary Wells.

The story follows Emily, a young girl in first grade, as she prepares for the biggest milestone of her academic career: her first 100 days of school. Emily is excited to hit the milestone, which is celebrated in her school with a big party. However, she quickly realizes that this is no easy task: counting up to 100 is not as easy as it sounds!

The movie is a charming look at Emily's journey over the course of 100 days as she not only tackles the task of counting to 100 but also learns important life lessons along the way. Emily's mother, played by Marcella Lentz-Pope, is a smart and supportive presence who encourages her daughter to persevere even when things get tough. Meanwhile, Emily's grandmother, played by Canova, is a quirky character who brings a lot of love and humor to the story.

The movie is full of fun and engaging scenes that children will enjoy, such as Emily using cookies to practice counting or making a special chart to track her progress. However, the movie also touches on deeper themes that make it a compelling family drama. For example, Emily's struggles to count to 100 mirror her struggles to fit in at school and find her place in the world. The movie also deals with issues such as bullying, friendship, and family dynamics in a thoughtful and sensitive way.

In addition to its strong themes, Emily's First 100 Days of School features some excellent performances from its cast. Lentz-Pope is especially strong as Emily's mother, bringing a level of authenticity and warmth to the role. Canova is delightful as Emily's grandmother, infusing the movie with humor and charm. Meanwhile, Emily herself is played by a talented young actress named Paige Hurd, who delivers a nuanced and realistic performance.

Another standout feature of the movie is its visual style. The filmmakers have done an excellent job of bringing the illustrations from Wells' book to life on the screen, creating a colorful and inviting world that children will love. The movie also features some great musical numbers, including a catchy song that Emily and her classmates sing to help them count to 100.

Overall, Emily's First 100 Days of School is a sweet and uplifting family movie that will be enjoyed by children and adults alike. Its heartfelt story, talented cast, and engaging visuals make it a great choice for a family movie night or for teachers looking for an educational and inspiring film to show their students.