Nancy Drew: Is heavy on cute with the fish out of water storyline, but it also has some touches of mystery and some scary parts.  Obviously aimed at the young girl audience, Emma Roberts anchors the lead role with charm and intelligence.  It's obvious that she has the Roberts family acting chops.  I can't say that the movie is a can't miss, but I found it enjoyable enough to give a recommend.  seen 6/16/07

Some other movies with similar storylines of Amateur Sleuths: The Thin Man (1934); A Night to Remember (1943); Murder She Said (1961)
National Treasure: Is an intelligent thriller that mixes history with a hunt for a rumored amazing treasure.  Nicholas Cage does another quirky performance as the man who follows clues all the way to original Declaration of Independence, while trying to outrun thieves and government agents.  There is a nice sense of humor along the smartness of the script that helps to lift this movie from just another action story.  Although the pacing could have been a little tighter, it does work for an entertaining couple of hours.  movie seen 11/21/04  
RECOMMEND: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is my favorite of the series (and not just because I am so crazy for Sean Connery).  The combination of the history and solving of clues works in the story with the addition of Sean as Indy's father in an amusing performance.  The Nazi's are back as well of the humor and fun of the first and it just all works and works well (how many 3rd sequels can equal the first?)  One of my all-time favorites.
National Treasure: Book of Secrets: Begins out rather sourly with nothing going right for the characters with embezzled funds and relationship problems.  But once the search for the new "treasure" begins, things pick up and the movie becomes more fun as it takes us from the U.S. to France and England and back.  Honestly, the script isn't as good or fresh as the first, with the clues being less clever, but its also not horrible and Helen Mirren does add a touch of classy spunk as the mother.  All in all, it is OK entertainment, so I will give it a recommend. Seen 12/21/07
Night at the Museum: is just a fun, family movie.  Ben Stiller plays a hapless loser who takes a job as a nighttime watchman at the city museum.  He naturally freaks out when he discovers the place comes alive at night.  There are plenty of amusing jokes and action and a happy ending that makes this flick a holiday treat.  I saw it in IMAX, though I can't say that it really added to the viewing.  I can highly recommend for a pleasant family outing.  seen 12/24/06 
Nim's Island: Is a delightful blend of "Romancing the Stone" and "Swiss Family Robinson".  Abigail Breslin plays the precocious daughter of a scientist, Gerald Butler, who live alone on a remote island.  When he doesn't come back as expected from a research trip, she takes action to protect the island from unwelcome "guests".  Jodie Foster is the writer of adventure novels the girl loves to read, who amusingly comes to her rescue.  Jodie shows her comic abilities as a lonely woman who is afraid of everything, but bravely goes forth to help the little girl.  I found it a charming movie and recommend for all ages full of adventure, fun, and a good heart.  Seen 4/11/08
No Country for Old Men: For three quarters of the movie, I was held in terrified suspense as a hunter (Josh Brolin), who came across a drug deal gone bad and a bag full of cash, becomes the hunted.  The cartel sets lose a killer chillingly played by Javier Bardem who kills anyone in his way.  Tommy Lee Jones plays a world weary sheriff who tries to help the hunter, but becomes a horrified observer of the carnage.  The Coen Brothers have their usual gallows humor to add to the macabre storyline along with some Texas wisdom in the Jones' dialog.  I found the ending initially a disappointing let down, but have come to realize that's the only way the tale could end.  Think "The Terminator" meets "A Simple Plan" and you have the story.  It's intense and despite my reservations about the ending, I give it a strong recommend.  The movie really stays with you.  Seen 11/24/07
Notes on a Scandal: Is a rip snorting movie with astounding performances by Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett as two teachers whose lives become intertwined.  Cate is the bright young teacher who has an affair with a student and Judi is the older teacher who leaches on to her secret in order to get into her life.  One of those amazingly well written dramas that the British do so well.  In case you haven't guessed - I highly recommend this film.  seen 1/14/07

Some other movies with similar subject:

The Children's Hour (1961)
The Prime of Miss Jean Brody (1969)
NOTTING HILL:  Hugh Grant, a humble bookstore owner, and Julia Roberts, a famous movie star, meet and fall in love.  What could be a corny plot line is strengthened by an intelligent script with not only likable, but believable characters with the focus on Hugh Grant's character and his supportive family and friends.  It has heart and humor and is totally likable.  (As a side light, I was highly impressed by the sequence that showed the passage of a year - great piece of cinematography.)  movie seen 6/5/99  
RECOMMEND: The Queen Mum of all the Princess and the Pauper movies has to be Roman Holiday.  It had a warmth and elegance to it, with the fine direction by William Wyler of Audrey Hepburn in her first starring role, which also won her an Oscar.  She glows as the Princess who wants to lead a normal life and Gregory Peck as the reporter who wants to use her for a story, but ends up falling in love with her.  Sure, the story line is a movie staple, but when well-done it is a pleasure to watch.
NURSE BETTY:  Is a very dark comedy that is like putting Doris Day into "Pulp Fiction".  Renée Zellweger is a sweet, but disturbed woman who believes a soap opera is real life.  Through very ugly circumstances, she becomes involved with two hit men, Morgan Freeman and Chris Rock,  who follow her across country on her quest to meet the soap opera doctor, played by Greg Kinnear, she thinks she's in love with.  Good performances all around with the most amusing circumstances arising  from watching people react to Betty's disturbed sense of reality.  movie seen 9/9/00    
RECOMMEND: The Gun in Betty Lou's Handbag is a comedy starring Penelope Ann Miller as a librarian who confesses to a crime to get attention and then gets involved with the underworld.  Not great, but has it's moments.