while most of the acting here is unexceptional and the direction/editing often reflects odd choices, the movie's intended demographic of adolescent and teenage girls will likely not care
sparkling and lovable, this tween-friendly film ably updates Nancy Drew for the "future is female" generation; Young viewers will be on board both for the hi-jinks and for the movie's essential sweetness -- because that never goes out of style
even with that major miscue, “Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase” works well for its target audience; As for the mystery of how good the movie is, the case is closed on a positive note
"Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase" is clearly made by people who have thought through the material and tried to make it enjoyable and palatable, but the set-up at the end for further sequels feels a little too hopeful