How to not hate Dakota Fanning

Normally, child actors are just about the most irksome irritants in American culture. And this one, I thought, would be no exception. And for a while, I held firm to my beliefs. I mean, I Am Sam is no Ponette.
But this tow-head is growing on me...

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Firstly, it's a pity Dakota didn't use her ACTUAL name: Hannah. Hannah Fanning has a darling ring, and the name Dakota is so cutesy/trendy, that it ALONE was a main reason I couldn't take this little sprite seriously.

2. 

   So, I Am Sam.
   Dumb. Forgettable.
   But she did have something. But the movie was such a piece of crap that it was hard not to lump her in that pile of boredom.

3. 

   But then she absolutely SHONE in Uptown Girls!!!!
   Just kidding.
   That movie was perhaps the worst of the year.
   Or any year.

4. And how could we forget the abominable Cat in the Hat. The fact that a child would defile such a lovely, poignant children's book like that was reprehensible to me. And I hated her for it. That's right. I hated a child. A child who had no thing to do with choosing the movie. I'm just like that.

5. But then we have Man on Fire.
   Hmmmmm, I think.
   This might be something.
   The movie was dark and touching and she didn't irritate me.

6. But then we plummet back into ugliness with Hide and Seek--most certainly the foulest film DeNiro has ever done. I mean, correct me if you disagree, please...
   Although Hannah (I'm just taking that liberty) was kinda good.

7. War of the Worlds. A few interesting scenes, but Spielberg has officially lost his mind. Ms. Fanning kind of acted her ass off, though. Those piercing screams and tossed-off jokes. This chick could teach Senor Cruise a few things..

8. I didn't see Dreamer.
   Though I adore Jeff Bridges.
   But it looked like a snoozefest.

9. Charlotte's Web--obviously I have issues with re-doing such a masterpiece. But she was likeable and convincing.

10. I haven't seen Hounddog yet, but I feel like I want to. And it's mostly because of Hannah Dakota Fanning.
    Seriously.
    I'm a new woman.

Tips & Warnings

• Look, I would love to be acerbic and hateful about a darling little blonde girl. I mean, who wouldn't? But this one is winning me over.

[Ksenia]

on 8/2/2007 I don't understand why everyone says shes so talented. Take any random kid and put them through acting classes and you have yourself talent. Nevertheless the reason I'm not to fond of her is because she is over-rated and honestly I want to see someone new on the big screen! I mean is she the ONLY child actor alive these days? Give another kid a break for pete sake.

[haakalfie]

on 7/25/2007 You obviously don't have a heart, Audie!

I am Sam is one of the best movies I've ever seen, not as shallow and unrealistic as all the other crap you see these days. It shows us that love is more important than most other things, and definitely not in the corny stereotypical chick-flick way.

[JohanM]

on 6/29/2007 Child actors freak me out when they appear on talk shows promoting their new movies, especially that freaky kid Haley Joel Osment, he was like an adult in a little kids body when he was on Jay Leno talking about the Sixth Sense

[tonyrage]

on 6/21/2007 Ammended to above:
Of course, you are entitled to your opinion (although I see that you really do hate her and are just dealing with the guilt of hating a child)

[tonyrage]

on 6/21/2007 A couple of things pop to mind. First off, a disclaimer: I depsise Dakota Fanning. Really really depsise her. Secondly, the only reason she did not ruin Man on fire, was because she was kidnapped at the start, and did not come back until the end. The movie still sucked though. Third, ALL she did in War of the Worlds was scream. And it was the same scream every time. She sucks and she is annoying and I would rather watch Jerry Maguire over and over (even though I hated it) and see that other stupid kid with the glasses, than watch even a minute of a Dakota Fanning Movie.