Watch Maid to Order
- PG
- 1987
- 1 hr 33 min
-
5.5 (3,614)
When it comes to fairy tales, we all picture the same thing: a beautiful princess who finds her prince charming and lives happily ever after in her castle. But what if a princess didn't have to marry into royalty to find happiness? This is the premise of the 1987 movie Maid to Order starring Ally Sheedy, Beverly D'Angelo, and Michael Ontkean.
The movie tells the story of Jessie (Ally Sheedy), a spoiled and entitled socialite who has never had to work a day in her life. When she insults a mystical statue while attending her father's wedding, she is magically transported to the other side of the world and forced to work as a maid for a wealthy couple. But this is no ordinary job, as Jessie soon discovers that her boss is an old acquaintance of her mother's and has a score to settle.
At first, Jessie is miserable and struggles to adapt to her new life. But as time goes on, she begins to learn the value of hard work and the importance of treating others with respect. Along the way, she befriends the other household staff and falls in love with the gardener (Michael Ontkean), who helps her see the world from a different perspective.
As she grows as a person, Jessie also discovers the real reason why she was sent to the other side of the world. Her mother (Beverly D'Angelo) had arranged for her to learn the true meaning of responsibility and humility, hoping that she would come back a better person. But as Jessie starts to make progress, her mother begins to worry that she might never come back at all. With her magical powers, she attempts to bring her daughter back home and sets in motion a series of events that threaten to undo everything Jessie has accomplished.
What makes Maid to Order stand out from other coming-of-age tales is its unique setting and magical elements. Rather than taking place in the modern world, the movie is set in a fantastical realm where wish-granting statues and magical houses exist. This adds an element of whimsy and playfulness to the movie that is sure to delight audiences.
Another standout feature of the movie is Ally Sheedy's performance as Jessie. She manages to portray the character's entitlement and selfishness without making her entirely unlikable. As the story progresses, she shows a softer, more vulnerable side of Jessie that makes her journey towards self-discovery all the more compelling.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with Beverly D'Angelo bringing a lot of depth and nuance to the role of Jessie's mother. Michael Ontkean is charming as the love interest, while the other household staff injects a lot of humor and warmth into the story.
Overall, Maid to Order is a delightful and heartwarming coming-of-age tale with a magical twist. It teaches valuable lessons about self-discovery and personal growth while providing plenty of laughs and moments of wonder. Ally Sheedy's performance and the movie's fantastical setting make it an underrated gem that deserves more recognition.