'Wild Child' is perfect for family viewing

THE MOVIE "Wild Child"

WHEN | WHERE Sunday at 8 p.m. on ABC Family

WHAT IT'S ABOUT SoCal's most spoiled-brat rich teen (Emma Roberts) gets sent to English boarding school, where she colorfully morphs from superficial to sincere.

REASON TO WATCHHeartfelt performances and atmospheric production turn this familiar nugget into a sparkling gem - perfect for family viewing.

MY SAY Things don't look so promising at the start. Beach-house trendoid Poppy (yep, that's her name) is throwing her widowed dad's girlfriend's clothes over the edge of the infinity pool down a cliff into the ocean. (Only in Hollywood - Hollywood movies.) Dad's not happy. Poppy pouts, "The boarding school threat again?" But dad (Aidan Quinn) means it this time. Off she goes to the British countryside, a brick building, no servants and other horrors, including British students who Poppy thinks have "a severe attitudinal problem."

But, of course, it's her with the SAP, which she gradually realizes by making some sweet and true friends, being taken under wing by the warm headmistress (the late Natasha Richardson in her final film), spending time with the headmistress' hottie son and, yes, learning how to play some serious lacrosse.

"Wild Child" doesn't do anything new, but it's made with flair and sharp little touches that breathe fresh life into its recognizable tale. The familiarity, in fact, lets viewers stay a step ahead of Poppy's learning curve. Which translates into a rooting interest for the diamond-in-the-rough that Roberts' multifaceted performance hints is primed to shine.

Richardson shines from the start, with relaxed intelligence and dignity, promising to "produce smart, independent, freethinking, good-hearted girls who remain friends for life." And Poppy's genuine English roommates amiably fit that bill. So does her jealous nemesis, out to give Poppy "a good bashing." There are fire drills, forged e-mails, honor court trials and lacrosse showdowns, along with dreamy dates, campy gay hairdressers, music-video fashion shows and hip-hop drills.

It's a slick mix where even the credits are cool, not to mention the soundtrack (Rihanna, Timbaland, Nelly Furtado, Robbie Williams).

BOTTOM LINE "Wild Child" is smart enough for adults and spunky enough for the preteens at whom it's most directly aimed.

GRADE B+