In the new movie "The Greening of Whitney Brown," coming to theatres on November 11, Whitney Brown is a spoiled Philadelphia tween and the most popular girl in her school. When her father loses his job, the family is forced to relocate to the country, and suddenly Whitney is without her clique, her shopping, her cell phone, and everything else she's ever known. She's totally lost -- until she meets an amazing horse named Bob who helps her see what really matters most.

We very much enjoyed "The Greening of Whitney Brown" -- it's the kind of heartwarming and funny movie we wish there were more of for tweens, and the kind of movie adults can take something away from as well -- and especially loved chatting with Sammi Hanratty, the 16-year-old actress who makes her starring big screen debut here. Sammi's no stranger to acting, but we think this film will knock her into another orbit. She's going places, for sure!

IML: When you first read the script for "The Greening of Whitney Brown," what did you think of the story and the character?

Sammi: I thought Whitney would be a very fun character to play because she has a really big arc in the film, where she starts to realize what truly is important in life. I thought it was a really good message. I was excited to be able to work with the horse, too! I just knew the whole experience would be amazing, and it was!

IML: Before you shot this movie, had you had any previous experience around horses?

Sammi: Not really. But the first day I got on set, they had me standing on a horse, riding backwards, doing crazy things I never thought I'd be doing. I was a little bit scared in the beginning, and I was riding bareback a lot and that was difficult. But the horse trainer really helped me be comfortable with the horse, trusting the horse and having the horse trust me. The horse and I ended up having a really strong connection and I was crying a lot when we had to say goodbye! I did get a pretty cool gift at he end of the movie -- I got my own horse!

IML: What do you think are the main messages in this movie?

Sammi: For me, the main message is that family is the most important thing -- it doesn't matter where you're living as long as your family's there, that's your home. I think it also teaches a lot of people to come back down to earth -- fancy stuff doesn't matter as long as you have people who love you.

IML: In the movie, Whitney also learns what a true friend is. What's your definition of a true friend?

Sammi: Someone who loves you unconditionally. You can be the biggest goofball ever and they'll still love you. Somebody who's there for you no matter what. Someone you can tell the most embarrassing things to and they will laugh it off, they won't care. I'm really blessed because my best friend Stella is amazing. We've gone through everything together growing up.

IML: Is there something specific she's done that made you realize, "Wow, this is a true friend!"?

Sammi: Once we were ice skating, and these guys were just being so rude to me, saying inappropriate bad things. She went over there and started telling them off! She's always got my back.

IML: You also have four older sisters, right? What is that like? Do you get along?

Sammi: Three of my sisters are much older than me so we never really fought. But my sister Danielle and I used to fight so, so much. It would be about the stupidest things, too. We'd get so upset with each other for no reason. Usually, we would just start laughing. If it was really, really bad, I would just walk into her room and say, "I love you!" and that would break the ice! I can't stay mad at my sister Danielle.

IML: What would be your dream project?

Sammi: Honestly, I would love to play a role that pushes me as an actress. Something more difficult and crazy and fun. Maybe a role in an action movie or just a wacky character. I've always wanted to do that.

IML: Are there any specific causes you're passionate about and involved with?

Sammi: I'm a Starlight ambassador for the Starlight Starbright Foundation, and I do work with Ronald McDonald House, both of those serve kids living with serious illness. I'm also involved with Power of Youth. I've gone to the conference every year since they've started it. It's really fun. It helps young people get involved with charities and gives them a good start. I'm really happy to be a part of that again!

IML: Thanks, Sammi -- we wish you AND Whitney lots of luck!

Sammi: Thank you!

Check out the trailer for "The Greening of Whitney Brown":