16 Wishes (G)

common sense media says

Teen's errant birthday dreams hold good messages for tweens.

parents & educators say

63% say there are positive messages

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this Disney TV movie is a positive choice for tweens, who won't be able to help picking up on its messages about appreciating things like a loving family and loyal friends. There’s no iffy content to speak of, making it an age-appropriate choice for all but very young kids -- but tweens will reap the most benefit from tuning in. Abby’s journey through her possible near future offers an eye-opening (if slightly exaggerated) glimpse of where selfish endeavors and misguided priorities can take a person, giving parents a prime opportunity to chat with their tweens about their own desires for their futures.

Educational value: The movie intends to entertain rather than to educate, but it does include some strong messages about gratitude, respect, and friendship.

Positive messages: Tweens discover that superficial ambitions (cute clothes and popularity, for instance) don’t bring the same happiness found in good friends and a supportive family. Communication is a strong theme, and Abby proves its power when she works out her differences with a longtime adversary.

Positive role models: Abby’s parents are loving and caring, despite her insistence that they don’t understand her. Abby’s experience teaches her to appreciate the fortune in her life and to give back to those she’s taken for granted.

Violence & scariness: Not applicable.

Sexy stuff: One brief kiss between teens.

Language: No cursing, but some use of “shut up” and “I hate you.”

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the movie's intention. Does it aim to entertain, teach you something, or both? How well does it succeed? What did you learn from the movie? Does a movie or show need to have a "lesson" to be likable?
Tweens: What kinds of things would be on your own wish list? How do you prioritize the things you want? What do you value most in your life?
How does the media influence our desires and ambitions? What messages do commercials, TV shows, and movies send to us about what it means to be successful? How do these messages compare to your own idea of happiness?

What's the story?

Abby Jensen (Debby Ryan) has lived her whole life in anticipation of her 16th birthday, when she’s sure that all of the dreams on her birthday wish list will come true. When a mysterious visitor delivers a unique set of birthday candles, she discovers that lighting them corresponds with making some her dreams a reality. A new car and the attention of the cutest boy in school are all fun and games until one of her wishes has unexpected -- and unwanted -- results, leaving her racing the clock to figure out how to get her old life back.

Is it any good?

With its clear cautions against superficial happiness (i.e., donning designer clothes, hobnobbing with celebs, and catching the eye of a hunky classmate) and gentle reminders about the value of self-respect, good friends, and a supportive family, 16 WISHES has a lot to offer tweens. Abby’s glimpse at the troubles that her selfishness can cause is a good caution against the same behavior, and hopefully tweens will think twice about their own priorities as a result.

With parents’ help, this funny, feel-good movie can do more good than just entertain your kids -- be sure to chat with them afterward about their impression of its messages and how it makes them feel and think about their own hopes and dreams.

Movie themes & details

Themes

magic and fantasy, high school

Movie Details

Studio: Image Entertainment
Director: Peter DeLuise
Cast: Anna Mae Routledge, Debby Ryan, Jean-Luc Bilodeau
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 90 minutes
DVD release: November 16, 2010
MPAA Rating: G

This review was written by Emily Ashby

Review It

What parents & educators say

Based on 8 parent & educator reviews:

63% say there are positive messages

Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Fadmoo
adult

Very nice and easy. good movie to review

It's nice and not too harsh. I actually didn't hear about it at all, but then read this review on Shvoong*. try it, and try shvoong*, they got EVERYTHING and if you write you earn money

What other families should know

Movie Details

Starring

Genre

16 Wishes (G)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on 16 Wishes

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Themes

Movie Details

Review It

Review 16 Wishes

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

Very nice and easy. good movie to review

anyone/family

dumb

dumb

dumb

There is some bothering in this movie

Don't watch unless you want to die of extreme boredom

Good for 7+

i disagree with screenblogger

Good for the whole family!

Good for Most Veiwers

please make better movies

Excellent Disney Channel Movie

Good Life Lesson!

Very predictable

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