 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
16 Wishes
- Review Date: June 24, 2010
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Teen's errant birthday dreams hold good messages for tweens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
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.
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.
What families can talk about
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?
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- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
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
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AGE
Don't watch unless you want to die of extreme boredom
The entire plot is dumb and it's not a single bit realistic. They want it to appeal to teens, but then they make stupid "jokes" and sound effects. Every time I watch a Disney movie, I forget what the word "joke" means.
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AGE
anyone/family
i loved watching it but then again that's just me
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AGE
i disagree with screenblogger
Reality check. She is 16 of course she's gonna be like that. Everyone is like that.
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AGE
There is some bothering in this movie
My nanny did not like some parts in this movie. Some characters were bothering Abby too much which can be uncomfortable.
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Kid, 10 years old
July 27, 2010
AGE
Good for Most Veiwers
After Abby Gets Her Candles for her 16 wishes that she made when she was about 8. She starts to blow most of them out. They did mostly good for her.But soon Abby gets to one that she never wanted. And It Obvilously didn't do good for her. Now she has to
redo all of her wishes by midnight.then she realizes that her 16th
wish is just a picture holding on by gum.She realizes that she can take the picture off and put on the very first picture at the beginning of the day But it is a minute to midnight so she blows out the last candle and it starts the hole day over. Good movie
with positive messages that means popularity isn't everything.
good movie for most veiwers.
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Kid, 12 years old
March 13, 2011
AGE
dumb
.hate it
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Kid, 11 years old
March 13, 2011
AGE
dumb
.hate it
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AGE
Good for the whole family!
I love this movie! It is not bad for children at all. There is a kiss at the end, and she is in a short dress when trying on dresses, but what is so bad about a peck on the lips and a dress? Oh, and in the beginning there is a pop star abby loves, but other than that. I think it has a positive message saying be careful what you wish for, and appreciate what you have! I definitely recommend it for kids 7+
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| Topics: | magic and fantasy, high school |
| 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 date: | November 16, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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