Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this movie -- a sequel to the immensely popular The Cheetah Girls -- is more mature and much less hyper than the original. The characters have aged, and their flair for drama has taken a backseat to introspective decision making and goal setting, making them more realistic (and positive) role models. The girls face dilemmas about exploring new relationships (including a boy/girl one) without hurting existing friendships and striving for their own dreams while still contributing to a team effort. Parents play an integral role in guiding the girls over the bumpy road of adolescence.
Families can talk about maintaining friendships during life changes. How can existing relationships be affected by new people in your life? Have you ever been jealous over a friend's interest in someone else? Parents can also discuss the importance of setting goals and staying focused on your dreams. What are your hopes for the future? What steps will you take to get there?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
The Cheetah Girls debuted in 2003 to fanatical response and prompted top-selling albums and a sold-out tour. Disney's response to this phenomenal success? Combine the same talented cast, terrific new music, and a thoughtful storyline to produce an even better sequel.
THE CHEETAH GIRLS 2 opens as the main characters begin the summer before their senior year of high school. The melodious quartet plans to spend the next few months rehearsing, but Chanel (Adrienne Bailon) soon learns that instead she'll be heading to Barcelona, Spain, to bond with her mom's boyfriend, Luc (Abel Folk).
Frantic over this monkey wrench thrown into their plans, the Cheetahs make a wish on a shooting star (this is Disney, after all) and -- go figure! -- quickly chance upon an ad for an amateur musical competition in Barcelona. Always the fearless leader, Galleria (Raven-Symone) sweet-talks the group into an audition; when they get in, her mom, Dorothea (Lynn Whitfield), agrees to act as the group's "Mama Cheetah" and accompany them to Spain.
But when they arrive, things don't go as planned. The foreign soil provides lots of distractions for the girls, who go their separate ways far too much for Galleria's liking. Recalling that her tendency to control her pals nearly cost her their friendship not long ago, she hangs back and waits for them to return for rehearsals. Unfortunately for Galleria, Dorinda (Sabrina Bryan) has a new love interest; Aquanetta (Kiely Williams) gets bitten by the fashion bug; and Chanel hits it off with Marisol (Mexican recording artist Belinda Peregrin), a talented Spanish singer whose mom is bent on breaking up The Cheetah Girls.
Once again the girls must strike a balance between their personal goals and those of the group. Their renewed respect for each other highlights the growing maturity that makes the Cheetahs even more likable this time around than they were in the original movie.
The Cheetah Girls 2 is filled with positive messages about self-reliance, loyalty, and strength of character. Lessons about the perils of pre-judging people and the damaging effects of selfishness are intricately woven into the plot. Break-out song-and-dance scenes give the movie the feel of a musical and offer chances for all four singers to shine, which is a positive change from the original and underscores the girls' messages of fairness and respect.
Fans should check out the original movie, as well as The Cheetah Girls 2 soundtrack and Deborah Gregory's book series, which started the craze. Other good choices include High School Musical and That's So Raven.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA few mild kissing scenes and some flirtatious exchanges. |
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LanguageOccasional uses of "Oh, my God," but nothing stronger. |
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Social BehaviorThe girls are good role models who cherish their racial diversity, value education, promote independence, and make thoughtful decisions. Their friendship is based on honesty and mutual respect. Parents have close relationships with their daughters and help them through emotionally difficult times. |
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CommercialismWardrobes are very trendy, and the show's musical bent could be seen as a commercial for the accompanying soundtrack. |
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