Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that the characters' diva personas are likely to be copied by tween (and younger) viewers, which can lead to parental headaches over wardrobe, gotta-have gadgets, and attitude. While messages about self-respect, loyalty to friends and family, and accepting responsibility for choices are prominent throughout the movie, they're overshadowed by a barrage of cheetah-themed outfits and elaborately chic-ified teen lifestyles. Many scenes include strings of catch phrases ("ka-ching, ka-ching, bling, bling, bling" and "cheetahlicious") and body language (raised eyebrows, head gestures, and eye rolls) that are tolerable in the context of the movie but will become tiresome when copied by young fans.
Families can talk about the drawbacks of achieving fame. What would the Cheetah Girls have to sacrifice to become famous singers? What if you were faced with a similar choice? Why is being famous a goal for so many people? Does notoriety change people? How does it change the Cheetahs?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
THE CHEETAH GIRLS mixes harmonious vocals, energetic dance moves, and endearing characters, and tops it off with a hefty dose of values to create this highly rated fan favorite original Disney movie. While the characters' sassy attitudes and uppity body language might have parents rolling their eyes, the overall package offers wholesome entertainment for tweens.
With their high school's talent show on the horizon, the hip-hopping Cheetah Girls are busy rehearsing songs, finalizing dance moves, and dreaming of their big break –- the recording session they'd earn by winning the contest.
The New York group consists of four precocious freshmen as different as their various heritages. Extroverted drama queen Galleria (Raven-Symone) heads up the pack as the group's song writer and outspoken leader, and she lives and breathes the dream of Cheetah fame. Latina diva Chanel (Adrienne Bailon) is Galleria's life-long best friend and the energetic (but slightly more grounded) co-founder of the Cheetahs. Self-assured Texan transplant Aquanetta ("Aqua") (Kiely Williams) and level-headed dancing sensation Dorinda ("Do") (Sabrina Bryan) round out the group.
As the competition nears, the Cheetahs are discovered by local music producer Jackal Johnson (Vince Corazza), but their spirits are dampened when he plans to overhaul the diverse, girl-power image they're so proud of. Big problems arise among the foursome as Galleria becomes a dictator, making decisions for the group without consulting anyone. Eventually each Cheetah must decide whether to chase fame at all costs or to put the group's priorities first.
The Cheetah Girls hit a high note with songs that celebrate racial diversity ("we make up one big family though we don't look the same") and self-reliance ("I'd rather rescue myself"), and with group values of friendship, creativity, and education (when one member is struggling in school, they call a study session to help out). Family plays an important role in the movie as well. Galleria often turns to her parents for guidance, and they respond with compassionate lessons about respecting others' feelings and taking responsibility for your actions.
Parents may find it difficult to temper the catch phrases and dramatic body language their tweens pick up from this movie, but if they can tolerate the Cheetahs' inflated teen egos, they may find themselves enjoying this fast-paced flick with their daughters. Despite their extremely unrealistic urban-chic lifestyles, many of the Cheetahs' adolescent issues will be relatable for their viewers.
Cheetah fans will want to check out the sequel, The Cheetah Girls 2, as well as Disney's That's So Raven. More Cheetah fun can be found in the books by Deborah Gregory or on The Cheetah Girls soundtrack.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentMild flirting and one brief kissing scene. Some of the girls' outfits are pretty tight, and dance scenes often include booty shaking. |
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LanguageLots of urban slang (one male character harasses a classmate, insisting she wants to be his "boo," slang for "girlfriend"). Very occasional potty humor (jokes are made when a character steps in dog doo, for example). |
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Social BehaviorThe group's music broadcasts anti-prejudice themes and awareness of their cultural and personal differences. They respect each other for the people they are and encourage others to do the same. Parents are good role models who help the girls learn to set goals, make priorities, and accept responsibility for their actions. The Cheetahs value fairness, honesty, and education. |
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CommercialismCharacters sport the latest high-tech communication gadgets (cell phones, pagers). One girl has an elaborate mixing and graphic arts studio in her room at which she can record and alter music and design potential CD covers. Two of the girls dress like the divas they think they are with trendy outfits and styled hair. |
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