The Even Stevens Movie (G)

Tween-friendly movie based on hit Disney comedy.

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Movie details

Studio: Disney
Directed By: Sean McNamara
Cast: Shia LaBeouf, Christy Carlson Romano, Donna Pescow
Running Time: 120 minutes
Release Date: 06/13/2003
Video/DVD Release Date: 06/28/2005
Genre: Family and Kids
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA Explanation: General Audiences

Parents need to know

Parents need to know that aside from excessive silliness, moments of horseplay, and overall chaos, this movie's subject matter is harmless. There's trickery and dissent and serious dating and kissing on the part of an eighth grade girl. (It should be noted, too, that the junior high kids look like they're at least juniors or seniors in high school.)

Families can talk about issues regarding loyalty and deception. How should Louis and the Stevens family respond to Twitty (who both set them up and revealed the hoax)? Miles sets out to make Family Fakeout the number one show out of revenges against his ex-boss. Is Louis's plot--and the show itself--good clean fun or highly destructive? Does the Stevens's experience on Family Fakeout relate to other real reality shows in terms of entertainment, deception, and/or exploitation?

Message
Violence
Sex
Language

Message

Social Behavior:

Overall harmless film, but includes possibly problematic and stereotypical images of islanders and individuals who thrive on deception.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

None, except overall mischief making (e.g. exploding beach balls, family spats, wrestling).

Sex

A little teenage kissing--perhaps a bit advanced for kids who are supposed to be in the eighth grade.

Language

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Kelly Kessler

The television series comes to the big screen in this feature length adventure, in which the Stevens family faces a summer fraught with drama. Father Steve is out of work. Daughter Ren laments her recent breakup, and Beans, a local bacon-collecting rapscallion, emerges as an unexpected houseguest. What could make the summer worse? Miles McDurmott (Tim Meadows) knows how to do it. He flies to their "rescue" and invites the family on an all expense paid vacation to an uncharted island. Little do the Stevens know, they are the most recent victims of a popular television show. Will their friends be able to save them? Will Ren find new love? Will Beans find some bacon?

Is it any good?

THE EVEN STEVENS MOVIE should hold a solid recognition factor for both parents and kids. Kids can enjoy experiencing their favorite television family in a longer format, and parents may enjoy seeing Saturday Night Fever's Donna Pescow in her new role as Mama Stevens. It found critical praise, with four kids--Ren (Christy Carlson Romano), Beans (Steven Anthony Lawrence), Tawny (Margo Harshman), Mootai/Jason (Josh Keaton)--receiving 2004 Young Artist Award nominations. Keaton took home the prize for Best Young Adult Performer in a Teenage Role for his performance as Ren's sweetheart.

While the film does lack narrative sophistication and parents may find themselves a bit bored by the absurdity, they can feel safe about the film's content. Be sure to hang around for the credits. You'll find a fun music video/blooper reel!