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How She Move

(2008, Rated PG-13, Drama, Starring Rutina Wesley, Tre Armstrong, Dwain Murphy)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 12, age appropriate for kids over 14; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Urban dance drama is formulaic yet entertaining.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–14

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Raya misleads her parents about how she's spending her free time. Boys wager on a dance match, a crew leader hints at drug dealing, and there are a few fights, but otherwise the story is redemptive and the characters are good-hearted; Raya is also academically ambitious and takes her studies really seriously. Some characters assume that girls can't step as well as the guys can and are reluctant to let Raya into the guys' crew.

  • Violence:

    Mild fight involving some shoving and yelling. Violence hinted at when two rival "crews" face off. A criminal is shown being arrested by cops.

  • Sex:

    Some "bumping and grinding" on the dance floor, and one lingering kiss. Song lyrics played during the step competitions allude to sex. Some scantily/suggestively clad women. A woman is shown straddling a man who's not wearing his shirt; they're in bed, and it seems like the prelude to sex.

  • Language:

    A few uses of the word "bitch," and one "f--k."

  • Consumerism:

    Lots of mentions of the Step Monster, a dance competition.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A man is shown toking on a joint. Some discussions of heavier drug use, but nothing overt. The main character's sister died of an overdose (discussed, but not shown). The drug trade casts a shadow over Raya's neighborhood.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About How She Move

Parents need to know that although this film depicts a hard-knock inner-city life in Toronto, its redemptive, inspirational themes -- that no matter who you are, you can and should dare to dream -- apply to everyone. There are hints of trouble (crime, drug issues) in the neighborhood, but they're fairly subtle, and although the main character's sister dies of an overdose, it's not shown, and the only drug shown on screen is marijuana. Some angry words are exchanged, but this is the type of film where characters settle their differences in "step offs" rather than with violence. There's some language, but -- other than one use of "f--k" -- it's not excessive.

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Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the appeal of dance movies. Why do so many portray dance as a way of getting in touch with your true identity? What is it about dance that taps into someone's sense of self? Families can also discuss Raya's situation. What fueled her decisions? If you were in her shoes, would you have made the same choices (and mistakes)? Why does she feel so much pressure to achieve? How is she similar to and different from characters in other urban, dance-themed movies?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    nayyaraf
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 4.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  2. Adult Reviewer
    kmattson
    Lives in California
    I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it 2.0

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    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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  3. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    daddy long legs
    Lives in Florida
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

    daddy long legs 12 years old!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    this movie is awesome you have to go see it theres noting bad in it!!!!!!!!!!

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
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