That's So Raven: Raven's Makeover Madness - NR
Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that although Raven and her friends are teenagers, the storylines are pretty innocuous -– nothing too heavy here, aside from some mild barbs and teasing. They should be aware that because Raven is older in these episodes, there's more of a focus on dating than in earlier seasons of the show.
Families can talk about the various relationships portrayed. Although Raven and her younger brother squabble, how do they also show their love for each other? Why does Dad encourage them to pitch in with chores while their mother is away, besides the obvious reason of teaching them responsibility? In the episode "Adventures in Boss Sitting," how could Raven have handled the situation better by just being honest with Devon and Donna?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Teresa Talerico
This collection of five episodes from the Disney Channel series That's So Raven follows the spirited teenager as she lands a fashion internship and participates in a room makeover show. Although occasionally corny and saddled by some over-the-top acting, THAT'S SO RAVEN: RAVEN'S MAKEOVER MADNESS should appeal to tweens and fans of the television program.
Raven (Raven Symone) lives in San Francisco with her dad (Rondell Sheridan) and younger brother, Corey (Kyle Massey); Mom's studying international law in Europe. The comedy centers on Raven's psychic abilities, which manifest themselves as occasional "visions." Not always entirely accurate, these visions lead to silly, slapstick escapades for the cast.
A budding fashionista, Raven is ecstatic when famous fashion designer Donna Cabonna (Anne-Marie Johnson) hires her as an intern. Raven boasts to classmates and envisions herself in a big office, discussing her own world-famous designs. But reality hits when she discovers the life of an intern isn't so glamorous after all.
Meanwhile, enterprising Corey finds the perfect solution to one of his chores, much to his dad's annoyance -– and amusement. He also squabbles with Raven's friend Eddie (Orlando Brown) over a winning sweepstakes ticket that could belong to either one of them. Episodes also feature Raven's best friend, faithful but ditzy Chelsea (Anneliese van der Pol), who is always there to help Raven out of a jam, even if it means donning a mullet wig or babysitting Raven's emotionally clingy boss. When Raven and Corey find themselves on a reality show à la Trading Spaces, the gang's high jinks rattle the host, and Raven briefly becomes a wallflower –- literally.
Older kids may find some characters a bit one-dimensional and Raven's periodic squeals and screams somewhat irritating. Still, the episodes illustrate positive themes about family and friends and show how Raven has grown up through the series. For those wondering what became of the cute little girl who played Olivia on The Cosby Show, well, she's blossomed into a young lady with attitude.
The DVD also includes a bonus episode where Raven tries her high school's Internet dating service –- with surprising results. It's probably the most well done of the five episodes.
Families who like this DVD might also want to watch Phil of the Future or Hannah Montana.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentTween and teenage dating. Some kissing. |
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Social BehaviorPositive messages about friendship and responsibility, although Raven is sometimes a bit diva-like with her peers. One adult character acts pretentious and self-absorbed. |
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CommercialismRaven loves fashion and the latest styles. Two characters squabble over winning a flat-screen TV. |
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