In the hands of the wrong 4th grader, this film is the ultimate ‘for dummies’ guidebook to power and popularity though bullying, manipulation, cruelty, fear, humiliation, and snobbery without empathy, regret, regard for others, or concern for consequences. If your daughter is a Queen Bee, a Sidekick, a Banker, or a Pleaser/Wannabee/Messaenger, be advised- this film could give them the tools to perfect the sophistication of their power strategy (Read Rosalind Wiseman’s “Queen Bees & Wanna Bees” to find out more). The most powerful, gut wrenching, impressionable moments of this film all revolve around the cruelty of the bullying and the success of the bully and her posse. In her book “Consuming Kids,” child psychology expert Susan Linn touches on the dangers of presenting material for children in which the destructive elements are more powerful than the positive elements. The most powerful messages that children take away from this movie concentrate on the immensity of a bully’s power to control, manipulate, and hurt those who get in her way. Even though the point of the movie is to discourage kids from giving in to bullying- the negative power emphasis means that this film has the potential to convey the message that going along with bullies is better than fighting against them and that being a bully is the best way to achieve popularity. While this film does portray a disturbingly honest look at the power of school bullies, the conflict resolution at the end is dangerously unrealistic. When Tara finally confides in parents and teachers about the bullying she is experiencing, the bully automatically looses her power over the entire school and Tara and the bully become friends. Bullies don’t just abdicate their thrones because someone tattled. This film reinforced all of the reasons why girls shouldn’t talk to their parents about bullying.
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An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Tween mean girl meets her match in Chrissa.
Themes in this movie include: family relationships, friendship
updated 10.09.09
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
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Role models:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About An American Girl: Chrissa Stands Strong
Parents need to know that this movie packs a wallop of a message about bullying, but manages to entertain in the process. Watching as a family would be an excellent way to approach the topic of bullying as it may affect the children in the household. A new kid in town is picked on mercilessly by her 4th grade classmates. A recently deceased grandpa is discussed with tears and smiles. One character is mildly injured in a diving accident. Children of diverse sizes and ethnicities are depicted.
Read our full review by Beth Pratt
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about Chrissa's travails. Have you, or any of your friends, been subjected to similar treatment? How have you tried to solve the problem?
- What are clues that a problem you may be having is too big for you to solve alone -- when should you involve an adult, whether it's on your behalf or on behalf of a friend?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title off for age 5 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
a fun true movie with great ideas!
good story about the tween bulling,if you love A.G you'll love this movie!
- I rate this title off for age 5 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
great
i loved this movie!!!!! it really does teach good lessons but in a very fun way. But dont let any kid under 6 watch it. it may cause them to feel the following feelings: very sad, slightly scared, very angry or confused. and it may cause them to do the following: cry or scream or both. but even if your kid is over 5 if there 6 think carefully about about leting them see this movie. Most 7 year olds will probably be ok to see it. and unless your 8 year old is not a very mature viewer for there age and gets upset, sad, angry, or confused a lot with simple easy to understand not to vilont and not to sad movies like this then dont let them watch it but if they are better than that then the movie is ok.
- I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
great movie
there are some good rolemodels and some bad. and there is slight vilonce but still it is a great fun movie that teaches kids how to stand up to bullies.
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive consumerism
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Bulling and educational stuff
This movie teaches about bulling and standing up proud and strong
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
sweeeeeet!
loved it . one scary part though this guy hits his head while jumping off diving board and almost drowns. girls are mean
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
good movie
- I rate this title on for age 7 and give it
Are You Being Bullied, A life Lesson
This is a good movie. It shows how friends should be treated and it's a good lesson for life. It's shows a lesson about bullying,and that's what some people need to learn about. So if your a bully or your getting bullied, or even knows who is getting bullied, then watch this movie and learn from it.
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
this was the Dumest move ever even i was bord out of my mind and i love movies
- I rate this title on for age 5 and give it
A MUST see for all parents of girls 6-12!
My girls and I watched this tonight. We don't watch TV, but only occasional movies most of which are American Girl. This movie is a MUST SEE for all parents of 6-12 y/o girls. If you get over the clothes that the mean girls wear (thankfully my girls wear uniforms!) then the rest is fantastic! I love the fact that the Mom is a doctor, drives a Prius, the Dad is an artist, and they live with the Grandmother who raises llamas! I realize the American Girl ending is a bit unrealistic, but, the movie is still wonderful.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this movie!!! Another great movie produced by American Girl........ This is a great movie about friendship, loyalty, and what public school really can be like!!!(just kidding!) My favorite characturs were Chrissa, Gwen, Sonali, Tara, and, of course, the llamas!!! If you liked this, you should see Felicity, Samantha, Kit Kittredge, and Molly!!!(if there are any other ones, see them too!!!) G-R-E-A-T M-O-V-I-E!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
What is up with the makeup and wardrobe?
My girls and I enjoyed this movie (and message) however, the makeup and wardrobe choices were horrible! The girls (especially the bullies) looked like 7th graders but they were supposed to be 4th graders...BIG difference! I live in a very liberal part of California, and I'm very liberal myself, so I'm not being a prude. My girls are close to the ages of the girls in the movie so I feel I (we) can relate. 4th graders DO NOT have cell phones, nor do they have eyeliner, finely plucked eyebrows or perfectly styled hair. So if you're attempting to make a movie that speaks to real girls, this movie is very distracting in this area. My girls like fashion, cell phones and popular music...but even THEY thought the girls in this movie looked "creepish." I had to agree...
- I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it
awww this is a sweet book or movie!
i love this its so awsome and cute
- I rate this title on for age 6 and give it
Awesome, Awesome, Awesome Movie!!!
I LOVED this movie!!! "Chrissa Stands Strong" is about a 5th grade girl named Chrissa. Chrissa moves to a new town. But there is a group of girls called the "Mean Bees" and they make everyone's life miserable. In this movie, Chrissa shows young girls how to stand up to bullies and for those who are being bullied.
- I rate this title on for age 4 and give it
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Ratings at a Glance
| 50% | of parents say there are good role models |
| 50% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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