The Cheetah Girls

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Singers celebrate diversity and independence.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

What parents need to know

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 somewhat 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.

  • Kids will take away lessons about acceptance and diversity.
  • The group's music broadcasts anti-prejudice themes and awareness of cultural and personal differences. The Cheetahs value fairness, honesty, and education.
  • Despite their sometimes diva-like behavior, it's clear that the Cheetahs 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.
  • Not applicable.
  • Mild flirting and one brief kissing scene. Some of the girls' outfits are pretty tight, and dance scenes often include booty shaking.
  • Lots 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).
  • Characters sport the latest high-tech communication gadgets (cell phones, pagers). Plenty of tie-in Cheetah Girls merchandise available.

What's the story?

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. 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.


Is it any good?

 

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. The New York group consists of four precocious freshmen: extroverted drama queen Galleria (Raven-Symone) Latina diva Chanel (Adrienne Bailon), self-assured Texan transplant Aquanetta ("Aqua") (Kiely Williams), and level-headed dancing sensation Dorinda ("Do") (Sabrina Bryan) round out the group.

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.


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What families can talk about

  • 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?

  • Do you consider the Cheetah Girls role models?


This review was written by Emily Ashby
Kid, 11 years old
March 2, 2009
 
I loved it
the cheetah girls have got it going on! raven,sabrina,kiely,and adrienne are having a great time in barselona conserts and everthing until raven acts like shes control of everythiing.

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Kid, 10 years old
April 9, 2008
 
cheekz
I love you

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Kid, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
 
i laughed!
do any of you peple like hannah montan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Teen, 14 years old
June 8, 2009
 
The Cheetah Girls are amazing
I love this movie. The Cheetah Girls are fierce and they always will be. The Cheetah Girls is an amazing movie. It's the first and the first always makes you want to watch the rest of the movies. No matter how many times I watch this movie, I like it better and better each time.

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
so totally awome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Kid, 12 years old
October 9, 2009
 
i think good

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 

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Teen, 16 years old
August 25, 2009
 
2-4
Hate it, American wannabes...

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Teen, 18 years old
October 15, 2010
 
muci makes u lose control
i so mike it so much

Flag as inappropriate 

This review was written by Emily Ashby
Topics:friendship, high school, music and sing-along
Studio:Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director:Oz Scott
Cast:Adrienne Bailon, Raven Symone, Sabrina Bryan
Genre:Family and Kids
Run time:93 minutes
Theatrical release date:August 15, 2003
DVD release date:June 29, 2004
MPAA rating:G

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

 

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