 | 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. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Clique
- Review Date: November 20, 2008
- PG
- Genre: Comedy
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Materialistic book series is just the same on DVD.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this DVD based on the popular Clique book series by Lisi Harrison intends to make light of tweens' obsession with wearing the right clothes in order to fit in. The fashions themselves, the quest to achieve them, and the rude behavior that surrounds those who have them are all glorified. The music thumps a little louder and the shots are a little slicker when these 12-year-olds are parading down the school hallway in their designer duds.
What's the story?
Claire Lyons (Ellen Marlow) doesn't realize what she's in for when she moves to Westchester County, NY. Her family is moving from a middle class Florida neighborhood to one of the chicest suburbs in the world. And to top it off, Claire is staying in the guest house of Massie Block (Elizabeth McLaughlin), queen of the clique called "The Pretty Committee" at Octavian Country Day school. Massie lives in a fairy tale -- designer room, designer clothes, beautiful hair, a pony, a chauffeur, and friends who all live in mansions and have credit cards at their disposal. Claire quickly learns that she's not welcome in this clique, especially wearing her Old Navy clothes. She immediately begs her mother to buy her some new duds, feeling desperately out of place. The clique continues to taunt her -- Massie in particular -- dissing everything about her. Claire finds a way, though, to fit in, if only for a moment. But how long will her new friendships really last?
Is it any good?
In this glimpse into the supposed lives of the ultra rich, tongue-in-cheek as it may be, there is the feeling that perhaps this portrayal of spoiled girls is not so far off the mark. Even more frightening is the fact that down-to-earth Claire admits that she wants to be friends with Massie and the girls even though they abhor their meanness. Claire's mother does a good job of bringing the family's values to the forefront of their conversation. She says things like, "She's going to like you because you're you, not because of what you wear." (Yeah, right.) After Claire has been humiliated and taunted relentlessly by the clique, her mother soothes her by saying, "You can't make someone like you." True enough, but the moony gaze that shines on Claire's face when Massie gives her a flower speaks volumes. Such complexity applied to the perils of middle school social ranking is heart wrenching, and it rings true, even if THE CLIQUE is meant to be a parody.
The acting is quite good across the board. The 12-going-on-25 routine is played flawlessly by Elizabeth McLaughlin. Though it's soaked in the trappings of luxury, there is a message here, and parents might not be happy to hear it: Kids these days are smarter and savvier than adults might realize -- and can be much meaner too.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it means to wear nice clothes. Some parents might remember Benetton sweaters, Ray Bans or Air Jordans being the must-have items when they were in high school. But cost-wise, these luxury goods were "bargain basement" compared to what The Pretty Committee wears every day.
Why is it so crucial to Massie that her friends wear the season's best,
most expensive clothing?Does this movie ring true for tweens in your
town? Should parents give their tweens credit cards with no limits? Why
or why not?What would you do if you were in Claire's (tennis) shoes?
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AGE
A 5 year old could watch this. Hilarious for all ages!!
It was a really hilarious movie.
But why does it matter parents had a cocktail at a party is that bad?? Inappropriate?
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AGE
The Clique
It has good and bad rolemodels.Bad:Massie,Dylan,Alicia,Kristen.Good:Claire,Layne.
Massie treats Claire like c r a p then Claire saves Massie from humiliation by stoping Massie from jumpin out of a cake with an I love Chris Abley shirt that makes her look like a s l u t. I love the movie sooo much it was the only movie I watched 4 3 months strait. I highly recomend it .
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Kid, 12 years old
June 3, 2010
AGE
It's a pretty good movie!!
Lots of shopping (Prada, Old Navy, exc.); Language 12 year olds shouldn't be using; Massie is a role model at the end for not being a 'bully' anymore; Claire lies and gets the consequence; Laine is an 'outsider' and Claire learns you don't need to get what you want to be popular and it doesn't matter what other people think.
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AGE
Stupid movie
It's just a bunch of girly stuff. I hate it. The consumerism is overt, and this movie was shown at a friend's sleepover (it was her birthday and she invited just me, and she loved this movie, so she played it, and I had to suffer boredom (we're like polar opposites, considering that she's a girlie girl and I'm a tomboy.)
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AGE
Utterly disappointing.
I've read all of the books, and I honestly expected more. The girls are supposed to be thirteen, and they look fifteen. You can barely hear the dialogue because of the blaring music in the background. Claire was the only one who looked like she was supposed to. It would be better if you could get closed captions, so if that's an option, I suggest you use them.
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AGE
hhhhhmmmmmmm
I read the series when i was 9 and put it away until I was 11. Im really glad i did tht because I understood it more. It shows the insecurties and the behind the scenes look at the "mean girls." I contine to read the series, fully enjoying them. However, my 7 year old sister started reading the 1st book (she stole it of course) and stated immatating Massie and the movie didnt help. OVERALL I GIVE THE WHOLE CLIQUE SERIES AND MOVIE AN A!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Good!
I love this movie! I am currently reading The Clique Books. I'm on the 3rd, and they're really good. But the movie, is of course great! Yes, it says b-tch, hell, and pissed in it, but what movie doesn't? I recommend. It does actually have a story to it. A group of girls who think they're better than everyone else, and you're either IN or OUT.
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AGE
Perfect tweens and up
I loved this movie the first time I watched it! It could be better than both Mean Girls movies. It had some iffy language for a pg movie, definitely a more intense pg movie, and these 7th grade girls dress as if they're 15. Definitely for 11 or even better, 12 and older.
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AGE
Wonderful movie with a great message. Perfect for tween girls
I love this movie so so much. I'm 15 and I think this movie is great. There are some scenes that I typically wouldn't want my own kids seeing if I had them, for example the word "b*tch is used three times, along with some other names, but that's not too bad. I love fashion and definitely know what it's like to get sucked into the consumerism of having the best clothes and accessories out of all your friends. Realistically, I think the movie is far-fetched based on the events' happenings in reality. But it's still a great coming-of-age movie for tween girls especially. When this came out, I was 12 and it really showed me that I could be my own person and not always have to fall into the grasp of peer pressure and trying to fit in. The messages in the movie are wonderful for young girls to know, and I definitely recommend it. In spite of the language and crude remarks, it's a great movie. And honestly, I believe that without all the harsh names and remarks made, the movie's message would be completely lost. It's a fantastic move to show a tween daughter or anyone who's getting to that awkward stage of what to do next. A great movie. I hope this helped! :)
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AGE
got to be aware when you watch.
Not that this is a great movie, but as light entertainment, sure! However, the girls in the movie don't set good role models - their behavior is not appropriate for anyone of any age. Cliques are accurately shown here as terrible things. But I would hesitate to show this to preteens the age of the characters without having a discussion first about the ethics involved.........
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| Topics: | book characters |
| Studio: | Warner Home Video |
| Director: | Michael Lembeck |
| Cast: | Elizabeth McLaughlin, Ellen Marlow, Sophie Anna Everhard |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 87 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 18, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | November 18, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material, rude behavior and language |
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