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The Even Stevens Movie (G, 2003)

common sense media says

Tween-friendly movie based on hit Disney comedy.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that aside from excessive silliness, moments of horseplay, and overall chaos, this movie's subject matter is harmless. There's trickery and dissent and serious dating and kissing on the part of an eighth grade girl. (It should be noted, too, that the junior high kids look like they're at least juniors or seniors in high school.)

Positive messages: Overall harmless film, but includes possibly problematic and stereotypical images of islanders and individuals who thrive on deception.
Violence & scariness: None, except overall mischief making (e.g. exploding beach balls, family spats, wrestling).
Sexy stuff: A little teenage kissing--perhaps a bit advanced for kids who are supposed to be in the eighth grade.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Even Stevens Movie

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about issues regarding loyalty and deception. How should Louis and the Stevens family respond to Twitty (who both set them up and revealed the hoax)? Miles sets out to make Family Fakeout the number one show out of revenges against his ex-boss. Is Louis's plot--and the show itself--good clean fun or highly destructive? Does the Stevens's experience on Family Fakeout relate to other real reality shows in terms of entertainment, deception, and/or exploitation?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The television series comes to the big screen in this feature length adventure, in which the Stevens family faces a summer fraught with drama. Father Steve is out of work. Daughter Ren laments her recent breakup, and Beans, a local bacon-collecting rapscallion, emerges as an unexpected houseguest. What could make the summer worse? Miles McDurmott (Tim Meadows) knows how to do it. He flies to their "rescue" and invites the family on an all expense paid vacation to an uncharted island. Little do the Stevens know, they are the most recent victims of a popular television show. Will their friends be able to save them? Will Ren find new love? Will Beans find some bacon?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
THE EVEN STEVENS MOVIE should hold a solid recognition factor for both parents and kids. Kids can enjoy experiencing their favorite television family in a longer format, and parents may enjoy seeing Saturday Night Fever's Donna Pescow in her new role as Mama Stevens. It found critical praise, with four kids--Ren (Christy Carlson Romano), Beans (Steven Anthony Lawrence), Tawny (Margo Harshman), Mootai/Jason (Josh Keaton)--receiving 2004 Young Artist Award nominations. Keaton took home the prize for Best Young Adult Performer in a Teenage Role for his performance as Ren's sweetheart.

While the film does lack narrative sophistication and parents may find themselves a bit bored by the absurdity, they can feel safe about the film's content. Be sure to hang around for the credits. You'll find a fun music video/blooper reel!

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Sean McNamara
Cast: Donna Pescow, Shia LaBeouf
Genre: Family and Kids
Run time: 120 minutes
Theatrical release: June 13, 2003
DVD release: June 28, 2005
MPAA Rating: G
MPAA explanation: General Audiences
This review was written by Kelly Kessler
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

BlueSunday
teen, 15 years old
8
 
It was actually one of my favorites!
One of my favorite movies, it is so funny! It was cleverly made, well thought out. I loved all of it (although I skipped through the parts of Ren and her crush 'Motai' on the island) the jokes are funny, not cheesy, I'd recomend it, and its funny that the whole town was watching them on TV (Mostly worried, some intertaned) My favorite line is when Beans accedenlly farts in Luis's face and he screams "Mother of pearl Beans.... MOTHER OF PEARL!" Haha... seriously just watch it.
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Meow314159
teen, 15 years old
8
 
It's pretty good!
I have never seen the show, but the movie is good! It's kind of funny and it's very entertaining. I ALWAYS watch it when it comes on Disney.
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helped me decide (8) | had useful details (6) | read my mind (7)
MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
4
 
The movie is really good. The series is just okay for me, though.
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helped me decide (7) | had useful details (7) | read my mind (7)

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ON: Content is 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
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