 | 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. |
Girl Fight
- Review Date: October 3, 2011
- NR
- Genre: Drama
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Dramatic anti-bullying movie raises social media issues.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that that this movie, based on a widely-publicized true story, contains some very violent scenes of a young woman being bullied and physically attacked by her teenage peers. Bloody wounds are visible, and serious permanent injuries are discussed. High school teens are shown kissing (including a same sex-kiss) and lightly groping each other, drinking (beer, hard liquor, mixed drinks), and smoking cigarettes. Words like "bitch" and "ass" are audible. It contains very clear anti-bullying/anti-violence messages, as well as strong warnings about the consequences of inappropriate online behavior.
What's the story?
GIRL FIGHT, a movie inspired by actual events, stars Jodelle Ferland as Haley, a 16-year-old high schooler who wants to be socially accepted. When she begins hanging out with some popular kids at school, like Alexa (Tess Atkins), Kristin (Keely Purvis), Becca (Caley Dimmock), and Lauren (Genevieve Buechener), she thinks she's finally climbed to the top of the social ladder. But when her new friends learn about some negative comments she posted about them on a social networking site, the young women decide to teach her a lesson by viciously beating her up with the intention of posting a video of the attack online. Seriously injured, Haley and her parents (played by Anne Heche and James Tupper) find themselves trying to make sense of the social norms and laws that govern the modern world of online information and social media while seeking justice.
Is it any good?
The movie highlights some of the disturbing trends that are appearing on the Internet thanks to the widespread use of computers, smartphones, and social networking sites. It also notes how the easy access to digital media outlets is motivating people looking for fame or notoriety to post inappropriate material online. Throughout it all, it underscores the need for responsibility, regulation, and parental guidance when it comes to communicating online.
Like most Lifetime movies it's pretty dramatic, and it relies heavily on the continual replay of the vicious attack to make its point. But the overall film is successful in sending some very strong and clear anti-bullying messages. It also identifies some of the real emotional and legal consequences that results from posting acts of bullying, and other inappropriate behavior, on the Internet.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about responsibly using the Internet and online social networking sites. What is okay and not okay to post online? What are some of the emotional consequences of posting inappropriate information, pictures, and/or videos online?
What exactly is cyberbullying? Why is being bullied online as bad as being physically bullied in school or around your neighborhood? Whose at risk of being bullied online? Why is it important to speak up if you know or see that someone is being bullied online?
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AGE
Teaches good morals, but hard to watch
It raises awareness of violence and cyberbullying among teenagers and shows the legal process and aftermath of bullying. For some sensitive teens, this may be a bit disturbing, but it has a strong message. Highly Recommended.
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| Studio: | A&E Home Video |
| Director: | Stephen Gyllenhaal |
| Cast: | Anne Heche, James Tupper, Jodelle Ferland |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 88 minutes |
| DVD release date: | April 17, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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