 | 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. |
Hatching Pete
- Review Date: April 23, 2009
- NR
- Genre: Comedy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Upbeat movie about confidence has good messages for tweens.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this entertaining, squeaky clean Disney TV movie has plenty of positive messages. Pete's journey from uncertainty to self-confidence is an excellent example for tweens struggling with their own identity woes, and the movie offers lots for parents and their kids to discuss about friends and peer pressure. Content-wise, there's little to worry about aside from some mild flirting that results in a brief kiss.
What's the story?
Pete Ivey (Jason Dolley) is the type of guy who's easily overlooked in the school halls -- unlike his boisterous best friend, Cleatus Poole (Mitchel Musso), who's proudly carrying on the family tradition of spreading school spirit as the spirited Brewster High chicken. But when the costume prompts an allergy attack, Poole begs Pete to take his place at center court; the resulting anonymity frees Pete to discover his inner star. Trouble is, it's Poole who's getting all the attention from fans, who think he's the one behind the mask. Meanwhile, Pete's attempts to get noticed by pretty new girl Angela (Josie Loren) are complicated by the fact that she's also entranced with the mysterious man in the chicken suit. In the end, Pete must decide whether facing the possibility of rejection is worth revealing himself for what -- and who -- he really is.
Is it any good?
Anyone who's ever faced an identity crisis will find a hero in Pete, and Disney veteran Dolley's performance as the uncertain teen makes it easy to root for this lovable underdog. This movie's premise could easily be cheesy enough to put parents off, but the talented young cast makes the story surprisingly enjoyable for a range of age groups.
Entertainment value aside, HATCHING PETE also offers substance for its family -- and especially tween -- viewers. Strong messages about self-respect, self-confidence, friendship, and honesty permeate the storyline, making it a great tool for jumpstarting family discussions on social issues that affect kids and tweens. And Pete and Angela's developing relationship is cast in a positive light, reminding kids that, in the end, the most effective way to earn people's respect is to just be yourself.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about kids' relationships with their peers. Kids: Have you ever felt, like Pete, that people don't notice you? Do you want to be noticed? If so, what do you do to make that happen?
Do you ever feel pressure to behave or believe a certain way because of
what your friends are doing? Why is it hard to stand up to peer
pressure? Who do you turn to for support?
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- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
August 5, 2011
AGE
disappointing
boring story but it has a good message.
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AGE
okay
well like ive said on several reviews with other dcoms this a a typical dcom (but with some expectations, like having the lead character be a male). I liked it better than some other dcoms
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AGE
cute! unique but still good
loved this movie! i like mitchel and jason and it's totally cute! good plotline, unique but thats a good thing since every movie seems to be the same nowadays. i loved it, appropriate for 8+
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Kid, 11 years old
May 24, 2009
AGE
WOW
All I can say is WOW this is a SWEET movie
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AGE
I was really surprised at how good this movie was! I loved it! My 13 year old brother and I couldn't stop laughing!
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AGE
Good movie for people who are shy
I like this movie because I'm shy, and I feel this would help me come out of my shell. It's all innocent and good for any kid. Actually, I really like this movie because I feel I can relate to Pete, unlike many characters in movies.
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AGE
It is kind of stupid!
The commercials even make the movie stupid.
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AGE
Great message and fun for little kids
I thought Hatching pete wasn't a very good movie, a bit cheesy and I found myself getting bored after awhile. But this is a fun movie for families to watch and the message is to be confident and show who you are. The main characters are good role models too. Fun for littler kids!
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Kid, 11 years old
April 26, 2009
AGE
Iplayed! Icried
I like that show becaues it is a good thing for kids.And boys an girls can watch it.Ilove stuff like that and it comes on disney channal.
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| Studio: | Walt Disney Pictures |
| Director: | Stuart Gillard |
| Cast: | Jason Dolley, Josie Loren, Mitchel Musso |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 86 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 24, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | May 12, 2009 |
| MPAA rating: | NR |
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