Common Sense Media Review
Tween tale has some bullying and mild romance.
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The Lizzie McGuire Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 4 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fun and entertaining choice for family movie nights, although some viewers expressed disappointment over the absence of a key character from the series. While many enjoyed the humor and overall charm, others noted plot frustrations, including a perceived weak romantic subplot and complaints about certain inappropriate themes for younger audiences.
- family-friendly
- entertaining
- weak plot
- character absence
- humor present
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Hilary Duff stars as her TV series character Lizzie McGuire in this feature-length adventure. Lizzie's middle school graduation turns humiliating when she's called on as a last-minute substitute speaker and trips, causing the backdrop to fall on top of the entire graduating class. But she's looking forward to a trip to Rome with her friends, even though it's led by her new high school principal, Miss Ungermeyer (Alex Borstein), who seems more like a drill sergeant. Lizzie's spirits remain high even when she finds out that her nemesis, popular girl Kate (Ashlie Brillault), will be coming along. In Rome, Lizzie meets Paulo (Yani Gellman), a dreamy Italian teen pop idol who is mesmerized by her uncanny resemblance to his singing partner. She pretends to be sick so she can sneak out to tour Rome on the back of his Vespa, and he persuades her to pretend to be his partner on a live award broadcast. She feels like Cinderella. But she ends up learning some new things about old friends, and some old lessons about her new one.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of Lizzie McGuire are certain to love this fizzy tween tale. Lizzie is admired by a handsome international pop star, gets a makeover and tries on a lot of wild clothes, triumphs over the snarky popular girl, and gets to be a superstar with all her friends and family in the audience. It's all a tween dream come true.
It's not really a movie. It's just a 90-minute episode of the popular Disney channel television show, partly filmed in Rome. But we can be grateful that it's a nice, wholesome story created for an age group usually neglected by Hollywood. Duff has a warm, sweet presence, and the use of a little animated Lizzie to comment on the action adds liveliness to her adventures.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether people really do make their own luck, and how wishes can help.
Do you think Lizzie McGuire is a good role model? Why or why not?
This movie was released in the days before social media and YouTube. How would the attempts by Lizzie's younger brother to post humiliating viral videos of her be seen today?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : August 12, 2003
- Cast : Adam Lamberg , Hilary Duff , Robert Carradine
- Director : Jim Fall
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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