Material Girls (PG, 2006)

common sense media says

A brain-numbing, fluffy flick for tweens.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie makes some weird editorial choices, such as having one of the lead characters dress like a prostitute to get information, which lands her in jail with real prostitutes. There's brief drinking, smoking, and plenty of bad attitudes. Some profanity (s--t). There's lots of products advertised in the movie, not to mention that Hilary Duff's new perfume is handed out in a scratch-and-sniff card with the movie tickets. The sisters' father dies, and their mother abandons them to move to Europe with an Egyptian prince (although we don't see this). The sisters' maid fills in as their "mom."

Positive messages: Mixed: placing value on "things," lying, breaking and entering, realizing true friends, learning the value of hard work.

Violence: The sisters' house is pelted with fruit and eggs after a scandal; they're chased by guard dogs; a corporate exec is smacked on the head with a notebook.

Sex: Tanzie dresses like a prostitute to get information; the girls dress in tight skirts and low-cut tops; flirting and kissing; provocative foot massages; on a TV soap opera, a character refers to "sleeping with your father" and taking 3 months of birth control pills to commit suicide.

Language: "S--t happens," "pee," "screw," "bite me", etc.

Consumerism: Mercedes Benz, Dominos Pizza, Pepsi, Rolodex, Chanel and other fashions. Hilary Duff's new perfume is handed out in a scratch-and-sniff card with the movie tickets.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Ava lights a cigarette and starts their house on fire; various characters smoke and drink; a reference to prescription drugs.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about this movie's themes: growing up, taking responsibility, and dealing with loss. The sisters also have to learn how to ask for help, rather than expecting everything to fall in their laps. How do you handle it when your world falls apart? Also, is it more important to have "things" or family and friends who love you? What are some of the signs to look for when you're not sure someone is acting in your best interest?

What's the story?

"Celebutante" sisters Tanzie and Ava (Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff) spend their days shopping and their nights clubbing. Their dad was the late, great founder of the famous Marchetta Cosmetics Company. Despite being spoiled, they still miss their father. Now, they're the face of the Marchetta Cosmetics Company. One day, Tanzie and Ava attend a meeting to determine which non-profit organization will receive a donation from the charitable foundation bearing their father's name. Meanwhile, Marchetta bigwig Tommy (Brent Spiner) is scheming to force the sisters to sell the company to a rival company owned by Fabiella (Anjelica Huston). When news comes out that Marchetta cosmetics have been causing horrible skin problems for people, it's a huge scandal. The girls end up losing everything and are forced to -- gasp! -- get a job and take public transportation. Will they survive the scandal and bring honor to their father's name again? They're helped along by maid Inez (Maria Conchita Alonso) and cute lab technician Rick (Marcus Coloma).

Is it any good?

From girl-power director Martha Coolidge (The Prince and Me) and the Material Girl herself (Madonna) comes this fluffy teen comedy.

Unfortunately, the storyline, dialogue, and characters are brain-numbing. What were they thinking?! Even the music is lame, which is surprising considering the movie was produced by Madonna's Maverick Films. And between her role in Daddy Day Care and this movie, you have to wonder what Anjelica Huston was thinking. In short, skip it.

Movie themes & details

Themes

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Movie Details

Studio: MGM/UA
Director: Martha Coolidge
Cast: Anjelica Huston, Brent Spiner, Haylie Duff, Hilary Duff, Lukas Haas
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release: August 18, 2006
DVD release: December 12, 2006
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: language and rude humor

This review was written by Jane Boursaw

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

so what losers
teen, 14 years old

i liked it. hilarys a better singer than actress. and her sister haelie is a better acttress.

What other families should know

Movie Details

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Genre

Material Girls (PG, 2006)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Material Girls

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Movie themes & details

Themes

Movie Details

Review It

Review Material Girls

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

this rockz

Good film for Hillary and Hailey Duff

HIlary Duff's Worst

12+ no younger.

i cried i laughed

An idea movie for tweens and teens

Only good for girls up to age of 15.

So in appropriate

Not The Best

This movie IS NOT for tweens, it's for adults... I kid you not!

Great Movie for Kids 7 and Up!

I laughed

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