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Queen Sized (NR, 2008)

common sense media says

Complex messages for teens save so-so TV movie.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that although this made-for-TV movie -- which stars Hairspray sensation Nikki Blonsky -- has central messages about acceptance, body image, and eating issues that are good for tweens, too, there are several things that make it a better choice for teens only. For one thing, teen characters are shown drinking with no consequences, and there's at least one mention of teens having sex. Girls are also frequently shown in their bras (although you could argue that that's no worse than what the average kid sees on MTV every day).

Positive messages: The overarching message is that a girl doesn't have to be perfect to be crowned homecoming queen. But the story isn't as simple as "good girl wins; bad girl loses." The queen in question is an overweight teen who has a serious problem with binge eating. But even though she's portrayed as a heroine, her unhealthy actions aren't made out to be heroic, and she confronts her issues with food in the end. And the "bad girl" isn't a typical stereotype, either; she's a nice girl with a good head on her shoulders.
Violence: During an argument, a girl pushes her friend to the ground, causing her forehead to bleed, but she's punished by the school for her actions.
Sex: Girls are shown in bras while changing in the locker room. In another scene, a girl stands in front of the mirror in her bra looking at her body. Other girls are shown showering naked, but only from the back up; no sensitive body parts are shown. One teen character mentions making out with her boyfriend and thinking she might be ready to have sex.
Language: Mild curse words like "crap" and "damn" pop up occasionally, in addition to the more descriptive "bitch-slapping" and "lard ass."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Underage teens are shown drinking beer and margaritas at a party.
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More on Queen Sized

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about stereotypes in general and how difficult they can be to overcome. Teens: Has anyone at school ever tried to label you and make you feel like you weren't "normal"? If the main character of this movie was a student at your high school, do you think she really could have been crowned homecoming queen? Why or why not? Parents might also want to broach the subject of binge eating and stress that it's not a healthy behavior. While it's true that you don't have to be skinny to be happy, it's equally true that you should live your life as healthfully as you can by eating nutritious food and exercising regularly.

What's the story?

What's the story?
In QUEEN SIZED (which is based on a true story), plump, plucky high schooler Maggie Baker (Hairspray's Nikki Blonsky) decides to run for homecoming queen. That means going up against pretty blonde classmate Tara (Kimberly Matula), as well as coping with a coattail-riding friend who becomes obsessed with making sure that Maggie doesn't make it on the ballot.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Stereotypes are shattered in this TV movie -- and not just the ones you'd expect. In fact, the lack of predictability is what sets this drama apart from so many other teen-driven stories with a positive message. For example, Tara isn't a vindictive witch. She's actually a nice person with a brain of her own who's captain of the debate team ... and just so happens to date the school's dreamy quarterback (OK, so apparently some stereotypes are worth hanging on to). And Maggie's unhealthy habit of binge eating in times of emotional stress (which is shown in relatively graphic detail) is actually dealt with thoughtfully.

The things that hold Queen Sized back include weak dialogue that smacks of an "after-school special," a few improbable plot twists and the decision to use co-star Annie Potts as both Maggie's mother, Joan, and as a sort of glammed-up devil that sits on Maggie's shoulder and makes her feel bad about herself. Still, it's nice to see a movie about high school that nobly tries to step out of the box.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Starz Media
Director: Peter Levin
Cast: Annie Potts, Lily Holleman, Nikki Blonsky
Genre: Drama
Theatrical release: January 12, 2008
DVD release: August 5, 2008
MPAA Rating: NR
This review was written by Kari Croop
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

arthur16morgana
teen, 16 years old
12
 
fave lifetime movie. i loved this movie. im not the skinniest girl in the world. not every one is perfect.not everyone can be a stick figure. good movie. i find it realistic
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LM
adult
 
Watch with your teen daughter - We're all flawed
From the previews I thought this would be your standard sappy good vs evil movie. It's NOT. It's about friendship and relationships, and shows us that nobody is perfect and we all make mistakes. Age appropriate - It's about high school and should be viewed by high school students. I watched it with my 7th grade daughter and found a few of the sceens inappropriate for her. Like a brief talk about sex and drinking at a party. The mother also appears as the heroine's thoughts (much like the angel and devil cartoons) and the in the thoughts the mother is constantly putting down the daughter. This movie shows us that nobody is perfect. The main character makes many mistakes, but most importantly she learns from them. I highly recommend you watch this with your daughters and try to get her to discuss it with you.
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (4) | read my mind (2)

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