 | 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. |
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
- Review Date: August 5, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Teen drama still fits the second time around.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this winning (if unsurprising) sequel is sure to appeal to teens and older tweens who are fans of both the books it's based on and the four stars, who are veterans of TV shows like Gossip Girl and Ugly Betty. That said, the characters are older now, and this film takes on more mature themes than the first movie. Some characters are sexually active: One girl loses her virginity, only to have a pregnancy scare soon after. Two underage characters drink wine in one minor scene, there are heavy discussions about suicide, and friendships are tested in sometimes painful ways. But all of these issues are relatable, and it's refreshing to see a film take them on in a straightforward manner. It's also great to see empowered, interested, caring teens make their way in the world.
What's the story?
The girls are back -- and so are the magical pair of pants -- in this sequel to the hit movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which itself was based on a series of books by the same name. Life is a little more complicated this time around, with the four main characters dispersed to various places during the summer after their freshman year in different colleges. Lena (Alexis Bledel) is taking a life-drawing class that pushes her beyond the typical bounds of love, while aspiring filmmaker Tibby (Amber Tamblyn) is writing a romantic comedy even as her own love life hits definite peaks and valleys. Meanwhile, archaeology student Bridget (Blake Lively) is inspired to dig into her own past, and Carmen (America Ferrera) realizes that she's not just a bit player in the theater or in life: She's a star. But all of the distance and excitement has tested the girls' friendships, and the pants may have lost their magic. Or have they?
Is it any good?
Sweet, endearing, and, yes, a mite predictable, THE SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2 won't disappoint fans of the first movie and the books. (It blends events from the second, third, and fourth books, though it mostly focuses on the fourth.) Just as in the original movie, the lead actresses all rise to the occasion, notably Tamblyn, who's a standout in her Goth getups and faux bravado. The problems they encounter are bigger here, and they delve into questions about love -- both familial and romantic -- as well as identity and even young parenthood. The film also examines the difficulties of maintaining long-standing relationships under the strains of time, distance, and lack of communication.
It's all interesting, for sure, but the overabundance of storylines hobbles the movie a bit: It feels fragmented, like the characters' lives. Thankfully, it's still nuanced, though it does take on quite a bit -- no wonder it runs a little too long. But in the end, the bonds of friendship are stronger than anything life lobs in the sisterhood's way.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what makes this movie different from other teen flicks. Is it a realistic or "Hollywood-ized" depiction of college students' lives and friendships? Can relationships that begin in childhood be sustained through life's ups and downs? How do you support your friends when they feel sad or angry? Families can also discuss the girls' different dilemmas. What issues do they have to confront? What choices must they make? How have they changed since the first movie?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
Teens should see this
This movie once again is the best! I love this series because it is acted out real well. One thing they did do that is diffrent from the last movie was put it up to rated pg13 that is just because there is one sex scene and it dosent show that much going on. I think that this movie is okay to watch if you are 10 or up because it is not that bad.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
pretty good for a sequel..
i really enjoyed this movie, along with the first one. this time around, there is more sexual content because one of the characters has sex with her boyfriend, causing havoc because his condom broke. the messages in this movie were very positive though, and it wrapped up the series ok. i wish i didnt cry in the movie, but i did.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
It's not as great as the books . . . But the acting is fab!
Honestly, I loved the books more then I loved the movies. And yes, I know this is usually true, but I was pretty disspointed in this movie. I loved the acting and whatnot, but it's so hard to put a couple of books into an under two hour movie. Honestly, if you haven't read the books/ aren't big fans of the series, you won't get it/ not like it. However, some of the actors, especially the girls who play Lena and Carmen are fantastic . . . I think fans of Ugly Betty will appreciate this movie more then the original.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
read the books first.
Good but I would not suggest it for younger kids. The book was much better. They should have made 2 or 3 more movies insted of just one
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Four an adult I love this movie.
It is a good movie this is one movie that was just as good as the first. I do not recommend even teenagers seeing this due to the fact that it is an adult movie and the whole in and out of relationship thing going on.But It was nice to watch the girls grow up..And I cryed soo much lol..
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Okay for tweens and teens
I loved the book! The movie was kind of a dissapointment.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
August 28, 2009
AGE
I like it...
I personally like the movie but ya know..
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Loved it
This was a wonderfully made movie that I very much enjoyed. In my opinion it is much better and far more interesting than the first one. I think 14 year olds and up will love this one, there are some iffy messages throughout the film that may be a bit of concern..especially for the younger age range, but hey it's pretty tame compared to the other stuff out there today that kids are watching all the time! This is a great flick to see with friends or just your dog :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 12 years old
July 26, 2011
AGE
Better then original!
Personally I think The Sisterhood Of The Traveling Pants 2 is better then the original. Yes, there is a minor sex scene but it all it shows is Tibby and Brain making out in bed clothed then later it shows her wrapped in sheets. Brian tells Tibby that the condom broke and then she has a pregnancy scare. Lena takes a class were she draws a naked man, but nothing is shown.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Sanaa Hamri |
| Cast: | Alexis Bledel, Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 117 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 6, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | November 17, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature material and sensuality. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
