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Taking 5

(2007, Rated PG, Comedy, Starring Daniella Monet, Alona Tal, Marcus Paulk)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 10; suggested age 10.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Like, this silly movie's for the slumber party set only.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 10 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Though it's supposed to be about the power of friendship, trying to be popular drives the plot. Devon and Gabby will risk anything to save their reputations -- even breaking various laws. Lincoln is a token African-American friend who lusts after his female friend and is the criminal mastermind behind the heist. Girls are suggestive when they need to get attention, and boys lust after the girls who are babes. 

  • Violence:

    Devon's sister constantly slaps her in the back of the head.

  • Sex:

    Devon dresses as a femme fatale called the Velvet Raven when she wants attention from one of the band mates. This works-- she gives him a sponge bath (clothes on) and they kiss. Devon's sister is shown making out with a random guy at a party -- kissing him with an open mouth, while pulling his arms around her. Suggestive language.

  • Language:

     "Total loser who needs his ass kicked." "Piece of crap." "Is that why you turned into a dick?" "You calling me gay?" "I am so pissed off that I missed that!"

  • Consumerism:

    Lots of recognizable brands: CosmoGirl, Tiger Beat, Pop Star, Audi, Toyota, Mall of America, MTV News and MTVnews.com. Plus all the clothes and gadgets that everyone seems to possess.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Pete drugs the limo driver, Devon's sister throws a big party where everyone drinks alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Taking 5

Parents need to know that there's some iffy stuff in this mediocre movie. There is the guy friend who breaks into a girl's locker to get into her stuff. This same friend constantly puts the moves on the said friend. Being skinny and cute and popular is the end-all-be-all goal of teenage existence here. And there are parents who are not really there, even when they are there. A character's comment about another girl looking fat seems normal in this context, as does the immediate retort regarding bulimia.

Read our full review by Joly Herman

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about obsessing over famous people -- when is it overkill? We're constantly bombarded with photos and information about famous people and their lives. What makes us want to climb into their world? How do Gabby and Devon feel when the guys in the band are jerks? Is their response appropriate? Is it appropriate to go ape over people who are ultimately strangers?
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