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Taking 5 (PG, 2007)

common sense media says

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

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What parents need to know

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.

Positive 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.
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More on Taking 5

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

What's the story?
Devon (Alona Tal) and Gabby (Daniella Monet) are, like the biggest fans of boy band 5 Leo Rise. So enamored are they that when they meet the band in person their world is rocked by the guys' indifference to their pleas to help them be popular. Dejected and angry, the two friends decide to kidnap the boy band and hold them hostage in Devon's basement. The girls become friendly with the guys in the band, kissing ensues, and the band plays at the school as a favor to their kidnappers.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Tween movies can be so much better than this sorry attempt. Sure it has some eye candy -- like cute girls who drool over their favorite boy band and the handsome boy band playing as a favor at a high school. The members of Click Five play the pop band 5 Leo Rise, and as novice actors, they seem to waver between being jaded and being playful. And no wonder: The guys are bombarded with screaming fans whose open mouths and smeary mascara become standard fare.

There are no deep moments here or surprises -- just some stagy scenes where the actors try to pull off the lukewarm script. Kind of like a sugar high that drops as quickly as it came on.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Sony Wonder
Director: Andrew Waller
Cast: Alona Tal, Daniella Monet, Marcus Paulk
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 87 minutes
Theatrical release: September 9, 2007
DVD release: September 9, 2008
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: language, suggestive material and thematic elements
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
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