Common Sense Media Review
By Joly Herman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Materialistic book series is just the same on DVD.
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The Clique
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 11 parent reviews
Based on 89 kid reviews
Kids say this movie presents an entertaining yet exaggerated portrayal of middle school dynamics, particularly among girls, showcasing themes of bullying, friendship, and consumerism. While many appreciate the moral lessons and relatable characters, some express concerns about the language and materialistic values depicted, making it more suitable for tweens and teens than younger viewers.
- moral lessons
- language concerns
- relatable characters
- portrayal of bullying
- suitable for tweens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Claire Lyons (Ellen Marlow) doesn't realize what she's in for when she moves to Westchester County, NY. Her family is moving from a middle class Florida neighborhood to one of the chicest suburbs in the world. And to top it off, Claire is staying in the guest house of Massie Block (Elizabeth McLaughlin), queen of the clique called "The Pretty Committee" at Octavian Country Day school. Massie lives in a fairy tale -- designer room, designer clothes, beautiful hair, a pony, a chauffeur, and friends who all live in mansions and have credit cards at their disposal. Claire quickly learns that she's not welcome in this clique, especially wearing her Old Navy clothes. She immediately begs her mother to buy her some new duds, feeling desperately out of place. The clique continues to taunt her -- Massie in particular -- dissing everything about her. Claire finds a way, though, to fit in, if only for a moment. But how long will her new friendships really last?
Is It Any Good?
In this glimpse into the supposed lives of the ultra rich, tongue-in-cheek as it may be, there is the feeling that perhaps this portrayal of spoiled girls is not so far off the mark. Even more frightening is the fact that down-to-earth Claire admits that she wants to be friends with Massie and the girls even though they abhor their meanness. Claire's mother does a good job of bringing the family's values to the forefront of their conversation. She says things like, "She's going to like you because you're you, not because of what you wear." (Yeah, right.) After Claire has been humiliated and taunted relentlessly by the clique, her mother soothes her by saying, "You can't make someone like you." True enough, but the moony gaze that shines on Claire's face when Massie gives her a flower speaks volumes. Such complexity applied to the perils of middle school social ranking is heart wrenching, and it rings true, even if THE CLIQUE is meant to be a parody.
The acting is quite good across the board. The 12-going-on-25 routine is played flawlessly by Elizabeth McLaughlin. Though it's soaked in the trappings of luxury, there is a message here, and parents might not be happy to hear it: Kids these days are smarter and savvier than adults might realize -- and can be much meaner too.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it means to wear nice clothes. Some parents might remember Benetton sweaters, Ray Bans or Air Jordans being the must-have items when they were in high school. But cost-wise, these luxury goods were "bargain basement" compared to what The Pretty Committee wears every day.
Why is it so crucial to Massie that her friends wear the season's best, most expensive clothing?
Does this movie ring true for tweens in your town? Should parents give their tweens credit cards with no limits? Why or why not?
What would you do if you were in Claire's (tennis) shoes?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 18, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : November 18, 2008
- Cast : Elizabeth McLaughlin , Ellen Marlow , Sophie Anna Everhard
- Director : Michael Lembeck
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Home Video
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters
- Run time : 87 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic material, rude behavior and language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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