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Just for Kicks (Nickelodeon)

common sense media says

Soccer-centered show for tweens is likable enough.

parents & educators say
See all 7 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this show portrays a diverse group of teen girls as strong, positive role models. Also, boy-girl crushes are addressed, but in a lighthearted, puppy-dog-love kind of way; there's some kissing, but nothing more. On the negative side, some of the girls can be catty and say mean things to each other.

Positive messages: Girls are portrayed as strong, smart, confident, and skilled at sports. Four girls with very different personalities and backgrounds learn to get along and work as a team.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Sexy stuff: References to boy-girl crushes; some kissing.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Just for Kicks

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the series' central female characters. What do you think of the way they're portrayed? Can you relate to them? What do you like or not like about them? Another discussion topic could be women in sports. Why do you think there are fewer movies or shows about women's sports than men's sports? Which women's sports would you like to see featured in a movie or TV show?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In JUST FOR KICKS, Nickelodeon's soccer-themed series for tweens and young teens (and executive produced in part by Whoopi Goldberg), four high school girls from diverse backgrounds try out for an elite New York City soccer team called the Power Strikers. Alexa (Francesca Catalano), an attractive and popular cheerleader, must deal with her snooty friends' contempt and lack of understanding when she ditches cheerleading for soccer. Less-popular tomboy Freddie (Mallory Low), who's convinced that the very "girly" Alexa doesn't belong on a soccer team, must get over her preconceived notions about Alexa and admit that the other girl is a nice person and a good player. Overachiever Lauren (Katija Pevec) is distracted from her training when she develops a crush on Alexa's older brother. And outspoken leader Vida (Jessica Williams) butts heads with team captain Dana and realizes she needs to smooth things over for the good of the team. The unlikely foursome eventually become fast friends and coach one another through the many issues that plague 14-year-olds -- from acne and flat chests to first crushes and overbearing parents.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Although the general themes in Just for Kicks are nothing new, it's refreshing to see a tween/teen-oriented series that focuses on a sport -- especially one that puts girls in the spotlight. At times, the show seems unduly focused on all the sniping that occurs among the girls; this is probably realistic to some degree and works to set up the heartwarming reconciliations, but it's a bit hard to take when the cattiness runs rampant.

Also, the script is rather flimsy and the acting weak at times; most of the parents, in particular, are two-dimensional and unremarkable. That said, the four lead actresses are likable enough that viewers will definitely want to find out what happens to their characters next -- and their swift soccer moves are convincing enough to make anyone want to go out and kick a ball around.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-Y7
Network: Nickelodeon
Cast: Craig Robert Young, Francesca Catalano, Jessica Williams
Genre: Comedy
Where to watch: Nickelodeon
This review was written by Larisa Wiseman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

oyuky
teen, 16 years old
 
COOL
PERFECT FOR GIRLS
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (3)

kid, 12 years old
6
 
Me gustó mucho estee show ya que es muy entretenido y es apto para todo publico ya que enseñan un Decisiones tomar buenas por si Cualquier niño o adolescente pasa lo mismo y ademas el deporte es muy saludable y lo podemos tomar como un hobby
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teen, 14 years old
6
 
Me gustó mucho estee show ya que es muy entretenido y es apto para todo publico ya que enseñan un Decisiones tomar buenas por si Cualquier niño o adolescente pasa lo mismo y ademas el deporte es muy saludable y lo podemos tomar como un hobby
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

kid, 11 years old
6
 
Me gustó mucho estee show ya que es muy entretenido y es apto para todo publico ya que enseñan un Decisiones tomar buenas por si Cualquier niño o adolescente pasa lo mismo y ademas el deporte es muy saludable y lo podemos tomar como un hobby
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)
Keds43@aol.com
teen, 17 years old
 
1 of the only good Nick shows
Awesome! I love soccer and I love this show. I can relate to the show because some of my friends on my soccer team I wouldn't even think of being friends with. My fave is Vida. She's strong and independent and has great soccer skills.
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brendacatalano ...
teen, 17 years old
 
I thought it was fun.
I thought Just for Kicks was the best new show on Nick because I could relate to it. I loved the girly Alexa because she is atheltic but at the same time gorgeous and nice.
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jcarole
adult
 
More than just kicks
This is a great show to watch with your daughter to talk about issues that come up (as early as first grade) and to discuss issues that will happen as she gets older. The cast is diverse and the girls all have assets and liabilities - and they TALK about them. It's well-written, well-acted and my seven year old and I love watching this show together. Don't miss this one. A good find in a sea of schlock!
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (2)

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