Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Melodic Disney Channel movie has great family messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Lemonade Mouth
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
Based on 85 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is an inspiring and energizing portrayal of friendship and standing up for oneself, often highlighting its positive messages, relatable characters, and impressive music. However, some reviewers feel that its portrayal of rebellion and sassy teen behavior may not serve as the best example for younger audiences, although many still regard it as a favorite Disney channel film.
- positive messages
- relatable characters
- impressive music
- sassy behavior
- family-friendly entertainment
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A chance meeting in detention sparks a friendship among five high school students, and soon, their shared love of music yields LEMONADE MOUTH, an upstart band whose songs inspire their downtrodden peers. Stella (Hayley Kiyoko), Wen (Adam Hicks), Mo (Naomi Scott), Olivia (Bridgit Mendler), and Charlie (Blake Michael) go from seeming nobodies to heroes when they vow to make their voices heard in a school that venerates its athletes at the expense of every other group, including the school's music program. In no time, the unlikely friends garner a loyal following and challenge the school's popular rock band, Mudslide Crush, for top honors, and their own bonds of friendship give them the strength to speak up about tough issues at home, too. But when adversity strikes and it seems their very relationships are in jeopardy, it will take every bit of confidence they have to pull it together for themselves and their fans.
Is It Any Good?
Based on Mark Peter Hughes' same-named book, this woman-directed musical dramedy is one of the better, more appealing Disney Channel original movies. The members of Lemonade Mouth refuse to back down against a school administration that discourages students' talents and interests, a stance that should inspire viewers of any age. The friends identify a problem and set out to fix it in a way that showcases music's moving, unifying nature and encourages others to take pride in their own gifts.
Families who tune in to this movie will also be treated to plenty of positive messages to discuss at the end. Friendship, empowerment, self-esteem, self-confidence, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in are just a few of the gems to be found here, and each is illustrated in a way that will resonate with kids. Besides the social themes, there's plenty that relates to family life, and the movie's message about honest communication between parents and kids is impossible to miss.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about rebellion as it's shown in Lemonade Mouth. In what ways do the characters disagree with adults? Are the teens' actions harmful to anyone? When can rebellion be a good thing? Where's the line between a "good" rebellion and a "bad" one?
Friendship plays a big role in how the characters evolve. Which friendships are your most treasured? What qualities do you seek in a friend? How far does your loyalty to your friends go? What would you not do for them?
What are your special talents? How do you hone them? Do you feel that they're appreciated by society? What talents or skills get more recognition? Why is that? How, if at all, does money influence society's value of different talents?
How do the band members of Lemonade Mouth communicate their problems and use teamwork to address them? Are they courageous? Do they act with integrity, empathy, and compassion? How does their behavior resonate with your values?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 24, 2011
- Cast : Adam Hicks , Bridgit Mendler , Hayley Kiyoko
- Director : Patricia Riggen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Lesbian Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Courage , Empathy , Integrity , Teamwork
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : March 23, 2026
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate