 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Vacation with Derek
- Starz Kids and Family
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Sweet movie celebrates kids' ties in a blended family.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie is based on the Canadian series Life with Derek, so newcomers to the characters will need some time to get up to speed on the story, which might be frustrating for kids. The movie centers on a blended family whose members don’t always get along, so expect some sibling bickering and troublesome behavior from Derek in particular. Happily the story has positive messages about effecting change and following your heart, in addition to its feel-good themes surrounding the bonds that unite families of all kinds. Mild bathroom humor and a few kisses among teens are the edgiest of the content, so there’s little for families to worry about here.
What's the story?
VACATION WITH DEREK is a made-for-TV movie based on the Canadian comedy series Life with Derek. The movie picks up after the series’ end and centers on the McDonald-Venturi kids’ ill-fated trip to the country to visit their grandmother at her lakeside lodge. Felicia (Kate Trotter) is excited to see her biological granddaughters, Casey (Ashley Leggat) and Lizzie (Jordan Todosey), but the unexpected arrival of their three stepsiblings doesn’t sit well with her, and the appalling behavior of Derek (Michael Seater) and Edwin (Daniel Magder) doesn’t help matters at all. As if the family stress wasn’t enough, Felicia’s also facing pressure to sell her land to a greedy land developer, and when his true intentions come to light, the whole family must pull together to save the day.
Is it any good?
Vacation with Derek is a comedy with a lot of heart. Its family-centered themes are the biggest stand-outs, sending heartwarming messages about the transcending nature of love and unity in a blended family like the McDonald-Venturi household. Derek’s behavior is enough to make his family want to disown him at times, but when it really counts, he can champion a cause -- or a family member -- like no other.
Look a little deeper, though, and you’ll notice the story also includes positive notes about finding your life’s passion, following your heart, and standing up for what you believe is right. Romantic relationships are portrayed in a positive, responsible light, and there’s no iffy content to speak of throughout the story. If that’s not enough, there’s also the underlying environmental crisis surrounding Felicia’s land, which can instigate family discussions about related conservation issues in the real world.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about family relationships. In what ways is the McDonald-Venturi family similar to yours? How is it different? Can you relate to the sibling rivalry among the kids? Do you think your family would respond to a crisis in a manner similar to how they did? Why or why not?
What messages does this movie send about personal responsibility and following your heart? Which characters exemplified these characteristics in the story? What issues are important to you? How far would you go for a good cause?
In what ways does the story reflect current environmental issues? In what areas of the world are animal habitats most threatened? What is the trickle-down effect of species’ extinction? Of the eradication of plant life? How can we better balance the need for progress with the need to protect our natural resources?
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| Topics: | book characters |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Starz Kids and Family |
| Cast: | Ashley Leggat, Jordan Todosey, Michael Seater |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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