Very School Gyrls Holla-Day

Let’s be clear: This special's plot is less about driving a story and more about filling the gaps between the singers’ musical segments. The girls’ teen queen attitudes are in full swing, and it’s a sure bet that parents won’t want their daughters mimicking the stars’ behavior or body language (eye rolling, hair flipping -- you get the picture). There's a likable subplot surrounding the girls’ developing friendship, but there’s a lot of muck to muddle through to find even that positive message.

The real star of the show is the music itself, and the quintet (the original three band members are joined by Austin and Chavez) is undeniably talented. Unfortunately, though, they don’t let their skills simply speak for themselves, instead sexing up the lyrics (their rendition of "The 12 Days of Christmas" is about falling in love and "kissing under the mistletoe," for instance) and video too much for their young audience. Bottom line? There are so many options for wholesome holiday entertainment that there’s no reason to subject your kids to the negative messages here.