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Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie

(Rated TV-G, Comedy, Starring Jake T. Austin, Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Where to watch: Disney Channel, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Feel-good family movie has great messages for tweens.

Themes in this show include:   family relationships, growing up

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    No specific/direct educational content, but kids will learn plenty of positive messages.
  • Messages:

    The movie centers on a strong family and includes positive messages about self-confidence, respect, and family bonds. Alex learns some important lessons about the risks of behaving rashly and disrespectfully.
  • Role models:

    The Russo parents are a loving couple who strive for family unity among their kids. Teenage Alex argues with her mom, picks on her brother, and defies her parents by leaving the house to go to a party she’s forbidden to attend, but she must own up to her rebellious behavior when her actions threaten her family’s very existence.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Some mild flirting among teens and adults; a married couple shares a brief kiss.
  • Language:

    One use of "dang it" is as iffy as it gets.
  • Consumerism:

    No advertising per se, but the movie is tied into one of Disney's popular brands.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie

Parents need to know that this movie offers more of the tween-friendly content that families have come to expect from Wizards of Waverly Place. Teenage Alex gives her parents and siblings fits with her rebellious -- and often disrespectful – behavior (she talks back, sneaks out of the house, etc.), but she learns important lessons about family ties and self-confidence when she’s forced to team up with her brother to save her family. There’s no cause for concern in giving tweens the go-ahead on this feel-good movie.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about communication. How does your family keep communication lines open? Does technology help you communicate? Tweens: Do you feel comfortable talking to your parents about your issues?
  • What rules does your family have about parties and hanging out with friends? How do these rules help keep you safe? How do they compare to family rules about use of media like the Internet?
  • Tweens: Whom do you respect? What attributes do you look for in a role model?

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Our Members Say

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  • What did you think about Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie?
  •  I think this show is

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See all 28 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. I rate this title on for age 4 and give it 5.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Educational
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    Great!

    This is pretty good. I think it's appropriate for ages four and up. My best friend has a younger sister, and she didn't get upset during it. I think that kids under four might get emotional, though, because the parents forget each other. I love the movie, but I think the series is better. Thanks for reading my review!

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Missouri
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 3.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    O.K

    I watched this with my little cousen like i do with the series, Its an ok movie with a good story line, it follows the charictors Justin Russoe and Alex Russoe who are trying to find a magical stoneto reverse a spell that alex created that was so that tere parents would break up, some scary scenes for people under 5.

  3. Kid Reviewer Age 9
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Good role models

    perfect for kids

    i think this is a very good movie for kids. it's a pretty cool adventure.

  4. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    Lives in New Hampshire
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 5.0

    I love this movie so much

    This is an awesome movie!!!

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    I rate this title on for age 6 and give it 4.0
    • My highlights are:
    • Positive messages
    • Good role models

    I thought this movie gave a great message to familes and children!

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