Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mild, but country-music teen-dreams drama is out of tune.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Nashville Wish
What's the Story?
Tucker Davis (Maxfield Camp) and his best friend, Chewy DePew (Fletcher Olsen), have shared A NASHVILLE WISH since they were little kids. They've been saving their money so they can move to Music City right after graduation and pursue a career in country music. But after Tucker falls in love with Lisa (Kaileigh Bullard), a classmate whose future is in their hometown, he must choose between the two things he loves most: his girlfriend and his music.
Is It Any Good?
Proving the saying that country songs are all the same, this music-infused drama about a teen who dreams of being a country singer offers nothing new. The opening shot sweeps over a field during sunrise, passing over a church steeple and drifting past a picture of a Marine and an American flag before landing on a pan of cornbread being pulled from the oven, all while a George Strait song plays. It feels like a music video, and that's really what A Nashville Wish is: country tropes strung together through music. (Though it must be admitted that they're toe-tappers, since they're mostly covers of hits from the 1980s and '90s—Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, etc.)
And, just like a Stetson or a pair of Ropers, time-honored material can work. But unlike those heartland standards, A Nashville Wish lacks style. Wholesome but rote, the lack of originality is compounded by wooden acting and uninspired dialogue. When classic country stars Lee Greenwood and T. Graham Brown belt one, the film comes alive. But, unfortunately, the newer artists don't bring a sparkle to the familiar tunes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether A Nashville Wish is a faith-based film. What are the criteria for that?
Do you think the movie's script was built around the songs, like with Mamma Mia! or Rock of Ages? Or do you think the script came first and then the music was selected?
Have you ever taken a "leap of faith" to achieve a dream? If so, what was it, and how did it go?
Why do you think there are so many stories about boys being mean to girls they really like? Is this a healthy dynamic? Would you date someone who previously made fun of your appearance?
What stereotypes did you notice in the film? What about diverse representations?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 2, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : February 27, 2024
- Cast : Maxfield Camp , Kaileigh Bullard , Lee Greenwood
- Director : Demetrius Navarro
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Friendship , History , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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