Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Melodramatic teen tragedy is full of mean-girl drama.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Accused at 17
What's the Story?
When Bianca (Nicole Gale Anderson) learns that her boyfriend hooked up with Dory at a party, she and her best friends Fallyn and Sarah concoct a nasty lesson to punish the girl. But the plan shockingly takes an even worse turn, leaving Dory dead, and Bianca is suddenly ACCUSED AT 17, of murder. The three girls have conflicting stories and it's clear that someone isn't telling the truth -– can Bianca's mom (Cynthia Gibb) find out what really happened and save her daughter?
Is It Any Good?
The story here is almost believable, as a plan to teach a teen a lesson results in terrible consequences, and it offers valuable lessons in honesty and how bad choices can lead to even worse choices. But the plot is overly dramatic, the acting is stiff, and the characters are thinly drawn. Bianca's pal Fallyn (Janet Montgomery) in particular is hard to fathom as BFF in one scene, chilling sociopath in another. And Fallyn's mom is a caricature of a spoiled lady-who-lunches, belittling her husband and quick to lie when the stakes are high and her comfortable life is threatened (usually with a stiff drink nearby).
Though the message of this film is important, Accused at 17 is tedious and preachy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about pranks. What do you think about the prank that Bianca and her friends plan? How did the encounter go awry? Is this a realistic story?
What do you think about the way the two mothers are portrayed in this film? Which one are you supposed to sympathize with and why? Do these women represent stereotypes?
Talk to your teens about high school relationships and the intrigue/drama that goes along with it. Is friendship drama just a part of teen life or can it be avoided? What are some good coping methods when teens encounter unwanted drama?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : August 2, 2011
- Cast : Cynthia Gibb , Janet Montgomery , Nicole Gale Anderson
- Director : Doug Campbell
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lifetime
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 4, 2022
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