Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tale of young baker jam-packed with positive messages.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 3 parent reviews
Based on 12 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a delightful and inspiring tale that resonates well with children, particularly those who enjoy baking and adventures in Paris. While the overall message is positive and heartwarming, some viewers pointed out that the portrayal of certain characters and minor plot issues, such as a lack of conflict for the main character, could leave a mixed impression about some of the messages conveyed.
- inspiring adventure
- baking theme
- appropriate content
- family-friendly
- mixed character portrayal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In AN AMERICAN GIRL: GRACE STIRS UP SUCCESS, Grace (Olivia Rodrigo) is an aspiring baker, and, as far as her grandparents are concerned, she's a master chef already. She intends to spend the summer baking and selling cupcakes with friends to raise money for a new bike. But when her family must suddenly go to Paris for the summer to visit ailing Aunt Sophie, Grace gets a rare -- and humbling -- chance to see her Uncle Bernard's French bakery in action. She quickly learns that her current skills won't pass muster in France and finds herself learning all over again, struggling to balance her impatience with her desire to be the best, while also fighting to win over her French cousin Sylvie (Eloise Webb). When Grace gets home, her friends aren't as excited to hear everything she's learned as she thought they would be, nor is her grandparents' bakery doing well. To help solve the problem, she'll have to use everything she's learned so far while keeping cool under pressure.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is a whirlwind of ambition and positive lessons. Grace is a perfectionist who is driven to excellence, but she often gets in her own way by being impatient and too eager to do things just right. For type-A overachievers, this is a relatable story about slowing down, being willing to learn new things, and understanding that everyone has an important role on a team. Plus, there are some realistic conflicts with Grace's friends when they struggle to feel appreciated in the shadow of such an ambitious character.
At 102 minutes, An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success is a better story for slightly older elementary schoolers, who will need the attention span to get through a few changes in scenery and a funny, extended MasterChef Junior TV segment that's part of the third act. Plus, for some kids, Grace's relentless pep and drive might be a tad exhausting. But that's a quibble in a film that has a refreshing commitment to promoting girls as smart, headstrong leaders who are driven and fun -- even if it's all to market a doll.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Grace's ambition in An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success. How does her passion for baking inform her personality and choices? What are you passionate about?
Do you have to be a fan of American Girl dolls to enjoy this movie? Why, or why not?
What's the movie's message about ambition and taking criticism? How does Grace learn to improve her skills and work with others without letting her ego get in the way?
How do the characters in An American Girl: Grace Stirs Up Success demonstrate communication, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 23, 2015
- Cast : Virginia Madsen , Eloise Webb , Olivia Rodrigo
- Director : Vince Marcello
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Studios
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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