Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet, inspiring tale about a girl reaching for her dreams.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 8 parent reviews
Based on 18 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is enjoyable, sweet, and entertaining, making it a favorite for many who watched it during their childhood. While it features a good message about seeking help and overcoming struggles, some found elements unrealistic or cliché, particularly surrounding the character's demeanor and situations, though it remains recommended for its inspirational qualities and family-friendly content.
- sweet and entertaining
- great role model
- good message
- unrealistic elements
- nostalgic favorite
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
McKenna (Jade Pettyjohn) is a fourth-grade gymnast who loves nothing more than competing for her club's team with her best friend Toulane (Ysa Penarejo). But when her grades start to slip and she's caught looking around during a test, McKenna's teacher suggests that her parents (Nia Vardalos, Ian Ziering) enlist the help of a tutor, Josie (Kerris Dorsey). Just as things couldn't get any worse for McKenna, she falls and hurts herself during a competition, winding up in a cast for eight weeks. Unhappy with her tutoring and inability to prepare for a spot on the Olympic training team, McKenna acts sulky and defeated. Josie, who's in a wheelchair, shows McKenna that if she applies hers gymnastics-honed discipline and determination to her tutoring sessions, there's nothing she can't accomplish.
Is It Any Good?
AN AMERICAN GIRL: MCKENNA SHOOTS FOR THE STARS is a surprisingly sweet and empowering tale, particularly for young girls (regardless of whether they have an American Girl doll or not). Although McKenna's story provides many inspiring lessons, the movie isn't overly preachy or maudlin. There's a believable dramatic tension in all of McKenna's relationships, especially her growing rapport with Josie and her emotional disagreements with her BFF Toulane. Pettyjohn is a talented and expressive young actress, as is Josie, who's played with the same impressive nuance that Dorsey employed as Brad Pitt's daughter in Moneyball.
The only quibble with the movie's narrative is that it introduces Toulane's hyper-competitive and critical mother (Paula Rivera) but doesn't expand on that subplot until a couple of lines at the end of the film. Otherwise, this is exactly the kind of heartwarming movie that makes for a perfect sleepover or play date pick for tween girls. The movie's themes empower kids to see beyond the superficial and to recognize that there's nothing wrong with needing a little bit of help -- whether from your family, friends, or a tutor -- to better yourself and "shoot for the stars."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way the movie depicts McKenna's learning and Josie's physical disabilities. How can kids learn from the way McKenna and Josie handle their personal challenges?
How is Toulane's relationship with her mother different than McKenna's? What does McKenna's mom teach her about following your passion and asking for help when you need it?
Does McKenna Shoots for the Stars seem like a tie-in to the American Girl doll, or would it be good even without the American Girl in the title? Does the connection to the brand make you more likely to watch the movie?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : July 3, 2012
- Cast : Ian Ziering , Jade Pettyjohn , Kerris Dorsey , Nia Vardalos
- Director : Vince Marcello
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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