Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Stylized doll show is wrong for tweens it targets.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 9+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
In Rock Angelz, aspiring writer Jade (voiced by Soleil Moon Frye) is chosen to be a fashion magazine intern. But the domineering editor-in-chief, Burdine Maxwell, bosses Jade around and favors the Bratz's arch-nemeses, the Tweevils. When Burdine threatens to ruin Jade's future career, Jade and the Bratz start their own self-titled publication, and they head to London to find hip new trends. A secondary theme about how to tell good boyfriend material from bad emerges when Chloe (Olivia Hack) takes up with a cute British boy she meets on the plane, who turns out to be more frog than prince.
Is It Any Good?
There's not much good to say about a cartoon that targets tweens (and younger) yet has its impossibly thin, fashion-crazy characters sporting skimpy outfits, platform heels, and too much makeup. Dealing with "lame-o" boys and "fashion freaks" and "royal jerks," it's mean spirited and not quite appropriate for target age group. The emphasis on the externals is worrisome, as is the Bratz look itself: They hardly look like the empowered girls they say they are.
Two positive notes: The music is hummable and, through thick and thin, the girls find their way to each other. When they neglect their friendships, they are eventually apologetic. Soleil Moon Frye, who played the scrappy, cheery, wholesome Punky Brewster in a TV series decades ago, voices one of the Bratz. Too bad this series isn't as positive a role model as her 1980s alter-ego was.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes the Bratz appealing at first glance, and what's not so appealing about them. Are they individualistic, or do they look and talk alike? Do they look and act like most teens? Why are there hardly any references to parents? Is the way they live realistic? Do you think they can afford to stay in a loft by themselves, or jet off to London at a moment's notice? What can be learned from their friendships?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 4, 2005
- On DVD or streaming : October 4, 2005
- Cast : Jessica Di Cicco , Lacey Chabert , Soleil Moon Frye
- Director : Douglas Carrigan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Run time : 76 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate