Parents' Guide to

Cadet Kelly

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Wholesome Hilary Duff movie has simple, positive messages.

Movie NR 2005 101 minutes
Cadet Kelly Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 9+

Based on 3 parent reviews

age 8+

Cute family movie

There’s a bit of a make out scene between the mom and her boyfriend at the beginning of the movie and the teenage crushes are overplayed a bit but overall the movie was pretty clean. Kelly is a good role model who finds her place in military life without sacrificing what makes her uniqueness and cheer.

This title has:

Educational value
Great messages
Great role models
age 8+

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (3):

Strictly run-of-the-mill story and production here -- always predictable, with so-so acting, one-dimensional characters, and very little relationship to the reality of military school. But for kids, especially girls desperate for female heroes and role models, it's bound to be enjoyable and provide some worthy messages. Who wouldn't want to identify with the sparkly teen whom easily wins over friends and vanquishes her enemies with a smile?

The movie's gentle, positive portrayal of a divorce that works well for everyone involved (skin-deep though it may be) is a pleasant change from the usual. Generally, it's a nice movie for girls to share: wholesome, fun, with lots of opportunity to root for an engaging teen.

Movie Details

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