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

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age 9+

Based on 3 parent reviews

mamasj
mamasj Adult
March 24, 2023
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
rainbow P.
rainbow P. Parent of 13-year-old
June 13, 2017
age 8+
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Close with both loving parents after their amicable divorce, adorable and popular Kelly Collins (a young Hilary Duff fresh from Lizzie McGuire success) is delighted that her mom has found a new love. Delighted, that is, until she discovers that her mom's new marriage means they're moving from New York City and she'll have to attend George Washington Military Academy where her stepdad is the new commander! In typical fish-out-of-water form, free-spirit Kelly finds out what it means to be a disciplined team player, a true friend, and a caring step-daughter. Her unexpected adventures at the new high school find her in a heated rivalry with her platoon leader (Christy Romano), a mild flirtation with a cute classmate (Shane Ashmore), and with a chance to "strut her stuff" as a creative force behind the school's competitive drill team. And finally, what really launches Kelly toward maturity is a life-and-death crisis that forces her to use her newly-acquired skills as a junior member of the armed forces.

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about popular themes in kids movies. Moving and a change of schools is a favorite theme of movies for kids and teens. What did Kelly learn about herself from the move to military school? How can change be a positive force in a person's life? Think of a situation in which you had to make a change. What did you learn from it?

  • Why did Kelly's parents' divorce work when so many others don't? What qualities did the filmmakers portray as necessary for maintaining a good relationship for all of the parties involved? What did Kelly do to help them?

  • Captain Stone is the movie's villain. Why do you think she was so threatened by Kelly?

Movie Details

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