Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tale about determined foster kids has emotional intensity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Crescent Gang
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
CRESCENT GANG tells the story of how Liberty (Mariah Tavares) entered a foster care home just as it was about to be broken up. Both her parents have passed away, so Liberty is placed in the care of Ms. K (Zenja Dunn). But Ms. K isn't a foster mother because she wants to help kids, and as soon as her house is sold, Liberty and her new family will be broken up. Meanwhile, family law attorney Reena (Kira Marie) has just accepted a once-in-a-lifetime job offer from a high-profile Las Vegas law firm. So why isn't she happy? And what does she know about the house on Crescent Street?
Is It Any Good?
This feel-good movie about a plucky group of kids in foster care has its heart in the right place but unfortunately falls short of delivering genuine emotion. The directing and dialogue in Crescent Gang clearly broadcast to the audience and guide it through exactly what they're supposed to be feeling, so that many viewers may feel manipulated instead of free to enjoy the movie on their own terms.
The story is very simple and easy to understand, and the extra guidance from the directors means that there are no surprises and no suspense in the plot. Younger kids may not be interested in or able to follow the parts of the story involving adult Reena, but older kids and up should have no problems. It's also full of positivity and good role models, especially for girls and women of color.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Crescent Gang deals with foster care. Do the kids and their situation seem realistic? What did you know about foster care before you watched this, and did you learn anything new about it?
Do you have a favorite character in this movie? If so, who? Are they a good role model? What do you like about them?
What are some of your favorite movies for families and kids? How does this one compare?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 13, 2023
- Cast : Kira Marie , Mariah Tavares , Zenja Dunn
- Directors : Onyx Keesha , Gino Raphael Payne
- Studio : Vision Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship
- Run time : 82 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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