Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
YouTube star's movie is fraught with disaster for tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Fred: The Movie
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 44 parent reviews
Based on 128 kid reviews
Kids say that this movie has a polarizing effect on viewers, ranging from those who find it hilarious and transformative to others who deem it cringeworthy and inappropriate for younger audiences. While some appreciate its humor and lessons on overcoming adversity, many criticize its crude jokes, potential negative role models, and questionable suitability for children.
- polarizing reactions
- humor vs. cringe
- inappropriate content
- role model concerns
- suitable age
- transformative experience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
FRED: THE MOVIE chronicles the desperate attempts of social outcast Fred Figglehorn (Lucas Cruikshank) to locate his longtime crush, Judy (Pixie Lott), after her family moves away from the house next door. Fred's journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, but his resolve to find her and tell her how he feels keeps him trekking along. Once they're face to face, however, he discovers that his feelings might not be reciprocated, so he hatches a plan to change his downtrodden social status.
Is It Any Good?
This movie makes light of some serious issues faced by this impressionable tween/teen age group, and its messages fly in the face of responsible behavior. If you've never heard of Fred Figglehorn, you're not alone -- but chances are your tweens and teens have. Cruikshank first garnered Internet fame with short episodes on YouTube centered on the suspenders-wearing oddball he created. If your kids have seen the shorts, then they won't be surprised by Fred's irritating voice, hyperactivity, and juvenile tantrums -- but newcomers might be put off by the over-the-top star.
And parents will have plenty of axes to grind beyond Fred's annoying persona. Not only does the movie glorify Fred's disturbing obsession with unsuspecting Judy (he tracks her movements and admits to watching her in her house through his bedroom window), it's also got lots of substitute cursing. Plus, kids bully one another in the physical, psychological, and cyber senses, and Fred's attempts to win popularity illuminate the fragile nature of relationships among tweens and teens.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about relationships. What makes a relationship "healthy" or "unhealthy"? What should you do if your interest in someone isn't reciprocated? What are your family's rules about dating?
Tweens: Did you find this movie funny? What did you think of the characters? Did you like Fred before watching this movie? How did you first hear about him?
What instances of bullying did you see in the movie? Have you ever seen similar situations in real life? What can kids do to avoid this kind of thing?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : October 5, 2010
- Cast : Jennette McCurdy , Lucas Cruikshank , Pixie Lott
- Director : Clay Weiner
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Lionsgate
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 25, 2022
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