Fred: The Movie
Parents say
Based on 43 reviews
Kids say
Based on 138 reviews
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Fred: The Movie
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie centers on popular YouTube character Fred Figglehorn -- who's a huge hit with kids, though most adults find him very irritating. Yes, Fred's irritating mannerisms, toddler-like tantrums, and high-pitched voice will grate on parents' nerves ... but that's actually nothing compared to how they'll feel about the movie's iffy messages. Fred's obsession with his crush, Judy, borders on stalking and voyeurism, and he's often the subject of bullying, in both the classic and the cyber sense. If that's not enough, factor in the multiple instances of pseudo-cursing (like "gammit"), and it's clear that this is a movie for impressionable tweens to avoid.
Community Reviews
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
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 83 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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