Her Best Move
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Sara's parents are estranged -- Dad is sleeping at his office -- which may be difficult for some kids of divorced parents.
Community Reviews
Great Family Viewing
Report this review
Report this review
What's the Story?
HER BEST MOVE centers around 15-year-old Sara (Leah Pipes), who has been groomed by her soccer coach father (Scott Patterson) to be the youngest member of the women's national soccer team. Rejected for the team once already, Sara gets a second chance. But as she starts to explore life outside her rigorous training schedule -- including taking dance with best friend Tutti (Lalaine) and a budding romance with the school's shutterbug Josh (Drew Tyler Bell) -- she starts to wonder whether that's what she really wants. She has to face a choice confronted by a lot of teens: Does she go for achievement for achievement's sake and win her father's approval, or does she opt out for a normal life?
Is It Any Good?
Like its main character, Sara (Leah Pipes), Her Best Move is smart, sensitive, and sincere -- and it doesn't know where it wants to go. An earnest coming-of-age film, it will resonate with the parents of high-achieving teens. And teens will identify with the very normal Sara and her travails. But that doesn't mean it has a plot, exactly. While it's authentic and has heart, it's a little short on dramatic tension.
It's so clear from the beginning that Sara isn't determined to be a soccer star that the viewer starts to root for her to stay at home. And while that's probably healthy, it doesn't do much for the plot. What's great in the film are the little touches -- especially the look into the life of a supergirl who works, studies, plays a sport, and is trying to figure out her future besides. For that alone, it's worth watching.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how teens in the family cope with the pressure to please parents, do well in school, and figure out what they want to do with their lives. How would they cope with an opportunity like the one Sara had? Would they give it up to be a regular teen?
Movie Details
- In theaters: October 17, 2006
- On DVD or streaming: August 19, 2008
- Cast: Leah Pipes, Lisa Darr, Scott Patterson
- Director: Norm Hunter
- Studio: Summertime Films
- Genre: Family and Kids
- Topics: Sports and Martial Arts
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: G
- MPAA explanation: general audiences
- Last updated: January 25, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Bend It Like Beckham
Superb tale of a girl's struggle for her dreams.
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