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Hidden Orchard Mysteries: The Case of the Air B&B Robbery
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Uneven teen tale with cursing, stereotypes, and drugs.
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Hidden Orchard Mysteries: The Case of the Air B&B Robbery
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Based on 1 parent review
Family fun, who-done-it, Diversity , girl friends having each others back , what else do you need?
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What's the Story?
In HIDDEN ORCHARD MYSTERIES: THE CASE OF THE AIR B&B ROBBERY, there's been a robbery in a house in the suburb where teen friends Gabby (Gabrielle Pastore) and Lulu (Ja'Ness Tate) live. Inspired by Lulu's mom to find adventure where they can, the two decide to apply their skills -- Gabby has a visual memory and Lulu can read through people's fronts -- to try to solve the mysterious crime on their own. In the process, they get help from some local adults while trailing the suspicious behavior of others. Helpful adults include Gabby's new stepmom, who Gabby's not yet sure about, a comedic couple who own a cupcake shop, a gardener, a librarian, and a teacher. The girls learn a lesson when they accuse an innocent man based on reputation rather than facts, and initially ignore a wealthy man for a presumed lack of motive. Ultimately, they solve the crime before the police, but not without first coming into some danger.
Is It Any Good?
A few humorous scenes and a sweet central friendship aren't enough to save this messy film. Hidden Orchard Mysteries: The Case of the Air B&B Robbery's tone is uneven from start to finish, wavering between innocent teen-led whodunit and adult comedy. Some of the humor built around race and gender stereotypes feels heavy-handed, and the drug references are unnecessary. Nearly every scene is accompanied by music, as distracting an editing choice as the random jump cuts that punctuate sporadic sequences.
On the plus side, there are some affirming messages here. For example, one young man who has struggled to shrug off neighbors' perceptions of him as a loser just needs a bit of positive reinforcement. But it's the two teen leads who save the film. Both actresses give warm performances as girls in that sweet spot between childhood innocence and burgeoning adulthood. Their supportive friendship and cheery energy are charming. Two other performances are also noteworthy: Carlos Coleman and Catarah Hampshire (a former Cupcake Wars winner) hilariously steal every scene they're in.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the saying "Life is what you make it, and adventure is where you find it," spoken by a parent in Hidden Orchard Mysteries: The Case of the Air B&B Robbery. What do you think that means?
Do you identify with any single character in this film? Why or why not?
Would you call this film a mystery or a comedy? How do those genres blend together here?
What do you think about the jokes involving race, gender, and ethnicity?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 12, 2020
- Cast: Davey Moore , Gabriella Pastore , Vanessa Padla
- Director: Brian Shackelford
- Studio: FlatCat Productions
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Adventures , Friendship
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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