Parents' Guide to

Jedi Junior High

By Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 8+

Sweet docu of musical Star Wars show celebrates the arts.

Movie NR 2015 75 minutes
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What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

In JEDI JUNIOR HIGH, a theater company is putting on a junior high production of a musical parody of The Empire Strikes Back and is searching for a cast among the local tweens. Ranging in age from 8 to 13, kids with varying levels of acting and musical talent vie to be Princess Leia, Han Solo, and other iconic characters. The camera follows the kids through auditions, practicing at home, dress rehearsal, and the final production. Through the highs and lows of producing a complicated theater show, the kids make new friends, develop confidence, and learn the value of hard work and determination.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3):

Although it's a sweet, funny, and often poignant look at the ups and downs of adolescence, this sometimes-boring documentary plays it a little too safe. Although it's refreshing not to see any manufactured drama, especially when dealing with young kids, Jedi Junior High gets somewhat bogged down in the technical details of putting on a show, along with some over-the-top enthusiasm about anything Star Wars. Parallels are drawn between Luke Skywalker's emotional journey and the trials and tribulations of adolescence, and we watch one shy, insecure kid blossom in his starring role, but much of the film is just watching kids being kids.

Parents (especially fans of Star Wars) will love watching kids gain confidence and learn the satisfaction of a job well done. But some kids may get bored with the behind-the-scenes details and wish for more action.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the value of theater. Do you think theater and the arts are an important part of education? After watching Jedi Junior High, do you think schools teach theater? Why, or why not?

  • How does the plot of The Empire Strikes Back mirror the realities of junior high? Is what any of the characters experiences in the Star Wars film similar to what the kids in the musical experience?

  • Do you think the Star Wars series would make a good musical? Why, or why not?

  • How does Jedi Junior High promote curiosity and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?

Movie Details

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