Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uneven junior high coming-of-age tale has comic stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jessica Darling's It List
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 39 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is filled with stereotypical portrayals of middle school, with many reviews expressing disdain for the unrealistic depiction of friendships and social hierarchies. While some viewers appreciate its positive messages about being oneself, others criticize it for its sexist undertones and clichéd characters, deeming the overall production to be poorly executed and far from relatable.
- stereotypical portrayals
- unrealistic friendships
- positive messages
- sexist undertones
- poor execution
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Jessica Darling (Chloe East) is anxiously awaiting the first day of junior high school in JESSICA DARLING'S IT LIST. She only has one friend going to the same school, but luckily it's her best friend, Bridget (Emma Rayne Lyle). So when Jessica's beautiful, collegiate older sister Bethany (Blair Fowler) unexpectedly arrives to show her the ropes before school starts, Jessica is open, wide-eyed, and willing. Bethany hands her little sister a written "It List." On it is everything she'll need to meet the challenge. All Jessica has to do is follow four easy steps to achieve wonderful success in her new school: It's about clothes, the cheer team, a first boyfriend, and the "in" clique. Jessica's wary but game. Unfortunately, Jessica's journey isn't quite as simple as Bethany made it sound. Jessica's not really interested in clothes; she's certainly not interested in boys, doesn't even know who's in the "in clique," and has never done a "cheer" in her life. When the big day arrives, Jessica learns that fitting in is never easy. Amid assorted wannabe girls, unorthodox teachers, iffy moments with Bridget, and what she thinks are her own shortcomings, and armed with an It List that doesn't suit her at all, Jessica embarks on a very bumpy adventure.
Is It Any Good?
Cheerful earnestness, a few solid performances, and a thoughtful message don't save this adaptation from predictability, amateurish caricatures, and overall uneven direction and production values. In attempting to keep the spirited tone of the book's first-person narrative intact while trying too hard to be quirky, it's hard to know whether the movie fell victim to the director's conceptual ideas or to the limitations of its actors and budget. Still, the appeal and honesty of both Chloe East's Jessica and Emma Rayne Lyle's Bridget, as well as the subject matter and message, may be enough for middle grade and tween girls.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about movies made from books. If you've already read the book, did the film capture the spirit and intent of the story? What did you like or not like about the adaptation? If you haven't read it, did this movie inspire you to check it out and/or read other Megan McCafferty books?
Think about the adults portrayed in this movie, most of whom were comic characters. Which, if any, felt real to you? Which, if any, would you have trusted with your confidences and gone to for help? Why?
How did the Jessica-Bridget friendship change over the course of this movie? What did they learn about each other? At the end of the movie, what clues did the filmmakers give you to tell you where their relationship was going?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 21, 2016
- Cast : Chloe East , Emma Rayne Lyle , Jane Widdop
- Director : Ali Scher
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Non-Binary Movie Actor(s) , Queer Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Marvista
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , School ( High School )
- Run time : 79 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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