Katy Perry: Part of Me

Movie review by Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Katy Perry: Part of Me Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Entertaining concert film follows pop singer's highs, lows.

PG 2012 97 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 10+

Based on 11 reviews

Kids say

age 9+

Based on 34 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

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.

A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Katy Perry: Part of Me is a 3-D concert film that follows international pop star Katy Perry during her year-long California Dreams world tour. As she's criss-crossing the globe, Perry deals with her marriage to British comedian Russell Brand, which ultimately falls apart. Although most of the concert footage is tame enough for older kids, some of Perry's song lyrics deal with mature themes -- like the consequences of partying and the dissolution of a relationship. But through the triumphs and tragedies, Perry helps teach and inspire her fans that it's OK to be different, that you should never give up on your dreams, and that everyone deserves a fairy tale kind of love.

Community Reviews

Lowe's man
Lowe's man Adult
October 30, 2016
age 10+

appropriate for the intended audience

While this movie shows the negative side, as well as the positive side, of the music business, fame and stardom, even the negative side is presented in a way that's appropriate for children. Nothing juicy here. While nothing is hidden, it's all sanitized. While it's shown how the heavy concert schedule at times took its toll on Katy Perry, the fun that she had at the concerts is also evident. Kids will also see all the hard work that goes into making a concert. Highly obvious is the way Katy Perry connects with her fans. She knows who her audience is and has her heart set there. This movie also has a number of positive messages, such as not giving up on your dreams and that being different is ok. This is an excellent movie, especially for kids who've never seen a concert movie before. A great "starter" concert movie.
Music/Movies
Music/Movies Adult
July 23, 2013
age 10+

Positive but iffy

Sex: *Katy and Russel kiss in a few scenes, but most kisses are short. *Katy sings about kissing a girl. *There are lyrics about makinf out with a boy in a car in the song "the one that got away" *There are lyrics about kissing and being filled with poison in the song "et" which are repeated many times *The song "peacock" is all about sex and Katy sings it for a good 3 minutes in the film. *There are some revealing outfits that show cleavage. *Katy is known to have gone to a gay bar for her first time in one scene. ----- No violence ----- Language: b*tch, c*ck, beyotch, and a bleeped out sh*t. ----- Drinking: The song "circle the drain" is about a man being addicted to drugs and drinking

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 11 parent reviews

What's the Story?

KATY PERRY: PART OF ME offers a look at the busiest year in the pop superstar's life: her 124-show California Dreams world tour that lasted through all of 2011. But, as the introduction explains, with great success came great personal heartbreak -- an obvious reference to the fact that Perry's marriage to comedian Russell Brand fell apart while she juggled to balance her work with her relationship. In addition to watching Perry on stage at venues in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, audiences get to know the people who made her who she is privately (her sister, parents, and two best friends) and professionally (everyone from her manager to her makeup artist and fashion stylist).

Is It Any Good?

Unlike other recent concert films that skimped on the personal histories, Part of Me provides an intimate (if slightly whitewashed) portrait of Perry's hard work, ambition, and optimism. Despite her jet-black wig and candy-colored costume confections, Perry is open about her negative early experiences in the industry, her parents' (evangelical ministers) response to her decision to leave Christian music, and her fairy tale-like ideas about true love. If you're expecting a scathing expose about Brand, look elsewhere. Perry is a faithful and loving wife throughout the documentary, because Brand didn't file for divorce until December 2011.

What's shocking about Perry is how fiercely loyal her close circle is -- from her sister Angela Hudson and BFF Shannon Woodward (Sabrina on Raising Hope) to the stylist and makeup artist that Perry plucked from obscurity before she was famous. There are no demons or Behind the Music-style confessions. Even her extremely conservative parents have made peace with their daughter's spicy lyrics and scanty outfits. By the time Perry sings "Firework" -- that perfect pop anthem -- and earns the distinction of being the first woman to score five No. 1 singles from the same album, it's easy to see why so many kids, teens, and adults count themselves as Katy Cats.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Katy Perry is so popular. How did she stay true to herself, even though her labels and record producers were pushing her to be different?

  • Perry's songs range from emotional anthems to upbeat tales of adolescent debauchery. Is some of Perry's music inappropriate for younger kids to listen to/sing? What do you like about Perry's pop songs?

  • Does Part of Me give audiences an in-depth look at Perry's life off stage? Were you surprised by anything you learned about her life?

  • How is Perry's relationship with her family depicted? Do you think this is a true documentary or that it's a promotional vehicle to boost Perry's image?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Themes & Topics

Browse titles with similar subject matter.

  • Cartoon image of a microphone
    Music and Sing-Along
    See all

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