Material Girls
By Jane Boursaw,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
A brain-numbing, fluffy flick for tweens.
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What's the Story?
Celebutante sisters Tanzie and Ava (Hilary Duff and Haylie Duff) spend their days shopping and their nights clubbing. Their dad was the late, great founder of the famous Marchetta Cosmetics Company. Despite being spoiled, they still miss their father. Now, they're the face of the Marchetta Cosmetics Company. One day, Tanzie and Ava attend a meeting to determine which non-profit organization will receive a donation from the charitable foundation bearing their father's name. Meanwhile, Marchetta bigwig Tommy (Brent Spiner) is scheming to force the sisters to sell the company to a rival company owned by Fabiella (Anjelica Huston). When news comes out that Marchetta cosmetics have been causing horrible skin problems for people, it's a huge scandal. The girls end up losing everything and are forced to -- gasp! -- get a job and take public transportation. Will they survive the scandal and bring honor to their father's name again? They're helped along by maid Inez (Maria Conchita Alonso) and cute lab technician Rick (Marcus Coloma).
Is It Any Good?
From girl-power director Martha Coolidge (The Prince and Me) and the Material Girl herself (Madonna) comes this fluffy teen comedy.
Unfortunately, the storyline, dialogue, and characters are brain-numbing. What were they thinking?! Even the music is lame, which is surprising considering the movie was produced by Madonna's Maverick Films. And between her role in Daddy Day Care and this movie, you have to wonder what Anjelica Huston was thinking. In short, skip it.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about this movie's themes: growing up, taking responsibility, and dealing with loss. The sisters also have to learn how to ask for help, rather than expecting everything to fall in their laps. How do you handle it when your world falls apart? Also, is it more important to have "things" or family and friends who love you? What are some of the signs to look for when you're not sure someone is acting in your best interest?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 18, 2006
- On DVD or streaming: December 12, 2006
- Cast: Anjelica Huston, Brent Spiner, Haylie Duff, Hilary Duff, Lukas Haas
- Director: Martha Coolidge
- Studio: MGM/UA
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: language and rude humor
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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