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Right on Track
By Kat Halstead,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Empowering Disney sports film tackles sexism in drag racing.
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Right on Track
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What's the Story?
In RIGHT ON TRACK, Erica Enders (Beverley Mitchell) is determined to become a drag racing star, inspiring her younger sister Courtney (Brie Larson) to come up through the ranks behind her. As she spends all her spare time training and her weekends at competitions with her family, Erica must figure out how to balance schoolwork and a social life alongside making a name for herself in a male-dominated sport.
Is It Any Good?
Based on a real-life drag racing duo, this Disney TV movie has a strong feminist slant running throughout. Right on Track also adds some nice touches that bring the theme outside of the racing track, such as a friend telling another it's ok to ask a boy out, and a license plate that says: "This is not my boyfriend's truck." Racing scenes are filmed well, feeling speedy enough on camera, and both Mitchell and a young Larson seem natural with the physical aspects of the sport.
However, individual obstacles are overcome very quickly, so the movie never quite cranks up the dramatic tension, which leaves it feeling a little one-note. Even the crash doesn't bring with it any great consequences for Erica and her family, beyond her perseverance catching the eye of a sponsor. Formulaic, but well executed, the movie fits easily among similar Disney Channel sports films, such as Double Teamed and Go Figure. And although it doesn't stand out as a classic, its feminist message will likely do the intended job of inspiring younger viewers to reject non-inclusive traditions and go for their dreams.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Right on Track tackles sexism. How were Erica and Courtney treated differently to the boy drag racers? How did they react to it? Have you ever been on the receiving end of sexism or witnessed it? How did it make you feel?
What did Erica struggle with during the movie and what did she learn from her experience? What character strengths did she show? Can you think of a time in your life when you've shown those types of traits?
Discuss the importance of family and how the relationships were presented in the movie. Compare it to your own family. What were the similarities/differences?
The movie is based on a true story. What other movies have you seen that are also based on actual events?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 21, 2003
- Cast: Beverley Mitchell , Brie Larson , Marcus Toji
- Director: Duwayne Dunham
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Cars and Trucks , Sports and Martial Arts , Brothers and Sisters , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Run time: 89 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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