Right on Track
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Right on Track
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Right on Track is a Disney family sports drama -- based on a true story -- about two sisters who dream of becoming drag racers in a male-dominated environment. It tackles sexism both in the sporting world and outside. The movie stars Beverley Mitchell and Brie Larson as siblings Erica and Courtney respectively. There is a serious crash at one point, which results in Erica falling unconscious and being airlifted to hospital. The language is infrequent and doesn't get any more severe than "butt" and "loser." Sponsorship is discussed but only in terms of how the boy racers unfairly get more than the girl racers. The film encourages being yourself and reaching for your dreams, but also shows the importance of maintaining grades and friendships. In real life, the two sisters paved the way for more female drag racers and the movie has an uplifting tone likely to inspire younger viewers.
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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
- 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: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Go Figure
Tween sports dramedy teaches the importance of friendship.
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Double Teamed
Positive true story of twin girls' rise to pro basketball.
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Alex & Me
Kid-friendly soccer tale scores with positive messages.
For kids who love sports
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