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Rip Girls
By Tracey Petherick,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Coming-of-age surf movie has good vibes, strong role models.
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Rip Girls
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What's the Story?
RIP GIRLS tells the story of 13-year-old city girl Sydney (Camilla Belle), who is visiting Hawaii with her dad (Dwier Brown) and stepmom (Lauren Sinclair) after inheriting a plantation there. Discovering that planners want to knock down the historical estate and build a new resort, Sydney must decide if she wants to sell up. But while she's exploring the island, she makes new friends, learns to surf, and begins to uncover the story of her mom, who died there when Sydney was a baby. It soon becomes clear that selling the plantation will have repercussions for the whole community. As Sydney's relationship with her overprotective father is put to the test, she must decide what to do for the best, all the while trying not to let down her new friends.
Is It Any Good?
Escapism for tweens, this coming-of-age drama is a worthy addition to Disney Channel's stable of TV movies. It features solid friendships, first love, parental angst, and a lush Hawaiian setting (although the movie was actually filmed in Australia, which seems a shame). Lead character Sydney is a fine role model: Relatable but driven, she's a rebel with a cause, defying her father in the most gentle, considerate way. In fact, there's a refreshing absence of stereotypes throughout: Her stepmom is kind and supportive; the boy she likes is charming but not cocky; and when she makes friends with the local surf crowd, there's no bitchiness, just a genuinely warm welcome. It also helps that the cool kids can actually hold their own on a surfboard, making for some fast and funky action shots.
Rip Girls is a movie about having the guts to try something new -- feeling the fear but doing it anyway. And on this occasion, Disney gets the tone just right. There are some poignant moments that verge on sentimentality (and a dreadful bit of stock footage of a whale). But overall it's unpretentious and entertaining, with likable characters and a solid plot. Not to mention the rocking soundtrack, lush scenery, cool surf action, and all-round good vibes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the character of Sydney in Rip Girls. How does she demonstrate courage and perseverance? Why are those important character strengths? Is she a role model? Why? Can you think of other movies featuring strong female characters?
Discuss the relationship between Sydney and her father. Do you think he is overprotective? Should he give her more freedom? How can parents assess when their kids are ready for more independence?
Talk about the role of the stepmother in movies and TV shows. Why are stepmoms often depicted as difficult characters, or even "wicked"? What do you think of Sydney's stepmom in this movie? Is she a realistic character?
This movie shares some themes with Disney's 2016 animation Moana: the island setting, the young but capable lead character, the overprotective father. What similarities do you see? Do you think Moana and Sydney would get along in real life?
Discuss a time when you've had to make a big decision -- perhaps one that affects other people, like Sydney had to. Is it fair to give a child that much responsibility? What would you have done in Sydney's shoes?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 22, 2000
- Cast: Camilla Belle , Dwier Brown , Stacie Hess
- Director: Joyce Chopra
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors
- Studio: Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage , Empathy , Perseverance
- Run time: 87 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 18, 2023
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