Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Underage drinking, implied sex in cute high school romcom.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Sidelined: The QB and Me
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a delightful teen romance that balances sweetness with a few mature themes, such as mild language and underage drinking, while still remaining appropriate for older teens. Many viewers found the storyline engaging and relatable, praising its charm and familiar high school dynamics, despite some considering it corny or predictable.
- cute romance
- teen appropriate
- mild language
- predictable plot
- engaging storyline
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In SIDELINED: THE QB AND ME, when dancer Dallas Bryan's (Siena Agudong) older brother, Nathan (Drew Ray Tanner), is hired as the new football coach at her best friend Gabby's (Asia Lizardo) Texas high school, Dallas switches schools for her senior year. She instantly attracts the attention of the school's arrogant quarterback, rich kid Drayton Lahey (Noah Beck), but she pushes him away, determined to stay focused on her studies and audition to get into her dream college, CalArts.
Is It Any Good?
Not quite a touchdown but still enjoyable enough, this Wattpad-originated teen romance does have some refreshing angles. For instance, there are no mean girls or jerk jocks in Sidelined. There's no jealous rival. And the only real conflict is Dallas and Drayton both having the individual desire to succeed. Combine that with characters who represent a fairly wide range of economic, racial, and sexual diversity, and Sidelined feels like an accurate, if not wholly positive, take on contemporary teen life.
Some of that accuracy may be a little too honest. Yep, there are high school parties with drinking. Smart kids do dumb things—like sneak into a bar—even if it's for a good reason. And, while Drayton wins Dallas over through considerate and respectful behavior, he also wins her over because he's hot—he's quite comfortable without a shirt. There's not a lot of substance here, but for a movie night for teen friends, this type of popcorn flick with a side of eye candy might be an ideal snack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Sidelined is similar to and different from other high school romances. Do you think the screenplay being based on a Wattpad story made it more or less realistic or relatable?
What kinds of pressures do modern teens face? Did you relate to the stress Dallas or Drayton experienced?
How do Dallas and Drayton demonstrate perseverance? Do you consider either a role model? Why, or why not?
How do Drayton and Dallas turn a negative consequence into a positive opportunity? Why is it important to show characters taking responsibility for their actions or iffy decisions?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2024
- Cast : Siena Agudong , Noah Beck , James Van Der Beek
- Director : Justin Wu
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Asian Movie Actor(s) , Polynesian/Pacific Islander Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Tubi
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Arts , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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