Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tween musical competition with mean behavior, name-calling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Standing Ovation
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 23 kid reviews
Kids say this movie features a mix of negative elements including poor acting, crude humor, and violent behavior among child characters, making it a controversial choice for younger audiences. While some viewers find redeeming qualities in its positive messages about perseverance and friendship, many reviews criticize it for its graphic scenes and overall lack of quality, labeling it one of the worst films they have ever seen.
- poor acting
- crude humor
- negative behavior
- mixed reviews
- questionable content
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
"The Five Ovations," a group of 12-year-old singer-dancers, want to compete in a music contest which will get them to New York City, on national TV, and a grand prize of one million dollars. Their strongest competition is "The Wiggies" a family of older, snarky teens from their own hometown, with talentless, stage-struck parents who will stop at nothing to win. The Ovations make a game try, reaching out to an odd assortment of almost-talented outsiders to help them. A sub-plot involves revenge for a father's death, as well as searching for stolen money and a dad who has abandoned his family.
Is It Any Good?
It's painful to watch so many kids trying in earnest to make this movie work. They have too much to contend with: a hackneyed story, terrible unoriginal music and choreography, ridiculous dialogue that is only funny because it's so poorly delivered, and, most of all, a clueless director who tackles music videos, staged dances, and performances that are well beyond his ability and the talents of everyone involved.
The final screeching, cringe-worthy element is a little girl who wants to be a star -- her name "Alanna Wannabe," of course. Given all that, there are 10-year-old girls who truly love this movie and who can overlook all that's bad for the eye candy of the costumes and the fantasy of becoming a star.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the parents in this movie. What could they do better? What are some qualities that you think are important in parenting?
The movie says: "Bad people make everyone around them feel bad." Does that ring true to you?
Making a music video would be fun. Could you work with friends to make one? How would you do it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 16, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : November 29, 2010
- Cast : Alanna Palombo , Joei DeCarlo , Kayla Jackson
- Director : Stewart Raffill
- Studio : Kenilworth Film Productions
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts , Friendship
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some rude behavior
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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