Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Modern Cinderella story is clean musical fun for tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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StarStruck
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 16 parent reviews
Based on 53 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a fun, family-friendly film with catchy music and entertaining moments, although it does exhibit some unrealistic elements and character flaws, particularly in the portrayal of the main character, Jessica. While some appreciate its wholesome entertainment value, others criticize its predictability and clichéd love story, viewing it as more suited for younger audiences.
- family-friendly
- unrealistic characters
- catchy music
- predictable plot
- entertaining moments
- suitable for younger kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
A family vacation leads to the chance encounter of a lifetime when Jessica Olson (Danielle Campbell) runs into teen superstar Christopher Wilde (Sterling Knight) on a visit to Los Angeles. Despite the efforts of her celebrity-crazed older sister, Sara (Maggie Castle), to meet the singing sensation, it's Jessica who accidentally makes his acquaintance -- and the unpretentious Midwestern girl's nonchalance toward his status throws the pampered star for a loop. The more time Christopher spends with her, the more he likes who he becomes in her presence. But he faces a difficult choice between being true to his feelings and furthering his red-hot career.
Is It Any Good?
STARSTRUCK is bound to strike tween girls the right way with its tale of unlikely love between a handsome heartthrob and an "ordinary" girl. The modern-day spin on the Cinderella story is the stuff that girls' dreams are made of, and Knight's good looks and charisma certainly don't detract from the story's appeal.
True to Disney tradition, StarStruck manages to spin a romantic web without the trappings of anything sexually suggestive, so it's mild enough for the tween set. Kids who tune in will also be inundated with positive messages about self-image, self-confidence, and strong character. The movie also raises a number of issues that tweens likely will relate to, including the repercussions of celebrity obsessions and the ability of the media to affect our impression of people and events.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about celebrities. Tweens: Can you relate to Sara's obsession with Christopher? Do you have similar feelings toward a celebrity? What attracts you to him or her? How do you think their real personalities compare to your impression of them?
Tweens: How does the media influence your impression of stars? Why is our society so infatuated with celebrities? What are some examples of infatuation taken too far?
Talk about dating and romantic relationships: What are some essential qualities of a healthy relationship? What do you value most in a friend or partner? What characteristics could you not accept in a boyfriend or girlfriend?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 8, 2010
- Cast : Danielle Campbell , Maggie Castle , Sterling Knight
- Director : Michael Grossman
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : School ( High School )
- Run time : 85 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : December 5, 2025
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