Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Australia New Wave musical has lots of energy, plus smoking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Starstruck
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Jackie (Jo Kennedy) has big hair, a big voice and big dreams -- of becoming a pop sensation. All she needs is a big break in STARSTRUCK, an Australian release from the early 1980s that features several spontaneous musical numbers that look like early MTV-style music videos. When a local TV producer catches her act, it looks like Jackie might be on the verge of the big time. But what will she have to give up to achieve success? And will she and her cousin/manager Angus be able to save the family business from the bank?
Is It Any Good?
STARSTRUCK is a time capsule into 1982, with its hairspray, thin ties, bright tights, and vibrantly colored dance numbers. It's also got some catchy songs, as well as a few that haven't aged very well and seem like, well, old, so-so synth-pop numbers. The plot is pure hokum — hey kids, let's put on a show to raise money to save the family business! — but it's mostly set up as a framework for the musical sequences.
Kennedy is appealing as a spunky would-be singer, but the songs aren't as fun as they might have seemed three decades ago. Same goes for the film, which is most entertaining as a look at the past.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the message of the film. What kind of person is Jackie? How does she stay true to herself despite pressures? What are her character traits -- both positive and negative?
How well do you think this film has aged? Do the music and styles from the early 1980s seem stylish today, or dated?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 10, 1982
- On DVD or streaming : July 26, 2005
- Cast : Jo Kennedy , Ross O'Donovan
- Director : Gillian Armstrong
- Studio : Blue Underground
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Friendship , Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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