Father and child sit together smiling while looking at a smart phone.

Want more recommendations for your family?

Sign up for our weekly newsletter for entertainment inspiration

Parents' Guide to

Stuck in the Suburbs

By Stefan Pape, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Clichéd Disney teen comedy explores downsides to fame.

Movie NR 2004 76 minutes
Stuck in the Suburbs Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

There aren't any parent reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

It may have characters who feel imprisoned in their tranquil, unexciting suburban life, yet what's more concerning is how this movie has managed to remain so stuck in time. It's a severely dated teen comedy, and that's not just a comment on the remarkable fashion styles from the time this movie was set. The narrative feels outdated and will struggle to appeal to the new generation of young audience members -- both technology and the means to which teens and tweens interact with their heroes has changed immeasurably since the movie's release in 2004. It's hard to be too critical however, as it knew its audience at the time, and played to them in an affectionate and charming manner.

Stuck in the Suburbs also deserves some praise for its positive messages around consumerism and materialism. Despite his fame and success, Jordan is shown to be down to earth and in touch with his roots, despite the extravagance and excess surrounding him. Yet the clichéd, corny montage sequences are laughable, and the dialogue really rather absurd. Ultimately, the movie hasn't any ideas above its station, it's just an unassuming comedy that can wile away the time. Though consider this more of a nostalgia trip for adults, rather than a fresh new experience for kids.

Movie Details

Inclusion information powered by

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate