Taking 5

Movie review by Joly Herman, Common Sense Media
Taking 5 Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

Like, this silly movie's for the slumber party set only.

PG 2007 87 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 1 review

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that there's some iffy stuff in this mediocre movie. There is the guy friend who breaks into a girl's locker to get into her stuff. This same friend constantly puts the moves on the said friend. Being skinny and cute and popular is the end-all-be-all goal of teenage existence here. And there are parents who are not really there, even when they are there. A character's comment about another girl looking fat seems normal in this context, as does the immediate retort regarding bulimia.

Community Reviews

cosmicore
cosmicore Adult
April 23, 2012
age 12+

Okay...Good but not Great.

I think this movie is ehh. Better than High School Musical. But not by much. That being said, the place this movie lacks in is script. Comes off as cheesy. Also, there is a lot of words that are inappropriate for younger ears. I like the movie but it's in the bottom 50% for me.

This title has:

Too much swearing
Too much consumerism
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Devon (Alona Tal) and Gabby (Daniella Monet) are, like the biggest fans of boy band 5 Leo Rise. So enamored are they that when they meet the band in person their world is rocked by the guys' indifference to their pleas to help them be popular. Dejected and angry, the two friends decide to kidnap the boy band and hold them hostage in Devon's basement. The girls become friendly with the guys in the band, kissing ensues, and the band plays at the school as a favor to their kidnappers.

Is It Any Good?

Tween movies can be so much better than this sorry attempt. Sure it has some eye candy -- like cute girls who drool over their favorite boy band and the handsome boy band playing as a favor at a high school. The members of Click Five play the pop band 5 Leo Rise, and as novice actors, they seem to waver between being jaded and being playful. And no wonder: The guys are bombarded with screaming fans whose open mouths and smeary mascara become standard fare.

There are no deep moments here or surprises -- just some stagy scenes where the actors try to pull off the lukewarm script. Kind of like a sugar high that drops as quickly as it came on.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about obsessing over famous people -- when is it overkill? We're constantly bombarded with photos and information about famous people and their lives. What makes us want to climb into their world? How do Gabby and Devon feel when the guys in the band are jerks? Is their response appropriate? Is it appropriate to go ape over people who are ultimately strangers?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

For kids who love friendship flicks

Themes & Topics

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