Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live

Name: Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live
Item: Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live
Rating: 3
Author: Grace Montgomery

Movie review by

Grace Montgomery, Common Sense Media

Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live Movie Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 10+

(i)

Behind-the-scenes concert docu with lots of celeb guests.

NR
2015
132 minutes

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Parents say

age 8+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 7+

Based on 2 reviews

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Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live Movie: Scene #1

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A lot or a little?

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

Positive Messages

Swift is appreciative of fans, looks forward to thanking them at the show. Based on her experiences being critiqued by the media, the theme of her show is to ignore what others say about you and focus on being happy and yourself. She tells fans "being happy is better than being cool." Her friends also make an appearance and discuss their rejection of mean-girl clichés.

Positive Role Models & Representations

Although Swift has gotten negative attention in the past for her references to ex-boyfriends in her music, her strong work ethic, gracious attitude, and focus on showing girls that they're worthy and supportive of each other make her a strong role model.

Violence

Swift shoots at a backup dancer with her fingers. Also a brief clip of a performance of "Goodbye Earl," a Dixie Chicks' song about a plot to kill an abusive husband.

Sex

Swift performs in lots of cropped tops and booty shorts, and her male backup dancers are often shirtless. Some mildly suggestive dancing. Many of Swift's song lyrics talk about relationships. Swift discusses the media's portrayal of her as a serial seductress and how she decided to write "Blank Space" to spoof the idea that she's a "psycho" who has a trail of ex-lovers. Nelly and Swift perform "Hot in Herre," with lyrics such as, "It's gettin' hot in here, so take off all your clothes."

Language

"Ass," "s--t" twice, both said by Justin Timberlake during a guest appearance.

Consumerism

The show is a promotion of Taylor Swift and her music. There's also an almost endless display of other musical acts, actors, sports stars, Victoria's Secret models, and other celebrities. Swift also dresses up as Olaf, the snowman from Frozen, while Idina Menzel sings "Let It Go."

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

In the closing credits, Swift says she may take a mixology class to learn how to mix drinks.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live is a concert documentary that mostly focuses on Taylor Swift's performance in Sydney in front of over 70,000 fans, complete with an impressive light show and a string of celebrity guests. The film also features interviews with Swift discussing the planning of the show and her inspirations and motivations behind the album 1989. There are some semi-racy costumes (cropped tops, booty shorts, and shirtless male dancers), some sexy lyrics (many of Swift's songs talk about adult relationships, and Nelly performs "Hot in Herre"), and Swift addresses her reputation for being a serial dater. Guest Justin Timberlake drops a few swear words ("ass" and "s--t"). But parents will appreciate Swift's focus on self-acceptance and teaching girls to have strong, supportive relationships and reject mean-girl clichés.

Adult Written byMichelle K December 2, 2017

age 8+

BEST THING EVER TO EXIST IN THE ENTIRE FREAKING UNIVERSE

BRING EVERYONE. THEY ALL DESERVE TO SEE TAYLOR ALISON SWIFT LIVE. BRING THEM TO THE REP TOUR. BRING THEM TO EVERYTHING. IF IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH TAYLOR, B... Continue reading

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Kid, 12 years old December 1, 2017

age 2+

TAYLOR SWIFT FOR EVERYONE

Taylor + Stranger Things = Life. Taylor is for everyone.

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Teen, 15 years old Written byMarieHemmings716 June 2, 2016

age 12+

OK

in the concert vids some of the dance moves and costumes are a little bit sexual and revealing!!

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What's the story?

Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live mostly focuses on the Sydney leg of Swift's world tour, where she performed in front of over 70,000 fans, all wearing programmed glow bracelets that were choreographed with the show. Clips of the concert are also interspersed with interviews of Swift discussing the planning of the show and her inspiration for her 1989 album. There are also clips of celebrity appearances, ranging from Mick Jagger performing "Satisfaction" to Selena Williams waving on stage and behind-the-scenes glimpses of rehearsals.

Is it any good?

Fans of Swift who weren't fortunate enough to catch her 1989 world tour will love seeing the wildly elaborate show. It boasts an impressive light show, great choreography, and a dizzying array of celebrity guests. Taylor Swift: The 1989 World Tour Live features most of Swift's 1989 album, plus some fan favorites from previous albums. Swift's performance is on point, and her celebrity guests are a treat, with every genre of music represented.

The behind-the-scenes glimpses are great, but it would have been nice to see even more of them and perhaps a few fewer celebrity cameos. But parents will appreciate Swift's heartfelt appreciation of her fans and her success and her message of self-acceptance.

Talk to your kids about ...

Families can talk about Taylor Swift as a role model. Do you think she's a positive role model? Why, or why not?
Why do you think Taylor Swift is so popular? What is so appealing about her songs?
Do you enjoy watching recorded concerts? How is the experience different from watching a live performance?