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Parents' Guide to

The American Mall

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 11+

Cute musical sells songs -- and merchandise.

Movie NR 2008 100 minutes
The American Mall Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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Is It Any Good?

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

This cute movie is the creative brainchild of the same team that dreamed up High School Musical, so it seems to follow that it will appeal to tweens and teens, especially those who love musicals. And as romantic leads, Dobrev and Mayes aren't just attractive but also likeable -- and they're talented, too. Either one of them could have a music career (and they probably will). Dobrov, especially, has a pitch-perfect pop voice that's reminiscent of Michelle Branch or Vanessa Carlton. (Mayes' pipes are a little more rock 'n' roll, in the vein of Adam Pascal of Rent.)

If you rolled your eyes at High School Musical for its cheesy lyrics, spontaneous dance numbers, and sugar-coated approach to high school romance, you'll have the same problems with American Mall. But while you're dissing it, be warned: You might just find yourself humming one of the movie's infectiously catchy songs.

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