Parents' Guide to

The Challenge

By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 7+

Olsen twins compete for scholarships in predictable tale.

Movie G 2004 92 minutes
The Challenge Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

See all

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

What's the Story?

Estranged and separated by their parents' divorce, Lizzie and Shane (Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen, respectively) are invited to participate in a Survivor-style TV show to win college scholarships. Neither learns the other will be on the show until they arrive on location in Mexico. They spend the first segments of the contest arguing and trying to best each other, which helps the opposing team gain a competitive edge. As the contestants make their way through humiliating and difficult challenges -- bug-eating, pole-balancing, and a desert trek without water -- the twins look for creative solutions to the problems at hand as they reunite and work together. Although romantic alliances are forbidden, each twin attracts a boy. The producers and contestants all engage in behind-the-scenes backbiting and plotting; will the good guys win?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (3):

The quality of the writing and acting in THE CHALLENGE is that of a hastily patched-together after-school TV show. The aim to promote good values notwithstanding, this Olsen twins adventure reads like a list of proper values being ticked off as the plot proceeds. Going to college is good; check. Getting a scholarship is good; check. Saving the planet? Check. There's also a nod to the fact that human nature is sketchy: The twins evolve from petty rivalry to deep familial loyalty, and the producer is ratings-driven and treacherous. (Unlike the twins, he does not redeem himself.) The contrast of the two girls' individual styles offers some amusement: One is a vegetarian yoga practitioner, and the other is a high-powered type-A who can't live without her cell phone and lip gloss. That's about as profound as this gets.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the Olsen twins. What is their appeal? Why are they still so popular?

  • Would you eat worms in exchange for money to go to college?

  • Is it ever OK to lie if good comes out of the lie? Why, or why not?

Movie Details

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.

See all recommended movie lists

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