Parents' Guide to

Walking on Sunshine

By Tracy Moore, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Frothy musical is a fun watch; some drinking, innuendo.

Movie NR 2014 97 minutes
Walking on Sunshine Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

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age 14+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Lynn Cooper
Lynn Cooper Parent of 6-year-old
October 23, 2022
age 10+
Cabe
Cabe Adult
May 10, 2020
age 18+

80s music story board

If you liked Mama Mia you'll like this musical. Well done with beautiful talented actors.
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Maddie (Hannah Arterton) is engaged to be married to the love of her life, Italian hunk Raf. But when she discovers he also was the love of her sister Taylor's (Annabelle Scholey) life three years ago on a whirlwind holiday romance, the two must convince her that that love no longer exists. Trouble is, first they have to convince themselves, and meanwhile, Maddie's ex Doug (Greg Wise) simply can't accept that she's moved on.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (1):

WALKING ON SUNSHINE is not as good as Pitch Perfect or Mamma Mia, but it's no less fun in its own right. Though the singing is not particularly impressive and the dances are simple, the cast has some real chemistry and clearly has a lot of fun with the material. It doesn't hurt that the songs all are catchy 1980s mainstays such as "How Will I Know" by Whitney Houston or "Holiday" by Madonna or that it's set on a beach in Puglia, Italy. There are some positive -- if unrealistic -- messages here about true love cutting through against the odds, and some solid, loyal friendships on display. And the ending, where some people pair off with their intendeds while others choose to be single until the real thing comes along, is admirable in an age when romcoms still have everyone paired off in some way or another by the time the credits roll. Not a bad bargain for what is otherwise fluff.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about musicals. Why do you think they're so popular?

  • What do you think of the singing and dance numbers here? How do they compare to other musicals you've watched?

  • How realistic do you think the plot of Walking on Sunshine is? What do you find believable about it?

Movie Details

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