Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Olsen twins head to international competition, pursue boys.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Winning London
What's the Story?
Studious Chloe (Mary-Kate Olsen) is picked to take her high school team to the Model U.N. in London. Her twin sister, Riley (Ashley Olsen), manages to tag along even though history and politics are not really her thing. Other international teams fiercely compete over several days, displaying their knowledge of world affairs and political and historical facts about the countries they represent. Supposed real-world problems are thrown at the teams, and the Americans prove resourceful at finding solutions. The twins pursue boys they like as they battle to the finish.
Is It Any Good?
Nothing in WINNING LONDON -- including the acting and the script -- achieves a quality level higher than that of the dreariest TV mediocrity. There are half-hearted attempts to address complex issues but only in the most simplistic manner. When the Americans use questionable methods of persuasion to make alliances with other countries in the quest to pass mock U.N. resolutions, the authorities remind them that integrity and honesty count in the final competition scores. But the movie doesn't really address unfair advantage in any serious way other than mentioning it, and there are no real consequences for the American team when they take the low road. For die-hard Olsen twins fans only.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the place of ethical standards in competition. Was it fair that the American team bribed the delegates? Is it OK to use any methods to win?
What is the appeal of the Olsen twins? Why are they still so popular?
How does this movie compare to other Olsen twin titles?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : April 2, 2004
- Cast : Mary-Kate Olsen , Ashley Olsen , Jesse Spencer , Brandon Tyler
- Director : Craig Shapiro
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Dualstar Productions
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 16, 2020
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