 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Geek Charming
- Review Date: November 4, 2011
- G
- Genre: Family and Kids
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Sweet story models positive relationships among teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this feel-good movie based on the young adult novel by Robin Palmer is rich in social themes about friendship, respect, self-confidence, and denouncing stereotypes. The family-friendly content ensures that Geek Charming's positive messages will reach kids and tweens alike. The main character initially treats many of her peers with contempt and calls them "nerds" and "geeks," but kids will recognize how her attitude changes over the course of the story. The teens are surrounded by strong adult role models who encourage them to behave responsibly and hold themselves to high standards. There's an emotional storyline surrounding a parent's death that occurred before the movie's start.
What's the story?
Dylan Schoenfeld (Modern Family's Sarah Hyland) is proud of her status as Woodlands Academy's most popular girl, and with the school's Blossom Queen competition on the horizon, she's determined to take home the coveted crown and seal her place of honor. But when an unexpected encounter with self-proclaimed film geek Josh Rosen (Matt Prokop) leads the two to team up for his latest film project, Dylan crosses social boundaries and invites him into the life of the "populars" for the purpose of his documentary. Josh intended his film to be a hard-hitting expose about the high school popularity system, but the more time he spends with Dylan, the more he sees her true nature hidden beneath the cool-girl façade. Dylan, too, finds herself drawn to Josh, despite the heat she takes from her inner circle about fraternizing with a "social outcast." As both the competition and the film deadline draw near, Josh and Dylan wrestle with their emotions and re-evaluate both their relationship with each other and their definition of popularity.
Is it any good?
Very sweet, a little sappy, and superbly crafted, GEEK CHARMING tackles the notion of what it means to be atop the social hierarchy and how the pressure to conform to peer pressure complicates teens' relationships. There's a fair amount of exaggeration when it comes to Dylan's personality (at least, you have to hope that her pretentiousness isn't entirely realistic), but her emotional evolution is what will stand out for viewers. Even so, some of the characters' tribulations over trying to fit in or feeling pressure to conform may ring true with your kids, so it's a great opportunity to talk about these issues with them.
Perhaps the best message to emerge from this movie, which is based on a book by Robin Palmer, exists in the balance of Dylan and Josh's culminating relationship. Both characters experience personal growth and learn important lessons from each other, which allows them to build trust based on mutual respect. Their unlikely partnership inspires others to think harder before following preconceptions, and it can have the same effect on your kids. It's a great reminder for every viewer that things -- and people -- aren't always what they seem, and that seeing past what's on the outside can reveal a surprising inner spirit.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about popularity. How is popularity determined, and how is it portrayed in the media? Are there different levels of popularity among your peers? Does the issue of bullying affect you at school or among friends? Is it plausible to stand up to the social structure?
Kids: Why is it important to show respect to other people? Does everyone deserve your respect? How can your preconceptions of someone cloud your judgment?
What other shows or movies have you seen that are based on books? What can TV shows offer that books can't? Has there ever been an instance in which you've preferred a book to its onscreen counterpart?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
8/10 Stars Disney finally
First: 67% of u guys say Sexual Content? Its just a freaking kiss!
Only should be viewed by 17& up my rear end! Kids nowadays know this stuff a lot. Its a pretty good movie that shows kids (like myself) about groups (like geeks, nerds , posers , and the popular kids) can be friends or more. Finally Disney put a movie with a message in it
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AGE
No!!!
I was watching this with my 11 year old and they said things like "geek" and "nerd"! I was appauld, but then I saw the KISSING! My 10 year keeps saying I'm overprotecting him, but I'm NOT listnening!!!!! This is innappropiate content!
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Kid, 11 years old
November 15, 2011
AGE
NOTHING is wrong with this movie!
This movie is the best dinsey movie yet! 67% say their is sexual content & 67% say that language is an issue? Seriously?! "Nerd" and "Geek" aren't bad words! Your childeren are going to hear those words, they might even get called a "geek" or a "nerd" later in life! And what is wrong with kissing? There is kissing in the princess movies, but to you complain about that? No! Kissing is apart of teen relashinships. This movie is about being who you are and that true friends will like you for being you; its also about real popularity, the kind were people like you because you are nice, funny, sweet and down to earth. It shows that people can change and live better lives. Dylan is a great role model too. I don't see anything wrong with this movie at all. Sheesh people. It's really awsome!
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AGE
Really good movie with positive messages
I've watched this and I think it's really good. It's pretty clean from anything inappropriate for kids and has good messages on seeing the real person in someone. Good for kids 9+ Educational: The movie's based off a book, so kids might want to read it after seeing the movie Sex: Some kissing between teens, but it doesn't go any farther than that.
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AGE
DEFINITELY a NO for children 17 and younger.
I definitely agree with suburbanmom56.
This show is absolutely appalling and should not be viewed by children younger than 17.
I watched this with my daughter, who is 15, and I could tell she was a bit shaken by the bullying.
When the kissing scenes went on, I stopped the movie and we were both glad to stop watching it.
So if you are OK with your kids viewing bullying and kissing scenes, go ahead. I don't and I know I will never view this GARBAGE again.
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Kid, 10 years old
December 16, 2011
AGE
Awesome movie! omg its a kiss! no horrbile thing!
Ok well is some bullying but at the end has a really postive message. dosnet matter if your a geek or a popular its about being with ppl you like.
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AGE
Hard to Find Anything Objectionable
I just watched this. With the exception of a burping contest scene which wasn't needed for anything, there is nothing objectionable. It's a pretty good story with good messages about looking past the more shallow parts of people and the problems with putting people into groups. There is a little kissing at the end.
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AGE
Honest Review
I watched this movie the other day because it reminded me of one of my favorite book series, The Clique. It was a little boring for the first maybe 10-15 minutes but after that it got pretty good. It has positive messages about being yourself and that popularity doesn't matter, you can hang out with "nerds" even if you aren't one. It really does a good job with speaking out that you should just be who you are and be around people who make you happy. This is more towards the end of course, but I would recommend this movie, especially if you have read The Clique. I think that's it's silly that people are saying that this movie is inappropriate for kids/teens under 17. If anyone thinks that the bullying is bad in this movie, you clearly have not either seen many movies, or have never been bullied. The bullying in this movie is basically that the "geeks" can't sit with the "populars" and saying nerd or geek maybe twice. It's up to you if you want to watch it or have your kids watch it. Remember, it is a Disney Channel movie, and since Disney is geared towards kids it must be somewhat appropriate. Oh, and the kissing isn't bad at all. They don't makeout in the movie so it's all good!
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AGE
wow, nice disney stuff
actually, its pretty good
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Kid, 12 years old
November 23, 2011
AGE
Same old Same old
This is just the same old same old movie, there's a girl and a guy. They meet each other. Somewhere along the way they have an argument then they make up. Then somewhere along the way something "shocking" is reveled about the girl. Then in the end the girl realizes that she didn't want to be like that and changes. Really it's the same predicable story line as always. Don't even bother.
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| Topics: | friendship, great girl role models, high school |
| Studio: | Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment |
| Cast: | Matt Prokop, Sarah Hyland |
| Genre: | Family and Kids |
| Run time: | 90 minutes |
| DVD release date: | February 7, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | G |
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