 | 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. |
Radio Rebel
- Disney Channel
- Genre: Comedy
Common Sense Media says
Sweet story celebrates self-expression and conquering fears.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that young fans of Disney's ubiquitous Debby Ryan will clamor to see her in this movie, and their enthusiasm will be rewarded with a multitude of positive messages about self-confidence, taking risks, and standing up for what you believe in. The story is designed to make viewers align themselves with the painfully shy protagonist and against her social nemesis, whose nastiness brings issues like peer pressure and bullying to the forefront, but there are enough light moments to keep the overall tone manageable for most kids. Expect some flirting between teens and the development of a sweet romance, plus some butting of heads between high-schoolers and their power-hungry principal. But none of this is too much for the movie's intended tween audience, and it's the themes of empowerment and self-esteem that will stick.
What's the story?
No one who knows her would guess that introverted Tara Adams (Debby Ryan) moonlights as the opinionated host of a popular radio webcast that's taking her high school by storm. But when her show is picked up by a local station, the audience is in a frenzy to discover the real identity of RADIO REBEL. Keeping it under wraps is no easy task, what with fans camping out at the station to catch a glimpse of her, but Tara's secret must remain safe if she's to have the nerve to keep pushing her messages about self-expression and battling the status quo that keeps teens like her at the bottom of the social ladder. As her fan base grows and her influence starts to make a difference among her peers, Tara starts to come out of her shell around them ... but everything changes when Radio Rebel is nominated for prom queen, and the school principal cancels the dance to force Tara to reveal herself. Stepping into the spotlight would make her classmates happy, but will it hinder the progress she's made in conquering her own fears?
Is it any good?
Positive messages out of the mouths of kids' favorite TV stars rarely fall on deaf ears, and Radio Rebel is no exception to Disney's practice of recycling its most familiar faces to promote worthwhile themes for its young audience. Ryan is her usual charming self in this funny, heartwarming story about conquering fears -- so much so that it's actually difficult at times to believe the shyness she portrays throughout much of the movie. But kids will take an immediate liking to her, and those who can identify with her plight of social anonymity will most appreciate the changes she tries to effect among her peers. Add to that a sugary-sweet developing romance and a surprising social alliance between former foes, and there's a lot to like about what this movie has to say to kids.
That said, it's worth noting that for all the good she does, Tara actually battles the bullying she experiences with a sort of peer pressure of her own. At her prompting, her classmates demonstrate their solidarity against the status quo and take a stand against an authority figure. Still, the outcome is predictably rosy, and kids probably won't associate this influence with the more common and less desirable type of peer pressure. And it does serve to remind viewers that with enough effort, everyone can help set into motion the changes they'd like to see in their own communities.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about peer pressure. Kids: Do you ever see peer pressure among your friends? How does it affect you? Is there such a thing as good peer pressure?
What are some of your biggest fears? How do they affect your quality of life? Have you ever tried to overcome them? How successful were you? How does it feel when you do conquer them?
How does anonymity make you free to say and do things you otherwise might not? What kinds of things would you like to say to people if you could do it anonymously? Do you think your words would have more or less impact if people knew who was behind them?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 11 years old
February 18, 2012
AGE
Really good, but simalar
I love this movie's messages! Tara is a shy, sweet girl that's afraid to speak, but when she's radio Rebel she's an outgoing, expressive, upbeat girl that's not afraid of anything! I like how Tara is considerate of the mean girl, who does have some pretty mean tricks up her sleave. But, this movie is quite simlar to, hmm, say Lemonade Mouth? Oliviva and Tara are basicully the same role: a sweet, shy girl. Wen is just like the Gavian, the sorta popular-but down to earth guy that falls for the shy sweet girl. Audrey is kinda like Stella, and or MO. Same plot, mean principal that wants to shut down the band or radio rebel, and will stop at nothing to get what he or she wants. Overal this is a good movie, but Disney needs to start finding a new plot. Also, I think their are some pretty mature relashionships going on.
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AGE
Rather Unrealistic, but the Message Is Pretty Good.
Debby Ryan is a fair actress (needs to work on her facial expressions, but that's besides the point) who helped to instill a very good message in this movie. It is easy to fall into the background because of your home life, bullies, and/or shyness. Overcoming the world and being yourself is what it's all about. Overall: The plot is typical with the mean girl with her ditzy and yet devilishly loyal best friend vying for the title of Prom Queen. There's Gavin (the protagonist's guitar playing crush) who is into the mean girl, but yet is also is into the shy girl/Radio Rebel. SPOILER ALERT: The only reason this movie is unrealistic is because Terra (Ryan's character) would have been discovered as Radio Rebel long before the end of the movie. Also some of the antics are too slapstick and the boys trying to find out who Radio Rebel is are just silly. Overall, I did like some points in the movie, but most of it was like: No way, that could never happen in a real school.
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Kid, 10 years old
February 19, 2012
AGE
Great movie!
I thought It was a great movie about expressing who you are and standing out from the other people it had a lot of good lessons in the movie,but there was a little kissing at the end.other than that I thought it was a wonderful movie!
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AGE
I liked it :)
Great movie, although it got a little boring.
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AGE
Bullied or not you can do it!
I saw this movie last night and was in love with the message it showed. It told me even if you are being knocked down with shyness, and being bullied you can show your self on radio, your true self! I learned that if I want to do something I can do it even when the most popular person at my school says I can't!
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Kid, 11 years old
February 17, 2012
AGE
Extreme Messages
This brand new Disney Channel Original Movie is actually pretty decent. I was surprisingly entertained. The acting was cheesy. That was bad. This has extremely strong positive messages and role models. The main character influences the school to be positive in every way. There are so many positive messages that I can't count how many there are. The main character is a positive role model. There is some flirting and minor kissing. Nothing else to be concerned about. What I say: You won't regret watching this.
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AGE
A Great Movie With Great Messages
Radio Rebel is perfect example of how schools across the country are today. Okay, Tara is a bit unrealistic but children everywhere are too shy to say their feelings. This show provides good messages about rejecting the status quo and expressing yourself. Still a little cheesy because it's a Disney Movie but it can teach your child a lot. "Pops" and "Nonpops" shouldn't exist but they do and children are divided into cliques more than ever! The only way to blend them is the children's job! Overall, this movie was very inspirational! This movie rocked! Long live Radio Rebel!
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AGE
Surprised
This is surprisingly good for a disney movie.
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AGE
Really good movie for shy kids!
I just saw this movie and it was really good. It had some negative role models, but all of them (excluding the selfish, unfair school principal) change for good at the end. It also has great messages about standing up for what you believe in, overcoming bullying and being yourself, and taking risks. Also, Tara overcoming her shyness is a great example for shy kids. Good for kids 7+. Sex: Some teen flirting and a few kisses, but it doesn't go farther than that.
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Kid, 10 years old
February 17, 2012
AGE
Radio Rebel
Radio Rebel is a okay movie that could have been better. But it has good positive messages but no jokes or anything exactly what you could call fun. Overall Radio Rebel is okay but could have been better.
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| Topics: | friendship, great girl role models, high school |
| TV rating: | TV-G |
| Network: | Disney Channel |
| Cast: | Adam DiMarco, Debby Ryan, Sarena Parmar |
| Genre: | Comedy |
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