Review

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Common Sense Media says

Sweet, inspiring tale about a girl reaching for her dreams.
Age
7
Quality
 
  • Educational value2
    Not specifically educational, but kids will learn great social lessons and get some information about learning and physical disabilities, as well as gymnastics.
  • Positive messages5
    Lots of positive messages about reaching for your dreams, communicating with your parents, being honest with your friends, and asking for help when you need it. Through hard work and perseverance, McKenna overcomes several physical, emotional, and academic obstacles in the movie. The fact that Josie is in a wheelchair teaches McKenna (and hopefully the audience) not to prejudge or pity those who are different. McKenna's friendship issues shine a light on the notion of unconditional friendship and not being ashamed of needing assistance sometimes.
  • Positive role models4
    Josie teaches McKenna not to give up on her reading and to tackle her comprehension issues with the same determination she handles gymnastics. McKenna encourages Josie not to let her disability keep her from reaching for her dreams -- like riding a horse. McKenna has loving parents, a caring coach, and an involved teacher, all of whom are integral in her meeting her goals.
  • Violence & scariness1
    In one scene, a horse becomes agitated and begins to buck, which makes a nearby horse holding a wheelchair-bound girl start to move, making it seem like the horse is going to throw her off.
  • Sexy stuff0
    Not applicable.
  • Language1
    The girls say "kick your butt" a couple of times, and McKenna is told to "have fun watching from the sidelines" in a hurtful manner.
  • Consumerism2
    The movie is part of the American Girl empire, which includes dolls and merchandise, as well as lots of books and DVDs.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking0
    Not applicable.
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this American Girl movie, McKenna Shoots for the Stars, is based on the doll company's Girl of the Year and offers girls (and boys) several positive messages about family, friendship, and the importance of getting help when you need it. Throughout her story, McKenna learns valuable lessons about what it takes to overcome unexpected hurdles, whether they're physical like a broken limb or emotional, like the embarrassment of needing a tutor to improve in language arts.

This review of An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars was written by
Age
4
Based on 6 parent & educator reviews:
  • 100% say there are positive messages
  • 83% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say language is an issue
  • 33% say it's educational
  • 33% say they noticed product placement
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Parent of 6 year old
July 5, 2012
2
Not for kids & under
 
an american girl mckenna shoots for the stars
disabilities. How can kids learn from the way McKenna and Josie handle their personal challenges? How is Toulane's relationship with her mother different than McKenna's? What does McKenna's mom teach her about following your passion and asking for help when you need it? Does the movie seem like a tie-in to the American Girl doll, or would it be good even without the American Girl in the title? Does the connection to the brand make you more likely to watch the movie?
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Parent of 6 and 9 year old
July 27, 2012
5
OK for kids & up
 
Good for the family
Both my 6 year old son and 9 year old daughter watched this. Compared to all the other movies these days with rude references and name calling, this was refreshingly clean. Kids can relate to the issues of pressure from parents as well as learning disabilities. Both my kids really enjoyed this and have already watched it again. The only down side would be if you follow gymnastics and have read the books - this is not about Level 4 beginning competitive gymnast but a high level athlete.
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Kid, 9 years old
August 25, 2012
3
OK for kids & up
 
Sweet movie
It's sweet, inspirational, and a good movie for all.
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Kid, 8 years old
August 26, 2012
8
Not for kids & under
 
yawn
so she got in gymnastics so she got hurt. lots of this happened to other ppl.i wont FORCE ppl to make a movie about my brother to be a race car driver or to make a movie about me trying to be a popstar.but i like it a bit
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Parent of 1, and 5, 9 year old
August 13, 2012
3
OK for kids & up
 
Amazing great not only for my kids but for me too! =)
I am an adult with three kids, and I loved this movie! My girls (ages 9, 5, and 1) all loved this movie, too! The story is a great one, and I was tied down the whole movie. It's not like many kids movies -- that make adults laugh -- it's a great one that isn't just a kid's movie. The acting was amazing, and that's pretty rare with movies like this. Ysa Penarejo (Toulane) was by far the best actress, but everybody else was great, too. Cathy Rigby is also a main character in this, so that was pretty exciting. The only slightly funny (and awkawrd) thing was the one "broken friendship" scene with McKenna and Josie. The whole scene was fine, but the broken romance song (clearly the only song they could find) made it look weird and not just friendship. However, it all ended up great. There is nothing bad in this movie whatsoever (no drugs, I promise) and it has great messages and all that good stuff. It's truly an amazing movie, and you should definitely not only let your kids watch it, but watch it yourself.
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Helped me decide (9) | Had useful details (17) | Read my mind (11)
Parent of 5 and 6 year old
August 3, 2012
6
OK for kids & up
 
Mild film overall
Overall a pretty good film, nothing at all that is scary or intimidating. Some of the themes (like struggling with homework) are probably over the heads of younger kids. The moral that there's no shame in admitting when you need help is a good one. As for language though the girls continually encourage one another to "kick butt." Might not be a big deal to most families but it's something I don't want my 4 & 6 year olds repeating. McKenna can be a little obnoxious to her parents and is embarrassed to be with her tutor which confused my kids.
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Kid, 9 years old
August 16, 2012
2
OK for kids & up
 
Best movie ever!!!
I love american girl and I think that everybody who watches this (even adults!!) will be inspiered and get a great kick out of it!!! I'm big fan of american girl but you don't need to be to watch this movie!!! mckenna is a great girl inspiered by gymnastics and in the end loves Josie!! Again this is a great movie for all ages!
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Parent of 8 and 12 year old
November 16, 2012
2
OK for kids & up
 
Here is a 12 year old point of view...
As i was reading all the feeback for Mckenna I was LOL! *sigh* how protective and dramatic people are being... Stop Reading my feedback and just watch the movie! It has good role models, good messages and its a fun family film suited for all ages! There is absolutely nothing innapropiatte or bad in this movie. GO FOR IT!
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Kid, 11 years old
November 30, 2012
2
OK for kids & up
 
Love It!<3
Awesome. Period. End of story.<3
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Parent
January 20, 2013
5
OK for kids & up
 
Very sweet movie
I let my 6-year-old and my 11-year-old watch this, and I watched it myself. It was a sweet story, and I think the girls enjoyed it too! There was nothing wrong with it in a way young kids couldn't see it.
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