Radio Rebel

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.