Lemonade Mouth Movie Review

 originally posted here

 

Lemonade Mouth (G)

common sense media says

Melodic Disney movie has great messages for families.

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parents & educators say

• 73% say there are positive messages
• 64% say there are positive role models

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this family-friendly movie may inspire young viewers to identify their talents, stand up for what they believe in, and let their voices be heard. The teen characters wrestle with relatable woes like low self-esteem, social uncertainty, and frustrations at home, but throughout the story, they find strength in friendship and learn to speak up for themselves, both at school and within their families. The story celebrates a variety of family structures and includes some touching moments between parents and teens. The squeaky-clean content isn't worrisome, although some young kids may need reassurance when discussions turn to the death of a character's parent or other scenarios that may ring true with them. But all in all, this is an inspiring tale of friendship and passion that will give your family plenty to talk about when it's over.

Educational value: The movie is meant to entertain rather than to educate, but it's filled with positive messages for kids and families about self-esteem, standing up for what's right, and being honest with those you love. 
 

Positive messages: The movie's many positive themes include honesty, empowerment, overcoming adversity, self-expression, standing up for your values, and celebrating families. Each character struggles with unhappiness at home, but as they discover their strength through friendship, they're able to improve their relationships with their families. The content touches on serious issues, like accepting a parent's new romantic interest, balancing personal and parental expectations, and feeling like an outsider. Stereotyping (jocks, "in crowd," geeks) exists to set the stage for the characters' rebellion against how the establishment shuns them. 
 

Positive role models: All of the characters have personal flaws, but they discover their strengths through strong bonds of friendship, which allows them to face tough issues at home that they've been avoiding. All of the families are made stronger by their members' willingness to be honest about their feelings. One character dumps his conniving, egotistical friends to join the band once he's touched by their message of hope. 
 

Violence & scariness: A few self-induced mishaps lead to some injuries (a broken hand, a black eye). There's also one brief exchange of shoving between teens, but nothing comes of it. 
 

Sexy stuff: A couple of blossoming teen romances lead to flirting, sidelong glances, and some cuddling, but nothing more. 
 

Language: A character calls a classmate a "jerk." 
 

Consumerism: The movie's original songs are available on a soundtrack
 

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

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Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines.

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More on Lemonade Mouth

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

• Families can talk about rebellion. In what ways do the characters express themselves against adults? Are their actions harmful to anyone? How can rebellion be a good thing? Where's the line between a "good" rebellion and a "bad" one?
  
• Kids: Friendship plays a big role in how the characters evolve. Which friendships are your most treasured? What qualities do you seek in a friend? How far does your loyalty to your friends go? What would you not do for them?
  
• What are your special talents? How do you hone them? Do you feel that they're appreciated by society? What talents or skills get more recognition? Why is that? How, if at all, does money influence society's value of different talents?
  

What's the story?

A chance meeting in detention sparks friendship among five high school students, and soon their shared love of music yields Lemonade Mouth, an upstart band whose songs inspire the downtrodden among their peers. Stella (Hayley Kiyoko), Wen (Adam Hicks), Mo (Naomi Scott), Olivia (Bridgit Mendler), and Charlie (Blake Michael) go from seeming nobodies to heroes when they vow to make their voices heard in a school that venerates its athletes at the expense of every other group, including the school's music program. In no time, the unlikely friends garner a loyal following and challenge the school's popular rock band, Mudslide Crush, for top honors, and their own bonds of friendship give them the strength to speak up about tough issues at home as well. But when adversity strikes and it seems their very relationships are in jeopardy, it will take every bit of confidence they have to pull it together for themselves and their fans.

Is it any good?

Based on a book of the same name, LEMONADE MOUTH is a celebration of the human spirit. The teens' refusal to back down to an establishment that discourages students' talents and interests should be inspirational to viewers of any age. The friends identify a problem that has far-reaching consequences, and they set out to fix it in a way that showcases the moving, unifying nature of music and encourages others to take pride in the gifts they have as well.
Families who tune in to this movie are also treated to a laundry list of positive messages they can discuss at its end. Friendship, empowerment, self-esteem, self-confidence, and the courage to stand up for what you believe in are just a few of the gems to be found here, and each is illustrated in a manner that will ring true with your kids. Besides the social themes, there are plenty that relate to family life, and the movie's message about honest communication between parents and kids is impossible to miss. The movie's only sticking point may be its unavoidable ties to its soundtrack, but rest assured that those same happy messages transfer to the songs' lyrics as well.

Movie themes & details

Themes

friendship, high school, music and sing-along

Movie Details

Studio: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
Director: Patricia Riggen
Cast: Adam Hicks, Bridgit Mendler, Hayley Kiyoko
Genre: Musical
Run time: 107 minutes
DVD release: May 24, 2011
MPAA Rating: G

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This review was written by Emily Ashby