Parents' Guide to

Teen Spirit

By Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Teen comedy's stereotypes help illustrate pro-social themes.

Movie NR 2012 82 minutes
Teen Spirit Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 13+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Jenna B.
Jenna B. Adult
March 13, 2023
age 12+

Great movie

I'm so confused with the people saying this movie has "to much sex". There's NO sex in this movie at all. I first watched this movie when I was 10 (might be too young for some kids that's why I rated it for 12+) I think this movie sends a really good message to kids and is definitely not an 18+ movie like some people are saying
Fairyceeds
Fairyceeds Parent of 7-year-old
May 1, 2020
age 12+

Disney plus says it’s age 0+. It’s not.

It’s ok. But my six year old started watching because Disney plus says 0+. Definitely 12+
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Socialite Amber Pollock (Cassie Scerbo) has devoted her high-school career to topping the popularity charts; the only thing left on her to-do list is being named prom queen. Thanks to careful planning -- and some crafty manipulation -- on her part, the crown is as good as hers, but a freak accident on prom night ends her life and leaves her staring down a fiery eternity because of her lifelong selfishness. When a heavenly interceder (Tim Gunn) offers Amber a one-way ticket to heaven if she can change a downtrodden classmate's social fortune, she's thrilled ... until she learns that her charge is mousy Lisa Sommers (Lindsey Shaw), who's hardly a school standout. Though Lisa balks at the idea of stepping out of the shadows, Amber wins her over by promising that her new status will catch the eye of her longtime crush, Nick (Chris Zylka). As the pieces fall into place and Lisa's fortune begins to change, Amber starts to see her own callous behavior in a new light and must decide whether the reward is worth the cost of dooming Lisa to a similar fate. Meanwhile, Lisa's left to choose between her new popularity and the life she left behind.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (22 ):

This enjoyable comedy delivers a worthwhile story about overcoming insecurities and battling peer pressure. Popularity and social ambition are hardly new plot points for a teen-geared movie, and TEEN SPIRIT's themes of tolerance, respect, and self-confidence won't come as a surprise to anyone who tunes in. In fact, there are few surprises to be found in this movie -- but, happily, that doesn't stand in the way of its positive message. Amber and Lisa are a delightful odd couple, and their unlikely relationship puts both girls in a position to learn something positive about friendship and respect. Their actions aren't always saintly, but the good news is that they learn their lesson, change their behavior, and use the experience to inspire others to do the same.

Of course, a story like this isn't believable without some stereotypes like "jocks" and "geeks," but teens will understand the role that these types play in illustrating behavior within the different student groups. Sexuality is prominent as it relates to popularity (girls flaunt their bodies to turn guys' heads) and as it's used to maintain a guy's interest, and there's some passionate kissing and fondling in a scene or two. All of this paints a fairly extreme picture of high school life for tweens, but teens will be able to weed through the fantasy, enjoy the humor, and pick out the positive aspects of this very funny movie.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about social status. Teens: How much does social status weigh on your mind? Is popularity a big deal among your friends/classmates? How is a someone's popularity decided? How does it factor into things like student groups and school elections?

  • Have you ever faced peer pressure? How does it feel to have to choose between what's popular and what you believe in? What techniques can you use to cope with situations like this? How do friendship and self-confidence relate to this issue?

  • Is bullying something that concerns you? Have you ever been bullied? How does traditional bullying (name-calling, teasing, etc.) compare to cyberbullying? Is one style more or less hurtful than the other? What rules exist to protect you from bullies? Do you think they're effective?

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