Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this story is set in motion when an earthquake kills the young heroine's father. The filmmakers keep it short, simple, and, off-camera except for some shaking in the little girl's bedroom. Though exaggerated, outlandish, and meant to be funny, Sam's evil stepmother and stepsisters are mean and insulting to her -- some very young or sensitive kids could be disturbed by their behavior. Cartoonish action includes lots of clumsy falls, a careening car, and some stepsister brawls. There's a bit of mild profanity ("hell," "damn," "fart," "butt"), some sexual innuendo, along with some low-cut stepmother and stepsister outfits, and a few big-breast and breast-implant jokes.

Sexual Content

Some comic sexual innuendo (much of which will go over the heads of the youngest kids). Breasts are an obsession of the teen boys, and a source of pride for the buxom Fiona. Some girls wear skimpy clothing, a few boys are seen only in towels, and Fiona whips quickly out of a tanning booth and into a towel (nudity is suggested rather than seen).

Violence

An earthquake kills Sam's dad in an early scene. The death happens off-camera and except for some brief shaking in the little girl's bedroom, no major damage is seen. There is some cartoon action, mostly clumsy falls, slapstick fighting, and a car careens through city streets.

Language

Fiona frequently uses insults and slurs to punish and demean her stepdaughter. Also heard: "fart," "butt," "breasts," "damn," "hell."

Social Behavior

A good attitude, independence, and hard work bring great rewards; a strong character can survive unkindness, selfishness, and ignorance. The film repeatedly presents one message: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." Support and friendship can be found in unexpected places.

Consumerism

Coca Cola. In dialogue: Mercedes and Jaguar.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable