Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Jem and the Holograms is a live-action adaptation of the popular late '80s cartoon about Jerrica, a young woman who disguises herself as "Jem" when she performs. The movie is aimed at tweens, particularly girls, and stays appropriate enough for preteens. There are a couple of kisses; a mouthed "oh, s--t" (plus a couple of uses of words like "hell" and "ass"); and a scene featuring a shirtless young man wearing only a towel (the camera lingers on his chest). In one sequence, Jerrica and her sisters sneak onto the Santa Monica Pier and jump off of it to escape the police, and, in another, two characters also sneak into a building. Otherwise, there's nothing overly edgy about this story that encourages being true to yourself and expressing who you are creatively. But adults intrigued by the nostalgia factor should know there are major differences between the animated series and the movie.
Sexual
Content
A girl kisses a boy and then summarily dismisses him. A young man and a young woman flirt and are obviously interested in each other. One culminating kiss. In one scene, a young man wears just a towel; his shirtless chest is visible for quite a long while. A security guard claims Jem was "all over" him (she wasn't).
Violence
Armed security guards follow Erica around, and two escort someone out of a show. Characters evade police.
Language
"Hell," "shut up," "badass," "damn," "oh my God," and one "oh, s--t" that's mouthed rather than said aloud.
Social
Behavior
Encourages being true to yourself and being as special, artistic, and expressive as you want to be, no matter what people think of you. Jem's story also encourages young viewers to take risks, step out of their comfort zone, and rely on the love of their family and friends.
Consumerism
Many YouTube references and scenes. Other product placements: Rolls Royce, Kitson, Jeep, Mac, iPhone, Pop Chips, TAGS thrift store, Google Earth.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
