Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that MTV is positioning this made-for-TV movie as its answer to Disney's High School Musical, though it ages up a bit thanks to the main characters' more physical relationship (they kiss). The movie's central message -- that staying true to yourself is good and selling out is bad -- is a valuable one for impressionable tweens. That said, there are an awful lot of attempts to target young viewers with blatant product placement: Thanks to the mall setting, the list of featured brand names is extensive. There's a small amount of mild sexuality, too, but language is pretty tame.

Sexual Content

Some kissing, and a music video shoot gets semi-sexy. The male lead is also shown with his shirt off and, later, in just his underwear. The only other incident is a comical scene in which a girl eats a hot dog, which makes a guy nervous.

Violence

Not applicable

Language

Pretty tame. Words like "kick-ass," "butt," "suck," and "pissed" are as strong as it gets, but they're each used only once.

Social Behavior

The central message is about staying true to yourself and not selling out. There are obvious villains, to be sure, but everyone gets along in the end.

Consumerism

MTV and Sears struck a special deal, allowing the Sears logo and merchandise to be prominently featured in the film. Characters also model clothing that came exclusively from Sears. The fact that the movie is set in a mall opens up the floodgates in terms of embedded brands. You'll see plugs for Yamaha, Pepsi, Pro-Mark (drumsticks), Pretzelmaker (fast food), NordicTrack, MasterCuts (hair salon), Payless Shoe Source, Gap, Finish Line (athletic wear), Clean & Clear, Ben & Jerry's, Hello Kitty, Aeropostale, and Charlotte Russe.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable