Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this made-for-TV tween movie addresses many of the fears/issues typical of the age group: relating to the opposite sex, learning to deal with bullies, and worrying that a move to a new school will affect existing friendships. The main character discovers that it's only by facing his fears head-on that he can move past them and welcome the changes ahead. There's little here to worry parents of tweens, but they may want to remind kids that mean-spirited pranks (overturning an outhouse while a notorious bully is inside, for instance) aren't the best way to handle difficulties with peers.
Sexual
Content
A budding romantic relationship between tweens gives way to mild flirting but nothing more.
Violence
The storyline calls for a character to be struck in the head by different objects (a board, a football, etc.) throughout the movie, but there's no lasting injury. Also, skateboarding scenes include plenty of wipe-outs.
Language
Not applicable
Social
Behavior
A tween learns to face multiple fears typical of his age: talking to girls, dealing with bullies, and performing onstage. Friendship and loyalty are strong themes. Occasional potty humor includes mention of passing gas, a blow to a boy's groin, and childish, mean-spirited pranks like overturning an outhouse with someone inside.
Consumerism
No notable brands, but most of the movie takes place at a carnival, so there's lots of junk food -- fries, soda, nachos, and burgers.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
