An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012)

Release Date:

2012

Movie Rating:

TV-G

Runtime:

1h 33m

Release Date:

2012

Movie Rating:

TV-G

Runtime:

1h 33m

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars (2012) - Vertical Movie Poster

Synopsis:

In An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars, McKenna Brooks is a young gymnast with big dreams of making it to the top. As she trains hard for a spot on the competitive team, she struggles to balance her schoolwork and gymnastics. When her grades start slipping, her parents hire a tutor named Josie, who helps McKenna find new ways to succeed in both areas. Meanwhile, McKenna faces challenges at the gym, including a fall that tests her confidence. With the support of her family, friends, and coach, McKenna learns to overcome obstacles and work towards her goals. The movie follows her journey as she navigates the ups and downs of pursuing her passion for gymnastics.

IMDb logo
5.7
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Metacritic Logo
IMDb logo
5.7
Rotten Tomatoes Logo
Metacritic Logo

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars, released in 2012, is a family-friendly drama aimed at kids, with a TV-G rating. The movie follows McKenna, a young gymnast, as she navigates challenges in both her sport and academics. Parents generally appreciate the film for its positive messages and relatable themes, though some note it may be a bit predictable. Overall, it is well-received for its inspiring story and strong role models.

Why Kids Should Watch An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

The movie is praised for its uplifting messages and engaging storyline.

  • Promotes perseverance and the importance of balancing academics and sports.
  • Features a strong, determined protagonist who learns to overcome obstacles.
  • Visually appealing gymnastics scenes that captivate young audiences.
  • Encourages teamwork and friendship as McKenna relies on her friends for support.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Some parents express concerns about the film's handling of certain themes.

  • May present emotional challenges as McKenna struggles with self-doubt.
  • Scenes of academic pressure might be intense for sensitive viewers.
  • Some plot elements could be seen as predictable or formulaic.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, inspiring messages, and engaging visuals.

What Parents Should Know About An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? McKenna learns to ask for help when she struggles, showing the importance of seeking support.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? McKenna's academic struggles and fear of failure may require parental guidance to discuss.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, McKenna faces consequences for neglecting her studies, highlighting the importance of responsibility.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? McKenna's interactions with her friends emphasize teamwork and the value of supporting one another.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about perseverance and balancing different aspects of life, delivered through McKenna's journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Parents appreciate An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars for its positive role models and inspiring messages about perseverance and balance. While some find the plot predictable, the film's strengths lie in its relatable characters and engaging visuals. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the challenges McKenna faces. For those seeking similar content, other American Girl movies offer comparable themes and values.

Official An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars Trailer

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars, released in 2012, is a family-friendly drama aimed at kids, with a TV-G rating. The movie follows McKenna, a young gymnast, as she navigates challenges in both her sport and academics. Parents generally appreciate the film for its positive messages and relatable themes, though some note it may be a bit predictable. Overall, it is well-received for its inspiring story and strong role models.

Why Kids Should Watch An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

The movie is praised for its uplifting messages and engaging storyline.

  • Promotes perseverance and the importance of balancing academics and sports.
  • Features a strong, determined protagonist who learns to overcome obstacles.
  • Visually appealing gymnastics scenes that captivate young audiences.
  • Encourages teamwork and friendship as McKenna relies on her friends for support.

Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Some parents express concerns about the film's handling of certain themes.

  • May present emotional challenges as McKenna struggles with self-doubt.
  • Scenes of academic pressure might be intense for sensitive viewers.
  • Some plot elements could be seen as predictable or formulaic.

Verdict: Parent Approved

Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers positive role models, inspiring messages, and engaging visuals.

What Parents Should Know About An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Question Answer
Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? McKenna learns to ask for help when she struggles, showing the importance of seeking support.
Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? McKenna's academic struggles and fear of failure may require parental guidance to discuss.
Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? Yes, McKenna faces consequences for neglecting her studies, highlighting the importance of responsibility.
Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? McKenna's interactions with her friends emphasize teamwork and the value of supporting one another.
Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? The core message is about perseverance and balancing different aspects of life, delivered through McKenna's journey.

The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback

Parents appreciate An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars for its positive role models and inspiring messages about perseverance and balance. While some find the plot predictable, the film's strengths lie in its relatable characters and engaging visuals. Parental involvement can enhance the viewing experience by discussing the challenges McKenna faces. For those seeking similar content, other American Girl movies offer comparable themes and values.

Official An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars Trailer


The Core Values Learned From An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars's most common core values include Determination, Perseverance, and Family love. As McKenna chases her gymnastics dream, kids see how determination keeps her going. Even when things get tough, like when her grades drop, her perseverance helps her keep trying. The strong support from her family shows the power of family Love and how it can lift her when she feels down.

Determination shines through when McKenna practices gymnastics routines tirelessly, pushing herself to get better despite setbacks. Perseverance is clear when she learns from her tutor, Josie, and finds smarter ways to study, proving that hard work pays off. A heartfelt example of family love is when McKenna's parents attend her competitions, cheering her on and showing how important it is to have a loving support system.

Other Core Values Explored: Friendship | Building confidence. | Self-discovery | Encouraging others | Teamwork | Setting goals | Resilience

The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

Believing in Yourself: McKenna learns the importance of self-belief after facing setbacks in gymnastics. Her journey demonstrates how confidence in her own abilities helps her push through challenges and ultimately achieve her goals.

Asking for Help: When McKenna's grades fall, she accepts help from a tutor, Josie. This teaches the valuable lesson that recognizing when you need assistance and reaching out for support can lead to success in multiple areas of life.

Overcoming Failure: A fall at the gym tests McKenna's confidence, but she learns that failure is just a stepping stone. Her ability to pick herself up and try again shows that resilience is key to overcoming obstacles.

Never Giving Up: Throughout the movie, McKenna faces various hurdles in both school and gymnastics. Her determination to keep striving toward her dreams, despite difficulties, exemplifies the power of perseverance.

Supporting Your Friends: McKenna shows the importance of friendship by being there for her teammates. This highlights how mutual support can strengthen bonds and help everyone achieve their personal best.

Other Lessons Learned: Recognizing Your Potential | Building Friendships | Embracing the Learning Process | Practicing Patience | Earning Success through Hard Work

Why Kids Love An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars

An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars takes kids on an exciting ride through the world of gymnastics. Kids love watching McKenna tackle one challenge after another, whether she’s perfecting an awe-inspiring routine on the beam or flipping through the air with determination. The gym becomes a bustling scene of action where teammates cheer as others push their limits to land daring maneuvers. Through it all, McKenna is a brave hero kids look up to, facing the thrill of competition and the pressure to perform with equal parts courage and enthusiasm. At school, her brainpower gets put to the test, and McKenna's smart problem-solving skills kick in, finding new ways to tackle tricky assignments and manage her time, capturing kids' imaginations with creativity and clever solutions.

The movie shines with exciting moments of friendship where McKenna and her friends team up, each with unique talents that make them a winning team. They plan epic talent shows that buzz with excitement and draw laughter from all corners. Kids love how relatable the sibling antics are when McKenna and her family unite, turning ordinary days into events packed with surprising fun and enthusiasm. With every scene, there's anticipation in seeing how McKenna proves herself and learns to lead, tackling big hurdles or helping friends rise to the occasion. The colorful world of gymnastics and school adventures keeps kids glued to the screen, rooting for McKenna every flip and twist along the way.