What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this comedy stars Raven-Symone and
features Lucas Grabeel and Brenda Song, all of whom lots of
kids know and love from their popular Disney Channel shows and
movies. Given that immediate Disney tie-in, expect even young
elementary schoolers to show an interest in the movie. The good
news is that despite Martin Lawrence's history as a foulmouthed
stand-up comic, this is one family-friendly flick. There are a
couple of scenes of slapsticky mayhem (like when a pet pig runs
amok at a wedding reception), and a few moments of teens
badmouthing parents who just don't understand; otherwise,
there's nothing here to worry about.
Families can talk about how the movie portrays parent-child relationships. Which father-daughter dynamic seems more realistic -- Melanie and the chief's or Wendy and Doug's? Why? Why do you think Disney cast so many familiar TV faces in this movie? Kids: Did you want to see the movie more because you know the actors from their shows? What else made you want to see it?
Common Sense Media Review
James Porter (
Martin
Lawrence) is the chief of police for a Chicago suburb.
Incredibly security obsessed, he wants his daughter Melanie (
Raven-Symone)
to attend nearby Northwestern University, where she's already
been accepted. But Mel really wants to go to Georgetown in
Washington, D.C., where she's been wait-listed. When she gets
an unexpected interview, she decides to take a road trip with
her best friends ... until James reconsiders and takes her
himself -- so he can convince her to go to Northwestern. Along
the way, they encounter several obstacles and near-disasters
but also finally get the chance to really talk to each
other.
Lawrence seems to be following the well-worn path of other formerly risqué stand-up comics, making his living in watered-down, family-friendly comedies. This latest piece of Disney fluff is at least pleasant and better than expected. All parents (whether they have college students or not) can relate to the bittersweet realization that their kids are growing up. The discrepancy between how close James thinks he is to Melanie and how little he actually knows of her plans will probably strike close to home for many viewers, particularly teens and parents. For that reason, it's clear that director Roger Kumble wanted movie-going parents to relate to -- not just tolerate -- the plot.
In addition to Raven, who's so successful that she's one of the movie's executive producers, COLLEGE ROAD TRIP is filled with other recognizable stars from Disney franchises, like Lucas Grabeel from High School Musical and Brenda Song from The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (all of which just makes the movie feel even more like a Disney Channel special than a big-screen event). Younger fans will also get a kick out of Melanie's genius younger brother, Trey (Eshaya Draper), who stows away with his faithful pet pig, Albert. Between Lawrence's slapstick, the presence of Raven and her fellow Disney-anointed stars, and the funny kid and his pig, there are bound to be laughs (and perhaps a couple of tears) in store for everyone in the family.
Fans may also enjoy That's So Raven , The Suite Life of Zack and Cody, and High School Musical.
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
