Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby, based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 8+
Teen's errant birthday dreams hold good messages for tweens.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this Disney TV movie is a positive choice for tweens, who won't be able to help picking up on its messages about appreciating things like a loving family and loyal friends. There's no iffy content to speak of, making it an age-appropriate choice for all but very young kids -- but tweens will reap the most benefit from tuning in. Abby's journey through her possible near future offers an eye-opening (if slightly exaggerated) glimpse of where selfish endeavors and misguided priorities can take a person, giving parents a prime opportunity to chat with their tweens about their own desires for their futures.
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Language
very little
No cursing, but some use of “shut up” and “I hate you.”
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
very little
One brief kiss between teens.
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Positive Messages
a lot
Tweens discover that superficial ambitions (cute clothes and popularity, for instance) don’t bring the same happiness found in good friends and a supportive family. Communication is a strong theme, and Abby proves its power when she works out her differences with a longtime adversary.
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Positive Role Models
a little
Abby’s parents are loving and caring, despite her insistence that they don’t understand her. Abby’s experience teaches her to appreciate the fortune in her life and to give back to those she’s taken for granted.
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Educational Value
very little
The movie intends to entertain rather than to educate, but it does include some strong messages about gratitude, respect, and friendship.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
16 Wishes
Parent and Kid Reviews
See all
- Parents say (12)
- Kids say (40)
age 8+
Based on 12 parent reviews
Lynette S. Parent of 9-year-old
June 23, 2024
age 7+
Michelle H. Parent of 13 and 13-year-old
August 5, 2022
age 12+
SPOILER ALERT........Had some good messages about friendship and being yourself and not being a follower. No swearing or concerning language. No sexual content. The main character and her best friend hold hands during the movie and in the last five minutes or so of the movie decide they like each other and share a quick kiss.
See all 12 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Abby Jensen (Debby Ryan) has lived her whole life in anticipation of her 16th birthday, when she's sure that all of the dreams on her birthday wish list will come true. When a mysterious visitor delivers a unique set of birthday candles, she discovers that lighting them corresponds with making some her dreams a reality. A new car and the attention of the cutest boy in school are all fun and games until one of her wishes has unexpected -- and unwanted -- results, leaving her racing the clock to figure out how to get her old life back.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (12):
Kids say (40):
With its gentle reminders about the value of self-respect, good friends, and a supportive family, 16 WISHES has a lot to offer tweens. Just as valuable are its clear cautions against superficial happiness (i.e., donning designer clothes, hobnobbing with celebs, and catching the eye of a hunky classmate). Abby's glimpse at the troubles that her selfishness can cause is a good caution against the same behavior, and hopefully tweens will think twice about their own priorities as a result.
With parents' help, this funny, feel-good movie can do more good than just entertain your kids -- be sure to chat with them afterward about their impression of its messages and how it makes them feel and think about their own hopes and dreams.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's intention. Does it aim to entertain, teach you something, or both? How well does it succeed? What did you learn from the movie? Does a movie or show need to have a "lesson" to be likable?
Tweens: What kinds of things would be on your own wish list? How do you prioritize the things you want? What do you value most in your life?
How does the media influence our desires and ambitions? What messages do commercials, TV shows, and movies send to us about what it means to be successful? How do these messages compare to your own idea of happiness?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 16, 2010
- Cast : Anna Mae Routledge, Debby Ryan, Jean-Luc Bilodeau
- Director : Peter DeLuise
- Inclusion Information : Female actors
- Studio : Image Entertainment
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Magic and Fantasy, High School
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating : G
- Last updated : November 24, 2024
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