Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, I'll be straight with you: this movie is a relic of early 2000s 'edgy' teen comedies that thought making the protagonists commit felonies was peak subversion. Pregnant cheerleader + bank robbery = comedy gold, right? Except critics hated it (30% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences were meh (43%), and the ethical messaging is a dumpster fire.

The premise might sound quirky, but the execution is shallow, the humor hasn't aged well, and the core message—that crime is a viable solution to life's problems—is genuinely problematic. There's no meaningful exploration of consequences, responsibility, or growth. It's not offensive in a graphic way, but it's offensive in a 'why would I waste 90 minutes on this?' way.

If your teen is interested in early 2000s pop culture as a time capsule of questionable taste, maybe? But there are so many better teen comedies that are actually funny, smart, and don't require you to explain why robbing banks is bad, actually. Skip this one and watch literally anything else.

Age Fit

Common Sense Media suggests 15+, but honestly, even older teens deserve better. This is the kind of movie that seemed edgy in 2001 but now just feels dated and ethically confused.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

25

A teen comedy that glorifies bank robbery as a solution to pregnancy/financial problems, with cheerleaders becoming criminals. The premise fundamentally undermines positive modeling of problem-solving, responsibility, or ethical decision-making. While it's played for laughs, the core message—that crime is an acceptable response to life challenges—is deeply problematic from a wholesome perspective.

Imaginative

45

The premise of cheerleaders planning a heist is admittedly creative and subverts expectations for the genre. There's novelty in the mashup of teen comedy and crime caper. However, it's more of a one-note gimmick than genuinely imaginative storytelling that invites exploration or creative thinking. The 'sugar and spice' branding suggests some stylistic flair, but execution appears shallow based on critical reception.

Safe

35

While not graphically violent or sexually explicit (Common Sense Media suggests age 15), the film normalizes criminal behavior as quirky and fun. Teen pregnancy is a central plot point, and the 'solution' involves felonies. The low safety score reflects not graphic content but the problematic messaging that crime is an acceptable, even cute, response to life's challenges. This isn't a Marvel movie with clear heroes and villains—it's teens committing actual crimes presented as empowerment.

Enriching

20

With a 30% Rotten Tomatoes critic score and 48 Metacritic rating, critics found little redeeming value. The film doesn't offer meaningful lessons about consequences, ethics, or problem-solving. If anything, it teaches the opposite—that illegal shortcuts are viable solutions. No evidence of skill-building, empathy development, or personal growth themes. The 'friendship' angle is undermined by the criminal activity at its core.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

The premise is undeniably creative in a 'wait, what?' kind of way—cheerleaders planning heists is unexpected
Could spark conversations about consequences and ethical decision-making (though not in the way the filmmakers intended)
Might appeal to teens interested in early 2000s nostalgia as a cultural artifact of questionable taste

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What to Watch For

The entire plot glorifies bank robbery as a quirky, empowering solution to financial problems—not exactly the life lesson you're going for
Teen pregnancy is the catalyst, handled with the depth of a kiddie pool
Early 2000s 'edgy teen comedy' sensibility that hasn't aged remotely well
Critical consensus is brutal (30% on RT)—even audiences were lukewarm at best

Conversation Starters

"What do you think the characters should have actually done when they found out about the pregnancy?"
"Why do you think the movie presents crime as fun instead of showing real consequences?"
"Can you think of movies that handle tough teen situations in more realistic ways?"

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