An American Girl: McKenna Shoots For The Stars

  • Year:2012
  • Rating:G
  • Director:Vince Marcello
  • Cast:Jade Pettyjohn, Nia Vardalos, Ian Ziering
  • Release Date:September 05, 2012
  • Distributor:Universal Sony
  • The Film:2.5
  • The Disc:Zero

"...feel good wholesome entertainment..."

review image 54d15a9b7438cbf65edf.jpg.

The latest in the series of film adaptations of the popular American Girl novels for pre teens, McKenna Shoots For The Stars could only be enjoyed by the demographic for which it is targeted as the poor production values and clunky handling of simplistic life lessons are likely to alienate the majority of viewers above the age of ten.

McKenna (Jade Pettyjohn) is a fanatical gymnast who is so consumed by her love for the sport that she puts little effort into her schoolwork. Her bad grades prompt McKenna’s teacher, Mr. Wu (George Chiang), to suggest to her parents (Nia Vardalos and Ian Ziering) that she would benefit with extra assistance from tutor Josie (Kerris Dorsey). Ashamed by the situation and still determined to make gymnastics her top priority, McKenna’s poor attitude towards her education continues until an injury during training leaves her in a cast and with no choice but to buckle down.

Although the acting and dialogue are less than stellar, McKenna Shoots For The Stars remains the kind of light and feel good wholesome entertainment that parents should have no qualms about showing to their children.

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