MPAA Rating: PG
Distributor: Disney
Director: Jim Fall
Actors: Hillary Duff as Lizzie McGuire/Isabella, Adam Lamberg as Gordo, Jake Thomas as Matt McGuire, Robert Carradine as Sam McGuire, Hallie Todd as Jo McGuire, Ashlie Brillault as Kate Sanders, Clayton Snyder as Ethan Craft, Alex Borstein as Miss Ungermeyer, Yani Gellman as Paolo and Brendan Kelly as Sergei.

After accidentally pulling down a large curtain at her junior high graduation, Lizzie McGuire hopes to make a fresh start on her class trip to Rome. Along with her best friend, Gordo, Lizzie sets out on the adventure of a lifetime. What Lizzie isn’t prepared for is that Rome will very soon become her City of Love. She also doesn’t have a clue that she’s the spitting image of Isabella, the female half of famous Italian pop duo Paolo & Isabella--a resemblance that will change her life.

Like the Disney Channel TV series that inspired it, The Lizzie McGuire Movie not only tells a cute story, but also sends a positive message. When Lizzie develops a crush on Paolo, she lies about being sick to spend time with him. But all her scheming and obsession are for nothing when she realizes that Paolo isn’t all he’s cracked up to be. Paolo is carefully contrasted with the loyal, gracious, kind and sacrificial Gordo who consistently looks out for Lizzie even when she neglects their relationship. The point? Faithful friendship is better than flighty romance.

Lizzie also struggles with her self-worth, which tweens and teens can relate to. It's encouraging to see a terror-stricken Lizzie face her fear of public ridicule in order to sing with Paolo in front of thousands. She shows kids can overcome their anxieties and be successful in the process.

Part love story, part European adventure, part girl-power fun, Lizzie has all the ingredients to attract 14-year-old girls (and their slightly younger siblings). Positive takes on friendship, loyalty, parental love, honesty and the need to overcome fear get lots of screen time. The downsides differ only slightly from those seen on TV: occasional immodest dress, half a dozen improper uses of God’s name and a few harsh putdowns. Lizzie’s not perfect. But she offers loads of light-hearted fun with positive messages kids need to hear.

NOTE: Our comments are not meant to endorse or discredit any particular film; they're just a way for you and your parents to make informed decisions about what enters your eyes and ears (Philippians 4:8).

	Q: How do bees telephone one another? A: They just give each other a buzz. Zephan S., 9, Kentucky Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe