Cadet Kelly (2002 TV Movie) User Reviews

Lizzie Goes to Military School

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 19 September 2007]

In Cadet Kelly, Hillary Duff takes her Lizzie McGuire character and does a Private Benjamin by going to military school. Instead of the cartoon Lizzie revealing her inner most thoughts for the audience, Duff does a narration over the action of the film.

To bond with her new stepfather, Gary Cole, who is a retired career army man, Duff is put in military school where Cole came from and where he's now the commandant.

A lot of the same situations that happen in comedies like Private Benjamin and even further back with Rosalind Russell's Never Wave at a WAC occur here. Nothing new added and Hillary Duff is certainly no Rosalind Russell, but she's an appealing young lady, if she wasn't that Lizzie McGuire series would not have run for any length of time.

Another Disney regular Christy Carlson Romano from Even Stevens is also along as Duff's military school tormentor, her Eileen Brennan.

It's not Citizen Kane or The Godfather, but there are worst ways to kill two hours than watching Cadet Kelly.

I liked the premise...back when it was called "Private Benjamin."

[moviewatcher747 · 4/10 · 9 March 2002]

Hilary Duff (TV's "Lizzie Maguire") plays Kelly Collins, whose parents are divorced. When her mother meets the new love of her life, she discovers that she must attend military school. While there, she meets sardonic Jennifer Stone, (Christy Carlson Romano of "Even Stevens"), a drill team member. She doesn't fancy Kelly very much and always seems to be picking on her. Kelly crushes on Jennifer's boyfriend Bret, and a battle of wits ensues. Besides the fact that your kids will love it, the movie follows the same premise as the 1980 Goldie Hawn vehicle "Private Benjamin." I guess the performances are decent for a made-for-television movie. Let's just hope that there's no sequel...

Disney TV movie for Disney TV stars

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 13 March 2021]

Kelly Collins (Hilary Duff) is a free spirit who loves fashion and dance. She approves her mother getting remarried to Joe "Sir" Maxwell (Gary Cole) at first. He's a military man. When he becomes the Commandant of a military school, she is forced to attend. She struggles under Cadet Captain Jennifer Stone (Christy Carlson Romano) who has a crush on Cadet Major Brad Rigby (Shawn Ashmore). Jealousy ensues.

Hilary Duff is a Disney TV star by the time of this movie. She tries to cute her way out of this. It's better than most of the channel's offerings but that's not saying much especially during that time. They obviously rented out a military academy somewhere which allows them to write around. I would like Kelly to be less talky which sometimes come off as whiney at times. Her cuteness is able to keep it endearing. At the end of the day, this movie does what it sets out to do. It is a vehicle for its Disney starlets. It's functional and Duff is well within her comfort zone.

Better than average kidflix

[gallifreyent · 1 April 2002]

I didn't expect to enjoy this movie at all, except that the sterling actor Gary Cole was in it. Cole earned his stripes in the Steppenwolf company and surely deserves to be a bigger star than he is. His role as the camp commander was a refreshing change from the goofiness of Mike Brady and the nastiness of various television guest characters he's delivered on "The Practice," "Frasier," and others. As a person in the same age group as Kelly's parents, I enjoyed seeing seeing their believable love story and Sir's benevolent dictator relationship with his stepdaughter. Though I'm not a parent, I think parents weary of obnoxious cinema teens will appreciate the pleasant youngsters in this film. I commend the film for including authentic military school drill team performances, too.

Not just awful, dangerous too

[dtonya2 · 1/10 · 30 May 2008]

I would have been willing to give this a 2 just because Hilary Duff is cute

... if it weren't for the dad "rescue" thing near the end.

This is when the Kelly and "Sir" find that the Kelly's dad has fallen down the side of a cliff and is lying about 50 feet below on a ledge, apparently unconscious.

Sir calls for rescue and medical team. Great. But then he lets Kelly "go to" her dad ...

Can't ANYONE see that it is MORNONIC to rappel down a cliff straight over an unconscious victim? Um, can you say falling rocks? Then when she gets down there she flips Dad over like a rag doll. Can you say quadriplegic? Cause that's how a trauma victim might easily end up if you move them, especially twisting the neck and spine as she did.

After this scene I almost had to go puke.

Pleasantly surprised...

[~AleXa~ · 7/10 · 8 July 2003]

While I didn't expect too much from this movie despite the fact that I generally like Disney channel movies, I must say I was pleasantly surprised.

Not only was the acting very believable, but the plot was original and had a lot of heart. This movie made me smile, get teary-eyed, and think. I think what makes this movie rise above the average is that it reaches many different people on various levels. It challenges you to think outside the box, to not accept the conformity of society and set your own standards while crossing over the line. It teaches you the importance of family, even 'broken' ones, and letting new people in, to have faith in people, how its important to face your fears, and perhaps most importantly, to embrace your individuality and set new standards.

Most of the negative comments I read about this movie complain about two things: 1) Hilary and Christy's characters are more or less the same as their alter egos, Lizzie and Ren, and 2) It was unbelievable as far as the military aspect because of the discrepancies and the way Kelly spoke to her ranking officer (Jennifer Stone, Christy Romano). I disagree on both counts.

First, Kelly and Jennifer's characters couldn't *be* farther from Lizzie and Ren. Lizzie is a sweet, sensitive, albeit insecure and klutzy homebody, while Kelly is a fun-loving, adventure-seeking, rule-breaking girl with something to prove. Similarly, Ren is a nice, caring, intelligent, studious person while Jennifer is a mean, stuck-up military brat with a chip permanently lodged on her shoulder.

And secondly, while I can't really confirm nor deny the military discrepancies not having been in ROTC or any branch of the military, I can certainly refute the statement that Kelly was way out of line. The worst thing she did was paint Jennifer's hair, and she was court-martialed for *that*, so I don't really see that as getting away with it. And furthermore, while I don't condone acts of revenge, she *did* have it coming--sometimes, the only way you can reach a person is to go to their level, for while it brings you down a notch at the time, when you rise back up, not only will you be a notch higher, you'll have brought someone up with you.

VERDICT: A heart-warming movie with character, not just recommended for the family or kids, but for anyone with an open mind and/or open heart.

7.0 out of 10.0

~AleXa~

There are far better kiddie flicks out there to see

[cosmic_quest · 4/10 · 30 December 2006]

'Cadet Kelly' is just another one of those mediocre films churned about by Disney and there is nothing original in the story that makes it stands out above the rest other than this is probably one of the first times I actually felt sorry for one of Hilary Duff's characters. This film sees fourteen-year-old Kelly, a born-and-raised New Yorker, dragged away from her school, friends and the city she loves when her self-absorbed mother springs it on her that she's getting married and they will be moving. To make matters worse, Kelly's new step-father is the headmaster of a military academy that she is forced to attend. Of course, Kelly manages to fit in by becoming saviour of the school drill team and helping them find new routines.

This is a film about selfish adults who are only interested in themselves (Mum wants her perfect new life, Stepdad wants his job at the academy and Biological Dad can't be bothered standing up for his kid) and bland kids who are all clones in terms of their personalities. We have Kelly, as the stereotypical airheaded popular blonde, the awkward best friend, the boy who every girl fancies and the bully (who, in this film, belongs more in a Victorian boys' school given that she is basically a prefect who is allowed to do whatever she wants with her power with no teacher stepping in).

This film might have been more interesting where Kelly sent there as a punishment because there is no reflection at all in the film that things are hard enough for her without forcing her to attend a military school nor that there are surely buses in the area that could have taken her to a regular school. Instead, we're meant to cheer for Kelly fitting into her new school when all you want to see is some protest from her. This is the kind of film suited to shallow teenagers who like everything bland and simple but those who prefer school-based films with more thought and character would be better off watching something like such as 'Mean Girls' or 'Harriet the Spy'.

Great! for the first time!

[luvbugk615 · 7/10 · 10 November 2008]

I still really like this film. I bought it on DVD after watching it on the Disney channel. I like to watch it now and then... but with like a gap of 6 months in between. Hillary Duff is a great actor, she is beautiful and fits in with every character she has played. I recommend this film to young girls. But only rent it so you don't waste money on a film you will probably never watch again. I enjoyed this film. I think it has great actors. Not much of a love story... unfortunately... but has a bit of one. I admit i really love romantic films. But this one hasn't got much to it. Great to see what happens in the end, and a great moral to the story. They all live happily ever after... of course!

A Major Disappointment. "Private Benjamin" meets "Legally Blonde" but not in a Good Way.

[Saturns_Illusionist · 1/10 · 20 December 2003]

I am a fan of Disney Channel Original movies even though they are very overrated I still like them but I must say that the movie was a major disappointment. I understand the need for some artistic license but they really butchered this one. My biggest complaint is Hilary Duff, she cannot act her way out of a soggy paper bag. She was extremely spoiled and bratty and too valley girlish. carlson Romano was okay, but she could get annoying. To hate her is a compliment, it means she's convincing. Hilary Duff is not convincing at all and her character is much like Lizzie from Lizzie McGuire. She did get a teensy bit better; her acting is better here from the Once again the entertainment industry has totally botched an opportunity to make a wonderful and heart-warming film. Secondly, I vehemently disagree with how the movie ended. If they thought their ending to be more dramatic than what occurs in most Disney Channel Original films. The ending was hokey and really boring and slow moving. It's hard to feel sorry or happy for the herione because she's an annoying brat and an awful actress, also totally unconvincing. should have known better. It was wishful thinking on my part that just this once, they would make a good Disney Channel Original movie. I was hoping just once they'd get it right. Shawn Ashmore is hot, he's also a good actor but he has far too little screen time. I think it's disgusting how this horrible film got a 6.4 and such high ratings from critics. I only hope that this movie does not deter viewers from watching Disney Channel Original films, because some are actually good. Hilary Duff's character had no depth and was stereo-typical. She was also portrayed as a woman with far less softness and compassion than the character she wanted to be. The actress who portrayed Kelly was completely unbelievable and in my opinion, too old for the role. It's gross: Shawn Ashmore and Hilary Duff, one finishing middle school and one just out of college/university.

I have many other comments about this dismal Disney Channel Original film but since I am limited to only 1,000 words, I had to keep this short.

well...

[sofreakincrazy · 6/10 · 11 March 2002]

Cadet Kelly wasn't that bad of a movie.Some parts were underdeveloped and some seemed to drag on too far.I didnt really see the point of this movie but all in all is would be a nice movie to watch with the kids.

Awful militarism

[nicetry · 3/10 · 17 April 2006]

Might be this movie is funny in a way, to someone ... but in me it causes lots of hate. How can anyone, let alone children, be forced to be in a school like that?! I mean, if anyone joins a military school from free will that's one thing - I'll never understand why anyone would - but no kid may be allowed to be put in an institution like that without his or her consent! The extreme disrespect for people's Human Rights or personal possessions as it seems to be usual in U.S. army's instruction is wrong (and useless) for adults, but it's even worse for children. So ... if you like militarism, watch this movie and like it. If you don't like military don't watch it, you'll hate it every second between the few good jokes that are in.

This flick deserves a second look

[blinnjo · 10/10 · 29 December 2002]

The film "Cadet Kelly" is one of those movies you tend to forget, unless you view it at least a second time. However, each time you view it, its value becomes more obvious.

The movie has four things going for it. First, Hilary Duff does an outstanding job in the character of Kelly. She is in nearly every scene, and her delivery of lines and expressions is priceless. It's difficult to believe she was only 14, because she has the natural ability to behave rather than to act in a role.

Second, the rest of the cast. Each one contributes to the overall effect led by Christy Romano as the mean Captain Stone. And Kelly hugs or is hugged by each character except the "perfect" Brad Rigby somewhere during the course of the film. How can those natural signs of affection do anything but make viewers love the character of Kelly?

Third, the script and story line. What undoubtedly began as a typical Disney original film for tweens, turned into a flick for the entire family. Many of the lines are over the heads of kids. "accessories are a girl's best friend," "wear 'em if you've got it," and other gags give adults a chance to laugh. The editing is super and camera angles are carefully chosen, although for some reason, the camera seems unsteady at times.

Fourth, the soundtrack, including music and sound effects, is one of the best I've observed. Those responsible should be commented for a superior presentation. Not only is the military mood and tone realistic, it really makes this movie come alive. I watched the rough editing version, and without the superb sound effects and music, this film would have been just another dismal kiddie effort. To fully appreciate the soundtrack, you must close your eyes and picture what is going on.

To me the scene where Kelly cuts Jennifer off from Brad is indicative of all of the above qualities and one of the funniest 20 seconds in the movie.

Perhaps the most poignant scene is the 15 seconds when Kelly has her revelation upon seeing her drill team uniform and realizing she is still an individual, although a part of something largest than herself.

There are so many subtle qualities that you could spend hours discussing the superiority of "Cadet Kelly."

For all of inaccurate military "stuff," this is still one heck of a great movie.

A change of thought

[aayvns · 6/10 · 28 August 2002]

A few weeks ago I wrote a very positive review of this movie, but unfortunately I'm back to say that it doesn't stand up to a second viewing. Once you get past Hilary Duff's good looks, charm and charisma (and admittedly there's a lot to get past) she's really just an annoying girl who falls down a lot.

The military inaccuracies which didn't bother me the first time now become more and more apparent and irritating. Likewise the obvious plot holes, like why is Kelly forced to go to military school in the first place, and why is she not more bothered by this? The voiceover and autobiographical style which were part of the movie's original charm now seems repetitive and Kelly's whole attitude is simple unbelievable. What 14 year old that you know would willingly take on such responsibility?

If you catch this movie on TV it's still worth watching, but don't tape it and expect to come back and enjoy it at a later date.

No excuse for poor production

[tiggerspice · 4/10 · 3 August 2002]

Movies like this can be lots of fun. Unfortunately, this one is not so. It is uneven and poorly scripted. Parts of the movie move so slow, and have unneeded dialogue that leads nowhere. I could understand it if they needed to pad out the film. But the ending is actually rather abrupt, with no sort of epilogue or resolution to certain aspects of the story. Also, some people may think that because this is a Disney movie it doesn't require accuracy. I disagree. Certain points can be stretched in the name of fiction or artistic license, but this movie seems to have no research done at all. Lots of little errors equal a movie that seems thrown together. And that may not matter to fans of the actress and the genre...but they do grow up and grow out of movies that eventually insult their intelligence. It reflects poorly on those who made it....do they care so little they can't get even simple things right? Why would I want to see more of this? Is this what Disney thinks we deserve? The acting is average, nothing stellar, but they somewhat pull it off for what it is. It's not the actors fault the script is poorly written and cheesy. Overall there are a lot of similar offerings that are better, including the TV show Lizzie McGuire starring Cadet Kelly herself. I really think most people would enjoy a movie that isn't so distracting in it's unbelievability and stilted dialogue.

I didn't expect it to be good...

[sprinklefairy13 · 20 June 2002]

And it wasn't. Apparently a movie doesn't have to be the least bit of good to appeal to 13 year old girls. All it needs is Hillary Duff prancing about and wearing 'cool' outfits. You may as well just rent 'Private Benjamin' instead.

It must be a cultural difference

[telchen2004 · 3/10 · 25 May 2006]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I came here and saw all the positive comments about this movie. For God's sake, it's a children's movie which presents an obligatory military school for kids in a positive light! Finally, I did find one reviewer who shared my views, but then I noticed that he was from Germany and most of the others were obviously from the States.

Are you Americans really this different from us Europians? I have heard about your patriotic tendencies, but I'm still surprised. Isn't a militaristic Disney movie too much even for you? If not, I'm really concerned. Obviously, I would be regarded as a radical pacifist in your country, even though I'm a pretty mainstream person in my thinking here in Europe.

Hilary Duff: One Girl Revolution

[CitizenCaine · 6/10 · 1 February 2004]

Hilary Duff stars in this Disney Channel movie about a girl that is sent to cadet school. Hilary is a one girl revolution as she eventually asserts her individuality in constructive ways, while respecting the institution. Christy Carlson Romano is the drill queen, who makes poor Hilary's life hell when she first arrives. As a television movie, it's fairly average in construction with the standard complications and ensuing lessons learned. What isn't standard in a movie like this is to have a charming, sweet girl playing the lead role. Hilary Duff makes the script seem better than it is at times. She smiles a lot and has plenty of lines that she makes funnier by her presence and delivery. Gary Cole is a little stiff as her military school stepfather. This is a fun movie to pass the time away, if you don't expect too much. Hopefully, Hilary will move on to more challenging teen fare in her coming movies. **1/2 of 4 stars.

Cadet FAILy

[brandonshedder · 5/10 · 4 October 2016]

Cadet Kelly has a very unique plot. REALLY unique. It is so original that when I first heard about it, it immediately sounded bizarre and felt weird to be honest. I watched this as a child and only remembered the scene where Kelly was crawling through the mud while someone yelled at her and when she was complaining to her friend. That pretty much sums up this movie. While it does sound original, it suffers from repeating itself constantly and stretches of boring scenes. Hilary Duff plays a ditzy, annoying schoolgirl who is basically a clone of Lizzie McGuire. BORING. There are even moments when you can hear her thoughts, just like in Lizzie McGuire. The plot of this is essentially that Lizze is sent to military school when her mother marries an ex military general who has taken the position of the head of the school. There, she must become a solider basically, all the while dealing with an incredibly over the top, demanding military trainer played by that chick who voices Kim Possible. The film chronicles her battles with this girl, whose name I've forgotten, Eventually, the film randomly decides that Lizzie and Kim Possible don't hate each other as much anymore and focuses on the drill team competition and Lizzie's desire to join it. This is a refreshing change of pace in the movie, however, it becomes boring after a while. The same flips and tricks with a gun over and over gets monotonous. Maybe attempting to focus on Lizzie and Kim's issues at the same time as the drill team plot would have made this movie less of a drag. At the end of the movie, there is another random story that comes out of nowhere that involves Lizzie's bio dad visiting her, only to fall off a cliff and crack his head open on a ledge, falling unconscious. This requires Lizzie to save him along with her soon to be step dad while the drill competition is happening. The film closes on a bit of a weird note as the drill team loses the competition. I guess winning isn't everything, but come on, I want a happy ending! This is a Disney movie! I suppose my point is that the movie is boring as well as random, but overall much more entertaining than HSM. Acting was also good, especially that dude from office space. BUT WHO THE HELL CALLS THEIR STEP DAD SIR?!

Not original, not unique but perfect for those nights you just don't want to think to much....

[triple8 · 6/10 · 29 December 2004]

Cadet Kelly is a made for Television Disney movie staring Hilary Duff which, quite candidly, isn't the stuff that Oscars are made of but which I moderately enjoyed nonetheless. It's the type of movie that certain serious movie purist friends of mine, might stare at me in disbelief for admitting I actually moderately enjoyed this(and I might stare at myself in disbelief as well) but that's OK as I can understand why and how this movie could be so easily dismissed.

The movie starts out really annoying. I mean REALLY annoying, to the point where a few times I just had to ask myself why am I watching this? But after awhile I got into it. For some reason, This movie reminded me of another movie geared toward young women called "Bring it on" which I didn't like very much. Bring it on centered on cheerleaders(of coarse they had a competition they wanted to win as well.) Bring it on was actually a big screen movie unlike Cadet Kelly, but I prefer Cadet. Unlike Bring it on, Cadet Kelly was actually funny in places and it gets better as it goes on. Hilary duff, while starting off obnoxious, gradually becomes adorable and the movie contains some genuinely touching, though obviously, contrived moments. My main reason why I enjoyed this however was because of what it accomplished. There are many different types of movies in the world that inspire different reactions and are watched for different reasons. In the case of Cadet Kelly, it is perfect light movie viewing. For those times when you don't want to think that much and just want something light and sunny to wash over you-put a smile on your face-Cadet accomplishes that.

There's nothing heavy about it, it's funny at times, without being vulgar, touching and a bit reflective, without being heavy, and it's just a generally light easy to watch movie that actually has some fun moments without being rude, crude over the top or sappy.(well-maybe a little sappy.) Although this definitely isn't a serious or original movie if your looking for the above mentioned type of movie you've found it here. 6 out of 10.

An insult to Military schools

[future-domination · 1/10 · 9 May 2007]

Hilary Duff takes a stab at Cadet Kelly Colins, an artistic individual girl who's sent to military school. There, she makes friends, enemies and falls in love. Oh, and she saves her father. As if that was predictable enough! In theory, this is a bad movie. When you actually watch it, it's much, MUCH worse. Don't get me wrong, I'm usually a fan of Disney Channel Original Movies, but this was absolute trash! Hilary tries too hard at playing the perky girl who everyone hates, and hopefully makes the audience feel sorry for her. She tries to be the upbeat, positive girl who would actually go up to someone and say "Can I borrow some spit?" Not only is she perky to the extent of being excessively annoying, but all I see her as is a Mary-Sue //(character with no flaws at all making you want to vomit).

This is probably OK for the target audience - 6-10 year olds, but anyone older than that will find this the most annoying piece of trash in the world. And if any real military people actually watch this film, they'll probably loose all faith in the movie industry. Remind me... how does playing around with bits of ribbon help the Army in war? Exactly, it doesn't. So please don't waste 101 minutes of your life and watch something as bad as this.

Cadet Lizzie McGuire

[aayvns · 6/10 · 17 August 2002]

Lots of people have slated this movie for it's numerous military inaccuracies and glaring plot holes, but I believe much of this criticism is unfounded. For a TV movie, and a Disney one at that, Cadet Kelly is well above average. Hilary Duff is solid but not spectacular, and in fact that goes for the rest of the cast as well. I had no problem with the script, which was far less cheesy than some people make out.

Overall it a fun and occasionally heartwarming story about growing up as the child of a divorce, which is well worth a second viewing.

7/10

Join the Army Kids!

[martin_g_karlsson · 1/10 · 19 July 2008]

I found this movie strange and interesting in the blatant way it promotes the army to children. In the army children will get friends, learn team-work, structure and discipline. As well as learn healthy competition and screaming at each other while juggling a rifle. What kid would not want that? To be a conformist cog in a well-oiled killing machine is fun! I cant help but think its like a Hollywood-Disneyfied version of the Third Reich propaganda films for the Hitler Jugend. Sick but cute. It is very interesting that a film like this can be made and put out into the mainstream culture, being treated like an ordinary family movie. I did not find it particularly wholesome.

A Nice Entertaining Family Movie

[Darkest_Rose · 8/10 · 1 January 2003]

I enjoyed watching Cadet Kelly, i think it was very entertaining and is suitable for all ages which is always a good thing. Free spirited, openminded and optimistic Kelly( Hilary Duff) is being sent to a military school. Kelly can't andhe school and decides to play by her own rules. It isn't going easy for her especially because of the captain Jennifer Stone( Christy Carlson) who cannot stand Kelly and wants to make her life miserable. But Kelly has a few plans of her own and she won't let Jennifer Boss her around and tell her what to do. Hilary duff is very beautiful and shines on screen, Christy Carlson does a great job, she is a great actress and she's also very pretty. Anyways, i would give Cadet Kelly 8/10

Actually a pretty good flick, tbh, I came back for CCR

[EZBreZbutifulCoverSkwuirl · 7/10 · 9 September 2023]

I have to say, after returning to this movie in my late 20's. It's not as bad as I expected, compared to Disney's most recent DCOMs. I want to express that I was still hanging my head in disbelief at a lot of the character's actions, except for Kelly's. This is because they established in the opening scene of the movie, that Kelly... is in middle school. Therefore, she is a CHILD. Her choices throughout this movie are 100% expected. She makes awful, rash, silly decisions because she is a literal CHILD (even if Hilary Duff is clearly older than middle school age). It's everybody else expecting so much from a literal CHILD that gives me grief. The entire obstacle course scene had me in cringes (is that a phrase?). They expected a CHILD to complete this course, without actually teaching her how to do it, until the very end. Liiiiike wtf? Her stepdad really pisses me off, and I actually love Kelly's scenes with him, because she really gives it to him. Her mom is fine, she's your average DCOM mom, she's only a plot device (as well as the only way we know that time is passing, because of her pregnancy growth). The "love interest" is an a-hole and a CREEP. So, remember, they established that Kelly is in middle school. They also established that Jennifer Stone (CCR, the legend--I'll get to her in a second) is 16 years old, and she's dating/crushing on this kid who by all means could be late high school age. Tell me why this 16-18yo is fking hitting on the CHILD?!! I can understand Kelly's fascination with him (I think his name is Chad, but I'm not sure), as once a child myself, I may have crushed on a few older kids, while that young. But never in my life would I dream of flirting with a middle schooler, while in high school. I do not believe that Jennifer is the creep, crushing on a younger man, there's no way that actor is supposed to play someone younger than CCR. My guy has a 5 o'clock shadow.

The character of Gloria is really sweet and a great resource for Kelly. Their relationship is silly, but fun. Same with Carla's relationship with Kelly (their beef is also really childish, but exactly the right about of childish, for middle schoolers). Tbh, if military school was actually like this, I'd be down. It seems fun. I actually wanna know if Hiliary Duff really got that good at flipping those fake rifles around. It looks like it's her, at least from the front.

Kelly is fine. She's a child, and Hilary Duff plays that role well in this movie. She's quirky and fun, and her character is really kind, and actually a pretty good protagonist with some actual growth. I do like the path they chose for her towards the middle of the movie (putting her on the drill team (sort of)), it was the right amount of DCOM dramatic, and fun. Everything leading up to that was silly af (tbh this is expected for a DCOM). I appreciate her willingness to fight her own battles and try to make friends with everyone. I literally laughed out loud when she decided to down a cliff to save her dad, when there was an adult with more experience RIGHT THERE. Also, wtf was her dad doing, when he fell off that cliff?!

Now, CCR-Christie Carlson Romano. Literally the reason I came back to watch this movie. I'd seen a TikTok of hers, where she reacted to people discovering their k*nks through this movie (as well as their gay/bi panic moments) LOL. I needed to see what people were talking about. I kinda get it LOL. CCR was definitely one of MY queer awakening moments, back in the day. She was so fun to watch in this movie, and even though she was a bully, she was not as cruel as most teenagers could be. She played the role of 16yo girl perfectly, and I have no complaints. Her angry smolders were EV-ERY-THING. (adult-CCR is fking beautiful). She may look like she hates Kelly throughout the entirety of the movie, but even her glares evolve as Kelly grows on her. Their little dance at the end is wonderful and super cute! She becomes like the super annoyed, but super competent older sister to Kelly's silly & aloof younger one (reminds me of me and my little sister). The ending was low-key kinda sad, but I actually think it makes for a better movie. These two evolved a lot-and what more can you ask for from a DCOM? I rate it 7/10 coz it is a DCOM, but I think most DCOMs are like 5/10. So, although this movie definitely isn't Oscar-worthy, it's actually a top-rated DCOM for me, which is GENUINELY surprising. I would recommend it!

Horrible movie

[katm923 · 1/10 · 26 February 2005]

As a former member of a drill team in a JROTC program, this movie was disgraceful.

My drill team would never have pulled some of the moves they did in the movie. Unarmed fancy teams are not step teams!!! They do not preform routines like that and win where I come from. Military bearing is the most important thing when it comes to drill.

Also, the weapons they use on the movie sound like colorguard weapons for a marching band. Those weapons sound like they weight about 1 - 2 pounds. The weapons a real drill team uses should be at least 8 - 12 pounds. Award winning drill teams that I have seen preform harder routines than that.

Disney needs to research military schools and JROTC programs before they make a movie involving them. Overall this movie made me want to throw something at the TV.