Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- sincere
- hopeful
- uplifting
- family movie night
- children's viewing
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
McKenna's gymnastics ambitions and ankle injury shape her struggle to regain confidence and direction.
McKenna hides her reading-comprehension problems and her tutoring from her friends.
McKenna must navigate reading tutoring, friendships, gymnastics training, and injury at the same time.
The emphasis on McKenna's gymnastics life and physical vulnerability leads toward the ankle injury that derails her routine.
Films like An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars, and why
Ice Princess
children's sports drama centered on a young girl's perseverance, friendship, and confidence
Akeelah and the Bee
family-friendly coming-of-age story about a girl balancing school, athletic ambition, and social pressure
The Mighty Macs
uplifting youth sports film emphasizing teamwork, self-belief, and overcoming setbacks
Movie Details
- Director
- Vince Marcello
- Release Date
- 2012-07-14
- Runtime
- 85 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (49)
Cast
- Jade Pettyjohn
- Kerris Dorsey
- Ysa Penarejo
- Kally Berard
- George Chiang
- Will Woytowich
- Nia Vardalos
- Ian Ziering
- Cathy Rigby
- Talia Pura
Common questions
- What is An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars about?
- A determined young gymnast confronts a hidden reading struggle and a painful injury while trying to preserve her friendships and dreams.
- What is An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars.
- Which films are like An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars?
- Films with a similar feel include Ice Princess, Akeelah and the Bee, and The Mighty Macs.
- How long is An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars?
- An American Girl: McKenna Shoots for the Stars runs 85 minutes.
