OK for kids 10+
Entertaining concert film follows pop singer's highs, lows.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Katy Perry: Part of Me is a 3-D concert film that follows international pop star Katy Perry during her year-long California Dreams world tour. As she's criss-crossing the globe, Perry deals with her marriage to British comedian Russell Brand, which ultimately falls apart. Although most of the concert footage is tame enough for older kids, some of Perry's song lyrics deal with mature themes -- like the consequences of partying and the dissolution of a relationship. But through the triumphs and tragedies, Perry helps teach and inspire her fans that it's OK to be different, that you should never give up on your dreams, and that everyone deserves a fairy tale kind of love.
- Families can talk about why Katy Perry is so popular. How did she stay true to herself, even though her labels and record producers were pushing her to be different?
- Perry's songs range from emotional anthems to upbeat tales of adolescent debauchery. Is some of Perry's music inappropriate for younger kids to listen to/sing? What do you like about Perry's pop songs?
- Does Part of Me give audiences an in-depth look at Perry's life off stage? Were you surprised by anything you learned about her life?
- How is Perry's relationship with her family depicted? Do you think this is a true documentary or that it's a promotional vehicle to boost Perry's image?
The good stuff
-
Messages: Although some of Perry's lyrics are questionable -- like the behavior referenced in "Last Friday Night" -- others have inspirational, empowering messages, like "Firework." Perry's many young fans tell the audience in recorded messages how much her music has meant to them or helped them overcome a sadness or difficulty. Perry has a loving, supportive family -- from her sister Angela to her very religious parents, who accept Perry despite the secular nature of her lyrics -- and a group of close, loyal assistants and support staff.
-
Role models: Perry promotes the idea that everyone should embrace what makes them unique -- that "weirdness" is what distinguishes each of us from others. Perry is generous and goes above and beyond to meet and greet her many fans. Pretty much everyone in the film, with the notable exception of Russell Brand, is fiercely loyal, encouraging, and kind.
What to watch for
-
Violence: A couple of emotional scenes when Perry is crying or upset. In one scene, Perry talks to a little boy from the Make-A-Wish Foundation whose wish was to meet her.
-
Sex: Perry and Brand kiss (briefly) in a couple of scenes. Perry wears tight/revealing outfits (like Wonder Woman-style costumes, and low-plunging necklines). The song "I Kissed a Girl" explores a fluid sense of sexuality (the singer has a boyfriend but got so trashed that she ended up kissing a girl).
-
Language: Infrequent use of words including "damn," "hell," "ass," and "oh my God." "S--t" is bleeped. Lyrics include a couple of suggestive words -- including many references to someone's "peacock," and the word "bee-yotch."
-
Consumerism: Not many product placements, but the film obviously encourages you to support Perry and buy her songs/album.
-
Drinking, drugs and smoking: Perry, her friends, and her staff drink in a couple of quick scenes and in photos from her days on the L.A. club scene. Brand is shown with a cigarette. In the song "Last Friday Night," the narrator can't remember what happened because she had so many shots, went streaking, has hickeys she can't distinguish from bruises, etc.; "I Kissed a Girl" is also about something that happened when the narrator was inebriated.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Great Movie! by peacelove999
I thought this was a great movie. It was just a little bit more of a bio than a fun, concert film but it was still GREAT! The difference between this movie and movies like the Hannah Montana and Jonas Brothers ones, was that this one was more about Katy and the others showed ther dance rehearsals and sound checks and stuff. This movie, I think, is centered more around people ages 13 and up, since it has less of a dancey, fun theme. But don't get me wrong--this is an AMAZING movie!!!! The moments between Katy and Russell are sooooo sweet and you will walk out of the theater feeling REALLY sorry for Katy and wanting to give her a hug!!!! GO SEE THIS MOVIE!!!!! IT WILL MAKE YOU LOVE KATY EVEN MORE AND WANT TO GET TICKETS TO HER NEXT CONCERT AND DANCE AND SING AND LIVE YOUR LIFE THE WAY YOU WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5
Dreams do come true! by jenrobbar951
This movie made me laugh, it made me cry. It made my two girls (7 and 10) leave, thinking that they could be anything, and do anything, as long as they work hard and never give up. We were fans of Katy Perry before, but left lifetime fans. She is a remarkable woman, who had a dream and the drive to make that dream come true. Any person with a daughter/granddaughter, should take their child to see this movie!! I highly recommend it!
5
Katy Perry: Part of Me by ammh8111
Great "Follow Your Dream" Movie. I took my daughter who is 11 years old and she loved all the costumes and choreography. A really nice story of success along with real life sorrows too!
5
Funny, Emotional, and COLORFUL! by fabiom123
I liked Katy Perry before I watched this movie. But now I like her even more! She's proves to be an amazing singer and an amazing person. There's some emotional parts towards the end that makes you wanna tear up. Overall if your not a Katy Perry fan, this movie will change your mind about her. I recommend it.
5
50 year old guy likes this movie by rsschauer1011
This is one of the best movies of this genre. Anyone who thought Katy was a moulded hollywood star, which i thought, is totally incorrect. She and her team have worked it and worked it.
4
More revealing than one would expect by wzphoto
You actually get to know her although she is more transparent than she thinks she is
the movie is entertaining.
The contrast between the stage footage and the backstage and personal footage was a bit overdone, it was still entertaining.
There seems to be more to her than meets the eye.
I would like to see what she would do with a creatively with a motion picture. That is an original story feature.
4
Unexpected surprise... by JulieAW
I have always been indifferent toward Katy Perry - neither a fan nor a hater - but she definitely won me over with this movie. I took my 12yo daughter and her friend, who liked it, but I loved it! The concert footage is impressive, the storytelling was great, and the message is exactly what you want your kids to hear: be yourself and believe in yourself.
As far as appropriate content: if your children have heard KP's songs, then the movie is okay for them. I also took my 9yo son with us, and felt that the "inappropriate" moments - which are very few - went right over his head.
4
KATY PERRY!!! by CMcEvoy
I couldn't wait to see this movie!!!! I thought that it was a more bio than a fun family film but i still liked it.
KATY PERRY!!!!
4
Katy Perry by bektx
My kids were really wanting to see this movie, so that is the main reason that I went. However,
I must say, I enjoyed it very much. Great insight into the everyday life of a very talented individual. I think it is great for kids to see celebreties dealing with the day to day issues, family, etc. Great movie!
5
A great experience for a Mom with two young girls! by DeadHeadMom
We laughed, we cried, and watching my girls excitement throughout this movie made it a huge hit! I thought it was very well done and kept the attention of my girls (ages 6&7) while having enough "documentary" style footage to be interesting to an adult as well. The concert footage was amazing and Katy came across as very genuine. I've seen a lot of concert films and this was a great one!