'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants'—A Movie Review

Better get your jeans packed. We’re in for a summer vacation you’ll never forget.

Based on the popular books by Ann Brashares, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants centers around four girls; Carmen, Tibby, Bridget, and Lena. They have been the best of friends since before they were born. One summer, each girl is going away on their own adventure. To keep in touch, they find a pair of pants that is able to fit all four of them! The girls gain knowledge, tolerance, and a new meaning about life in this powerful story.

It’s insane to believe that I was watching this movie as a tween fourteen years ago! The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is an inspiring film and still continues to make me tear up. I don’t think it will ever lose its heartwarming tone. The themes are relatable to all teen audiences— whether boys or girls.

Stories about long-lasting friendships have always been my favorite. No friendship is perfect. If wouldn’t be a friendship unless you have disagreements, arguments, and cry on their shoulders.

What I love about the chemistry between the girls is that they differ in personality. That doesn’t matter. Similar is boring. However, they are seeking similar questions about life.

The story splits the girl's adventures nicely. Nothing is forced. We’re able to relate to each character and what they have been through. Audiences are also gifted with beautiful views of Greece and Mexico. See, now you have to travel!

Carmen goes to live with her dad for the summer, only to find out that he is getting married again. Tibby stays home working and creating a documentary, while unexpectedly making a new friend. Bridget goes away for the summer, exploring herself and learns to let her feelings be free. Lena travels to see her relatives in Greece and discovers a forbidden romance with a young man.

America Ferrera (Carmen), Amber Tamblyn (Tibby), Blake Lively (Bridget), and Alexis Bledel (Lena) have the most genuine chemistry. No other actresses could have portrayed the love these girls share together. I love when actors have the chance to get to know one another prior to shooting.

No matter what, I always mistake Lena as Rory Gilmore. Alexis Bledel will never escape from her popular Gilmore Girls role.

I loved Jenna Boyd’s strong performance as Bailey, the unexpected, sarcastic, curious and brave friend to Tibby. It just goes to show that you never know what kind of battles all people are facing on the inside. It’s all about how you look at the world.

Another important message I learned from Tibby and Bailey is that it never matters how old you are in friendship.

The emotion and issues the girls face in their stories are relatable. Growing up is tough. We’ve all gone through matters such as the death of a loved one, cancer, a divorce, love, and eventually acceptance.

The movie speaks on many personal levels. As someone who had a relative die from cancer, our feelings can’t be bottled up. It’s okay to be sad. We cannot forget. Forgetting is not that simple. We have to continue to relay our feelings, so we won’t be alone.

All girls should watch this movie, especially when they’re teenagers. It carries a meaningful message and encourages to build friendships. I applaud director Ken Kwapis for his stupendous focus and handle of mature elements. It’s important to travel and meet new people. The power of independence is a virtue. You can’t always be with your friends. Everyone needs to explore their passions independently, but don’t fight your battles alone.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants continues to be one of my favorite movies, no matter how old I get. Make a movie night with your friends to experience this impactful story.