Quartile rating: 6/10 · 1 rating
Hyperactive teenager Kelly is enrolled into a military school when her new stepfather becomes the Commandant. At first she has problems fitting in and taking orders until she tries out for the drill team.
Cadet Kelly is a formulaic Disney Channel TV movie that follows a predictable fish-out-of-water story with a rebellious teen learning discipline and earning respect. The plot hits every expected beat without surprise, the acting from Hilary Duff is serviceable but lightweight, and the cinematography is functional TV-movie standard. The drill team sequences give the ending some energy and charm, lifting it slightly above the rest of the film. Overall a by-the-numbers entry in the genre with little to distinguish it beyond its target audience appeal.