By: debbie lynn elias
Disney Channel TV’s megahit “Lizzie McGuire” comes to the big screen this week with its star, adolescent sensation Hilary Duff, taking on Rome in an engaging entertaining romp so reminiscent of another 1960’s teen sensation, Sally Field as “Gidget.”
The ever popular Lizzie has just graduated from junior high school and as is now becoming the custom and practice at schools everywhere, heads off on a class trip to Rome. Under the guidance of the overly stern, un-fun drill sergeant of a school principal, Miss Ungermeyer, Lizzie and her friends, Gordo – the boy-next-door-am-I-in-love/like-with-Lizzie, her “rival” the I think-I’m-better- than-everyone-else Kate and the clueless, what-day-is-it Ethan, take us an eye-popping travelogue of the Eternal City compliments of a storyline that has our Lizzie being mistaken as Italian pop princess Isabella. Seems that Isabella’s ex-partner and ex-boyfriend, Paolo, himself an Italian teen sensation, takes a shine to the lovable Lizzie, and not only sweeps her off her feet a la Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday”, but passes her off as Isabella at a television awards show.
An adolescent fantasy ride, complete with platonic romance, a pop star, the exquisite backdrop of Rome, typical teen-angst and anxiety (will Gordo determine his real feelings for Lizzie and tell her or will he lose her to the Italian superstar; will Kate ever recover from Lizzie living her [Kate] dream), the exuberance of youth (“This place is sooo cool!”), cool clothes, cool hair, great lip gloss and the innocence of teen naivete, make “Lizzie McGuire” a delight to watch.
Although clearly a launching ground for Hilary Duff’s next career move (and yes, the girl can sing), not to mention an attack on Britney Spears, the film isn’t worse because of it – it’s clearly better, adding an entirely new dimension to Lizzie’s character and of course, the opportunity for movie sequels, extended television series life and musical specials under the Disney logo for its star, Duff.
While “Lizzie” may be Duff’s vehicle, it would certainly be less engaging without the talents of the supporting cast, not the least of which is a delicious over-the-top performance by Alex Borstein as principal Miss Ungermeyer. Veteran of “Mad TV,” Borstein is a crown jewel as she barks out orders, rapid-fire and mocking. Priceless. And Yani Gellman, complete with the dark wavy hair and “dreamy ark eyes” is the perfect choice for a teen fantasy as the Italian prince of pop Paolo With the ease of a walk in the park, Adam Lamberg as Gordo, Clayton Snyder as Ethan and Ashlie Brillault as Kate reprise their television roles, and with the exception of Brillault’s Kate, remain true to form. Brillault, however, brings a new level of cattiness to Kate, which works exceedingly well given the storyline line and Lizzie’s newfound luck and adventure. An entertaining and likeable bunch from the start, their visible awe and amazement at the wonders of Rome is not lost in filming and makes them even more endearing.
Jim Fall, who previously directed television’s “Grosse Pointe” does a fair job here, but fails to make the film anything more than a big screen television show. Relying on an excessive number of close- ups of a giggling, smiling Hilary Duff, Hall misses the “big picture” giving us some rather amateurish- looking camera work and never moreso than during the visuals of Rome. It’s obvious Fall has potential as a director, he just didn’t realize it or make too many advances towards it here.
Penned by the winning team of Susan Estelle Jansen, Ed Decter and John Strauss, all of whom honed their talents on television shows like “Boy Meets World” and “Home Improvement”, not to mention Decter and Strauss as the brainchildren behind “There’s Something About Mary” and last year’s hit “The Santa Clause 2”, “Lizzie” doesn’t deviate from its well known, and well loved television formula, thus giving the film a guaranteed audience base. Unfortunately, as it often the case in these television to film transitions, the concept is such that it should just remain on television in the form of a series or telemovie.
Despite it’s shortcomings, Lizzie fans will love “The Lizzie McGuire Movie.” And for those non- fans, even you will find some enjoyment in this up-beat, happy, oh let’s just say it – adorably cute – film; especially if you’re a Disney stockholder.
Lizzie McGuire/Isabella: Hilary Duff
Gordo: Adam Lamberg
Miss Ungermeyer: Alex Borstein
Paolo: Yani Gellman
Kate: Ashlie Brillault
Ethan: Clayton Snyder
Walt Disney Pictures presents a film directed by Jim Fall. Written by Susan Estelle Jansen, Ed Decter, and John J. Strauss. Running time: 90 minutes. Rated PG (for mild thematic elements)
