Rating: PG
Starring:
Hilary Duff as Lizzie McGuire
Adam Lamberg as Gordo
Robert Carradine as Mr. McGuire
Hallie Todd as Mrs. McGuire
Jake Thomas as Matt McGuire
Ashlie Brillault as Kate
Yani Gellman as Paolo
Alex Borstein as Miss Ungermeyer
Clayton Snyder as Ethan
Brendan Kelly as Sergei
Carly Schroeder as Melina
Daniel Escobar as Mr. Escobar
Jody Racicot as Giorgio
Peter Kelamis as Dr. Comito
Terra MacLeod as Franca
Special Features:
“In the Recording Studio with Hilary”
“Why Not” music video
“Lizzie’s Roman Adventure,” behind-the-scenes
“Roamin’ Volare,” rock the streets music video-style
Deleted scenes and an alternate ending
Other Info:
Widescreen (2.35:1) Enhanced for 16×9 Televisions
Fullscreen (1.33:1)
Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound
Running Time: 94 Minutes
Synopsis:
This movie is a spinoff from the Disney Channel TV series.
Lizzie McGuire has just graduated from junior high. For her summer vacation, she travels with some fellow students to Rome for an educational trip. She expects to join her friend Gordo for an adventure away from her embarrassing social life and her annoying little brother. However, she gets more than she bargained for when shes mistaken for an Italian pop singer. The singers partner, Paolo, sees her and is stunned by the similarity.
Paolo asks a favor of Lizzie. His partner has decided to break up with him and he needs someone to perform with him at the International Music Awards. He asks Lizzie to impersonate the pop star. Shes reluctant at first, but is soon swept away by his charm and the romantic city of Rome. The only problem is that she must sneak away from her chaperones. While Lizzie fakes illness, her best friend Gordo covers for her as she hits the town. But is Paolo being as honest as he says he is? And what will happen when Lizzies family discovers shes pretending to be a pop star?
The Lizzie McGuire Movie is rated PG for mild thematic elements.
The Movie:
Disney rolls out their latest teen starlet in this movie. It didnt do too well at the box office, though, and I see why. It is geared towards junior high girls and it is not really accessible for anyone else. Unless youve watched the Lizzie McGuire TV show, this movie is probably of no interest to you whatsoever. The plot is very basic and filled with holes, the acting is TV show quality, and the music is generic teen pop. In other words, the whole thing is utterly forgettable.
Hilary Duff is talented, Ill give her that. While her acting is OK, she can sing pretty well and shes cute. I really think she just needs better material. I think youll see her improve in future roles.
About the only thing the movie has going for it are the little cartoons and the Rome location. Every once in a while a cartoon Lizzie will pop up and blurt out something thats running through Lizzies mind. Its usually funny and cute. Its one of the few unique aspects of the film. The other impressive thing is the background location. Rome really looks beautiful in this movie and the director makes the most of the locations. This movie will make you eager to visit it on vacation some time.
Overall, this movie is only for pre-teen junior high girls and fans of the TV show. Everyone else will want to skip this one.
The Extras:
At first glance this film appears to have quite a few extras, but as you dig deeper youll find theyre not as in-depth as you might expect.
“In the Recording Studio with Hilary” This is a short 5 minute promo for Hilary Duffs upcoming CD. It shows her singing in the studio briefly, talking about how shes more than just Lizzie McGuire, then asking you to buy the CD. Its little more than a commercial for the Hilary Duff money-making machine.
“Why Not” music video Duff shows off her singing talent in this music video. Its not the best song on the DVD, but she does a good job. She looks good and sings well. With the right material she could be impressive. In the meantime, she sings in this video to clips of the movie.
“Lizzie’s Roman Adventure,” behind-the-scenes This is probably the best of the extras. It has a lot of behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with the cast and crew. They talk about the beautiful Roman locations, the challenges of filming at major tourist spots, and more.
“Roamin’ Volare,” This is nothing more than a music scene pulled out of the movie. The DVD doesnt really give you any clue what it is, but its a scene from the film with music from Vitamin C playing in the background. If youve seen the movie, you already seen this. It is a catchy tune, though, and one of the better pieces of music in the film.
Deleted scenes and an alternate ending Three deleted scenes are included in the extras. None of them are particularly special, though Lizzie TV show fans may like to see Lizzie give Gordo a kiss. Its just a peck on the cheek, but its the first glimpse of a romance they seem to be building up to.
The Bottom Line:
As already mentioned, this movie is for young girls and Lizzie McGuire fans only. Nobody else is going to get much out of it.
