The Big Time.
8.4
"Great"
If you are a television show, you know you've 'made it' when you are turned into a major motion picture either during, or immediately after, your initial run. "The Munsters" and the "X-Files" are only two such success stories, and time has borne out the fact that they are true classics. "Lizzie McGuire" is in rarified air.
Besides serving as an indicator of the franchise's success, this movie also serves to be the audience's last visit with our favorite middle school student. The television series has ended, leaving only the movie left for us to revel in (unless one counts possible print adventures). The "Lizzie" franchise is going out on a high note.
The obvious should be commented on first, and as is almost always the case, the obvious is what is *wrong* with a given thing. So, as much as it pains one, here's the 'wrong':
Miranda, Miranda, wherefore art thou Miranda? The first glaring thing one notices is the distinct lack of Miranda's presence. As with the series finale, she is in Mexico City. Ultimately, I'd like to say that she is missed throughout the movie, but I can't. But lest anyone get the wrong idea, the reason for that is simple: her character would have most likely been on screen for the same amount of time as Gordo (or Kate)which means she would have had practically zero time (as does Gordo and Kate).
The long and the short of this development is that Gordo (and Kate) had precious little to do here, either plot wise or otherwise. That being the case, one can only assume that the same would have held true for Miranda. So the difference between what little time she would have been given and what time she *was* given (zero) is so inconsequential that the audience would have been hard pressed to notice the difference.
In fact, *all* of Lizzie's supporting cast get barely more than cameo appearances here. Sam, Jo, Matt, Gordo, Kate, all have shown to play important roles in regards to Lizzie, yet they play very little part in the movie. This is very much Lizzie's flick, and everyone else takes more of a backseat role than usual (something Jake Thomas went on record complaining about).
Another situation that arises from Miranda's absence is the ascension of Kate. As has been established, throughout the run of the television series there were two arching plot threads. A building up of a romantic Lizzie/Gordo relationship, and the redemption of Kate's character back to the 'light side'.
With Lalaine's conspicuous disappearance, it seems that the timetable on Kate's rapprochement was speeded up significantly. One gets the distinct feeling that had Miranda been in the film that such would not have been the case. It would appear that Kate has turned a corner in her struggle to become a 'good girl' again in this movie. The ramifications of her actions here would be rife for exploration were there to be a third season of the show.
As for the *other* long-standing plot thread (Lizzie/Gordo romance), it too is dealt with in this feature film. However, certain things connected to it leave the long time "Lizzie" viewer slightly confused.
We learned in "First Kiss", way back in the beginning of Season 2, that Gordo realized that his feelings for Lizzie were more than 'just friends'. And as 'recently' as "Dear Lizzie" Gordo came out and admitted his feelings (obliquely) for Lizzie. And in "Clue-Less" Lizzie learns of those feelings, whereas in "Bye, Bye Hillridge Junior High" Lizzie comes to realize her *own* feelings for Gordo in that romantic respect.
Yet, while all of this is already clearly established, we find Gordo and Lizzie oblivious of their feelings for each other. What the heck? Is there some kind of mass amnesia going around? How can someone forget a very vital fact that they've known for an entire school year now (in Gordo's case)? Or for that matter, how can someone forget the same vital fact that they've very recently been introduced to (in Lizzie's case)?
But, perhaps most grievous (and disappointing) of all is the language. The television series took *strenuous* efforts to keep its language clean. In fact, it was a throw back in that regard. An echo of a time during television's Golden Age when dialogue was extremely family friendly. A move that was especially gratifying for some (this reviewer included). To know that at least one show didn't feel the need to 'dirty' itself up simply for the expedient of being 'hip'. That meticulous attention to detail is one of the very things that made "Lizzie McGuire" the excellent, excellent program it was.
However, in the movie, Kate, and alas, even Lizzie lose that scrupulously appropriate edge. In the translation to the silver screen, Disney felt it necessary to 'roughen up' the language simply because it's the 'thing to do'. The show's trademark "Gosh" has, unfortunately, been transformed into the more profane usage of the word. To sidestep any debate, "Lizzie" has always been squeaky clean, and the feature film (and Disney) should have maintained that aspect of the franchise. To have done otherwise is just a blatant 'selling out' to the base expectations of the lowest common denominator. One leads by example. And Disney, instead of following the heard (or getting out of the way) should be leading. Clean language *is* acceptable, and to believe otherwise is just giving into the misconception.
While the language is admittedly 'mild' by today's standards, "Lizzie" has always been above today's standards. It's always held itself to a standard of a time long since gone by.
These inexplicable anomalies aside, the movie is very faithful to the overall feel of "Lizzie". So, to the meat of the thing (as it were).
If one were to sum up this film in one word, that word would have to be "Wonderful". Or perhaps "Uplifting". In addition to the story narrative where Lizzie ultimately finds self confidence (something the character has been slowly developing over the two seasons of the television series), the musical accompaniments (in both the score and the musical numbers) make this film a delight. The tunes are extremely catchy and bright. All the ballads and pop numbers truly convey a sense of adventure and self-discovery. One finds oneself 'rocking out' to it without even being aware of it. But with all the musical components to this movie one does have to wonder at the absence of the franchise's signature theme song. "If You Believe" isn't anywhere to be heard here, not even in instrumental form. Can one imagine going to a "Star Trek" movie without hearing the 'Star Trek Theme'? Or seeing the aforementioned "Munsters" and "X-Files" movies without their signature theme songs?
The musical portions of the movie are almost enough alone to justify having seen it, but to true "Lizzie" fans it is sweet, sweet frosting on top of an already great cake (which, true, is missing one or two ingredients)
But let's not overlook the acting here. Ashlie (as usual) does a great job portraying Kate's more vulnerable side. And Hilary herself does double duty here as not only Lizzie, but as Italian pop star Isabella as well. Her portrayal of Isabella is totally different from the way she handles Lizzie. Her body language, her accent, everything. So much so in fact that one actually forgets at times that it is in fact Hilary doing both roles. The way she separates the two characters is a true tribute to her acting skills.
And while on the subject of Hilary's many skills, let's not forget that she adds her singing voice to this movie. Hilary furthers her musical career here by singing various songs. "What Dreams My Come" is the most visible, but "Why Not" can also be heard. Hilary combines both of her successes here: her role as Lizzie *and* her burgeoning singing career. To quote another song of hers, "the girl can rock". ;-)
While there are certain plot holes (how can Gordo take the fall for Lizzie's sneaking out when his whereabouts at all times are known?), the story itself is solid enough. It's very much a 'coming of age' story without the traditional schmaltz that is commonly associated with it. Lizzie finds her own voice, a journey she's been on since episode one. Her relationship with Gordo comes to a head, something that's been building up since early on as well. And Kate takes another (tremendous) step back onto the path of righteousness (which has been building up for a time as well).
It all flows with a very kinetic energy.
And the film really benefits from the set location. Whereas most of "Lizzie" was done on a soundstage, one really gets the feeling that Lizzie and gang are in Rome (because they *are*). It adds an additional 'vibe' to the movie.
In the final analysis, while "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" could have been tweaked here and there (addition of Miranda, larger screen presence for the supporting cast, milder language, a more through look at the Gordo/Lizzie romance dynamic), it still comes off as a credit to the franchise, the highest sort of praise for a television series/turned feature film spin-off. It essentially came off as the culmination of everything coming before it, and really radiated a feeling that new and unexplored possibilities await the characters (the best way for a franchise to go out).
There is no feeling of 'ending', or loss. Instead, one basks in the euphoria of new potential and adventures. The whole movie is, without a doubt, enchanting.
"Lizzie" will be sorely missed for its bright and uncompromisingly positive image. An image that is much needed in today's entertainment choices. In a world where "Friends" and "Malcolm in the Middle" are hailed as 'masterpieces', a true work of art like "Lizzie McGuire" is a very needed reminder of what television was, and more importantly, what it can accomplish, and mean to its audience.
Self respect. Respect for others. Doing the right thing. Taking a chance. Redemption. And the meaning of true friendship. These are not empty phrases, or dead concepts. They live, and can be found all around us if only we make the effort to cultivate them.
The movie is the perfect apex, the perfect 'capper' on this most beloved franchise. Truly (to quote the song), "this is what dreams are made of".moreless