The Lizzie McGuire Movie (Feature Movie)

Season 2, Episode 0, Aired
EDIT

Episode Summary

The big day has arrived for Lizzie--she's graduating from junior high school! Her brother Matt just sees it as another opportunity to embarrass his somewhat klutzy sister. The ceremony turns out to be a disaster for Lizzie. First Kate Sanders humiliates her. Then she finds out at the last second that she will have to make a speech to the huge assembly. Unprepared, she fumbles along and ends by tripping and falling, managing to rip down the stage curtain in the process, which covers the entire graduating class! ''''After this debacle (which is seen on Good Morning America and CNN after Matt sends them a tape!) Lizzie is ready to leave the country. She's going on a class trip to Rome, Italy, and luckily her best friend Gordo will be with her. (Miranda's absence is once again explained by saying she's still in Mexico City.) At the airport, the students are gathered together by Miss Ungermeyer, a woman with the personality of a drill sergeant and the manners of a pit bull. She'll also be their high school principal next year! The group arrives in Rome where Lizzie is unhappy to find that Kate is her roommate, but she tries to make the best of things by making Gordo promise that while they're in Rome they will have "adventures," a promise Gordo gladly makes. ''''The class goes on their first outing to the Trevi Fountain. Lizzie throws a coin in and makes a wish. Immediately she sees an Italian guy a few years older than her staring at her like he can't believe what he sees. This is Paolo, a famous pop singer. He tells Lizzie that except for having blonde hair rather than brunette, she is an exact double of his singing partner, Isabella. Paolo wants to talk with her some more, but they are separated by a mob of fans and by Miss Ungermeyer. Paolo calls out to Lizzie to meet him tomorrow at the Fountain. Meanwhile back at home, Matt discovers Lizzie's picture on the internet. It seem some papparazzi have mistaken Lizzie for Isabella also. Matt looks at this as another chance to embarrass Lizzie, but his friend(?) Melina says he can use this as blackmail to get better things for himself. ''''Back at the hotel, Lizzie is not sure about seeing Paolo again, but Gordo tells her to go for it, even if this "adventure" doesn't involve himself. So the next morning Lizzie pretends to be sick. Their ploy works, and Lizzie meets up with Paolo. They go on a glorious ride through Rome, taking in all the sights from his Vespa motor scooter, followed by his burly bodyguard Sergei. Disaster almost strikes when the school group's tour bus comes upon Lizzie and Paolo, but quick-thinking Gordo distracts Ungermeyer. Back in the US, Matt deviously puts his plan into action. He convinces his parents that he misses his sister so much that they think they made a mistake in letting Lizzie go to Europe alone. They make plans to leave for Italy immediately. ''''During their day together, Paolo tells Lizzie of some problems with his partner Isabella. It seems he's ready to break up their act and move on, but they have an obligation to make a presentation at the International Music Video Awards. Isabella has refused to do it, and Paolo has a crazy idea: he wants Lizzie to pretend to be her and go in her place! He then tells Lizzie a big secret: Isabella lip-synchs! Lizzie says she can't even think about appearing before a huge worldwide audience, and Paolo drops the idea--for now. Back at the hotel, though it seems Lizzie is falling for Paolo's charms. She tells Gordo the whole story and talks about actually impersonating Isabella at the award ceremony! Gordo tries to be supportive, but he's dubious about this Paolo character. After their conversation, Gordo's roomie Ethan Craft comes out and talks to him, telling him that he knows how he feels about Lizzie and that he also know he's jealous of Paolo. As usual, Gordo can hardly understand what Ethan is talking about. ''''The next morning Lizzie pulls her sick routine again, then she's off with Paolo once more, teling him she'll present the award with him. Paolo takes her to the Via Condotti, a super-chic, super-expensive shopping district in Rome. Lizzie spends the day being pampered, fawned over and made over by Isabella's entourage. Lizzie is in heaven! Afterward they go out among the public, who also believe Lizzie is Isabella, and she signs autographs for "her" fans! But in another part of Rome, Gordo gets a surprise. He finds out from an Italian magazine that Paolo and Isabella are not just supposed to present an award at the IMVA, they're supposed to SING! ''''Back at the hotel, Lizzie may be fooling Miss Ungermeyer, but she's not fooling Kate, who knows something is up. She makes Lizzie spill her story about what's really happening. Surprisingly, though, Kate doesn't turn Lizzie in to Ungermeyer. Gordo then arrives and shows Lizzie the magazine. Lizzie refuses to believe that Paolo's deceiving her, to Gordo's disgust. Later she sneaks out to meet Paolo again. She gently confronts him, asking if they are really supposed to sing at the awards. Paolo says yes, the papparazzi heard her (as Isabella) talking, they know her voice, which she was supposedly having trouble with, is fine now, and that the record company will sue if they don't sing. But the real Isabella is away on an island vacation. Paolo swears he can make it work without embarrassing Lizzie. He's rented an auditorium rehearsal hall for them to practice the dance steps in, and of course she will just have to lip-synch, not actually sing. They conclude their day together by watching a fireworks display at night. ''''The next morning Miss Ungermeyer is going to check on Lizzie before the group leaves the hotel. Gordo knows she's not in bed, so he tries to stop the principal. Ungermeyer begins to suspect that Lizzie has been faking all along. But before she gets a chance to go upstairs and bust Lizzie, Gordo makes a desperation move--he tell her that he is the one who's been sneaking out, not Lizzie. Grodo has saved Lizzie, but in the process he's wound up getting himself sent back home. Meanwhile on the flight over to Italy, Mat "accidentally" lets it slip about Lizzie's adventure with the Italian pop star. His parents force the story out of him, which in reality he's only too glad to tell. ''''Lizzie and Paolo arrive at their giant rehearsal space to rehearse for the awards show to be held at the Colosseum. He encourage her to sing out loud to make her lip-synching more convincing while he says he must "save" his own voice by not singing. After rehearsals, Lizzie return to the hotel and finds out from Kate that Gordo has taken the rap for her and is being sent home. Lizzie gets the bumbling hotel clerk Giorgio to call the airport but it's too late, Gordo's plane has left. But is it too late? At the airport, who should Gordo see but Isabella! He fight his way through the reporters and photographers and manages to tell her that he knows who this blonde girl is who has been impersonating her. Isabella, anxious to find out what's happening, listens to him. ''''Lizzie is miserable, she blames herself for Gordo being sent home. She wants to turn herself in to Ungermeyer but Kate stops her, saying if she does that then everything Gordo did will have been for nothing. This time Lizzie doesn't have to fake feeling sick. That evening the rest of the McGuires show up at the hotel looking for Lizzie. Ungermeyer takes then to her room only to find she's gone. In an instant she gets the story of where Lizzie is out of Ethan. ''''Lizzie arrives at the International Music Video Awards with Paolo and her spirits are picked up by the cheers of the fans as she walks down (and trips over) the red carpet. Still, she's getting last-minute cold feet. But Paolo assures her that she shines "with the light of the sun." Just before Lizzie goes to her dressing room to get ready, she's surprised to see Gordo arrive! He has news for her--Paolo is setting her up. "Actually, he's setting me up," says a voice--it's Isabella! After getting over the shock of seeing each other, Isabella along with Gordo tell Lizzie the real story: he's the one who can't sing, he's the one who's trying to discredit her, she's the one ready to break up the act. In a daze, Lizzie says she can't believe it's true. Isabella asks her, "Lizzie, who are you going to believe--this boy you are knowing all your life or a boy you are just meeting who tells to you, 'You shine with the light of the sun?'" That clinches it for Lizzie. She knows Paolo has been lying to her. ''''As Lizzie is dragged away by a stage manager, Isabella assures her it will be alright, she should just go out and lip-synch. But she then finds out Paolo told the stage manager that Isabella would be singing live--there's no vocal track for her! All of a sudden Paolo and Lizzie are onstage. Lizzie sees her family in the front row. (Miss Ungermeyer bulled their way in!) The music starts and Lizzie begins to lip-synch. Isabella's voice come flooding through the speakers. Paolo is dumbfounded, and then is shocked to see Isabella backstage, singing through a headset. Then it's Paolo's turn to sing, but his vocal track has been turned off. His real voice croaks out the lyrics--he sounds simply awful! Then Isabella hits the stage herself as the crowd gasps. "Sing to me, Paolo," she says. Once again Paolo's terrible off-key voice is heard. Voices in the crowd cry out "Impostore!" Humiliated, Paolo beats a retreat from the stage. He's through, even his bodyguard Sergei is finished with him. ''''The performance isn't over for Lizzie, though. "Say buona sera to my new American friend, Lizzie McGuire!" says Isabella. "Would you like to hear her sing?" Summoning up all her courage, and sneaking a peek at a smiling Gordo just offstage, Lizzie begins to really sing. She carries on the duet with Isabella, who then lets her finish the song by herself. The audience loves it, and both girls bow triumphantly to wild cheering. ''''In the hotel courtyard, a big after-show party is held. Ethan and Kate, who turned out to be a good, supportive friend to Lizzie, seem to be getting closer. Miss Ungermeyer has given Gordo a reprieve. Giorgio the hotel clerk destroys Matt's "blackmail" evidence against Lizzie. And Lizzie and Gordo sneak away to the hotel rooftop, where they had previously vowed to have adventures together. Lizzie, realizing how much Gordo has done for her, puts a hand on his cheek, leans over and kisses him. On the mouth. Not a long or hard one, but a real kiss nonetheless. A surprised Gordo manages to sputter out, "Uh...thanks!" ''moreless
9.3
out of 10
EPISODE RATING: Superb
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  • a cool way to end a series.

    10
    "Perfect"
    well hillary duff is a star, or should i say lizzie maguire is a star. lizzie is larger than life. this movie is awesome, it elevates the series to something bigger and better, disney surely treated this show like a star. this movie follows lizzie's junior high adventures but this time she flies to europe. it's a very exciting adventure following lizzie through her secret escapades and it ends up with a bang. hillary played the italian popstar really well, it was believable. the writers came up with a really good story here, i had to see the movie twice because it was good.moreless

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    2 0
  • Lizzie's Final Adventure

    6.8
    "Fair"
    The Lizzie McGuire Movie really showcased how selfish Lizzie can be. As the viewer watches her and Gordo make a pact with each other that they will have adventures while in Rome, one would not expect that Gordo would be replaced by Paolo, the Italian pop star with a former partner that looks remarkably similar to Lizzie. While Lizzie falls for this charming young man, Gordo senses that something is amiss, something which fans of the show would presume that Gordo is just jealous of Paolo. But when Gordo tells Lizzie that she can't trust someone she just met, she contradictorily accuses him of being a bad friend, when in fact, she is the one ignoring a known fact that Gordo likes her, who is probably dying of jealousy from all the time Lizzie is spending with Paolo.
    However, things are set straight in the end, when it is revealed by Paolo's former partner Isabella that Paolo is setting Lizzie up to make Isabella look foolish on stage, and Lizzie realizes that Gordo is what she had wanted all along.
    While the movie only really focuses on Lizzie, and ignores many of the attractive elements the show had, such as the Lizzie/Gordo relationship, it does still give out an important message through the song "What Dreams Are Made Of", that is to never be afraid to be the best you can be shown by Lizzie overcoming her fears of being under the spotlight and giving her all in the performance which ultimately says goodbye to Lizzie McGuire, but not before Lizzie and Gordo share their first kiss.
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    3 0
  • I second The_Match_Maker's review.

    10
    "Perfect"
    I could write a review of this episode myself, but It would never be as eloquent and perfect as The_Match_Maker's review. I agree with every word he/she said.

    This is one of my favorite movies of all time, and it is great to find someone who mimics my opinions of it so perfectly. So, please, read that review which so precisely describes the good and the bad of this movie.

    I highly recommend this movie to families, teens, all but the very smallest children, and any adults who can enjoy a fun and wholesome, good time. This really is one of the best!moreless

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    4 2
  • 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

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    4 0

Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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  • Trivia

    ADD TRIVIA
    • At the awards show, in the close shots of the audience, the audience members are clearly sitting in rows of benches that rise as they go further back. In the larger shots of a massive audience there are no benches, just a "sea" of fans. Edit
    • Miss Ungermeyer states that the Trevi Fountain was designed by the architects Pietro da Cortona and Gian Lorenzo Bernini. While the early plans for Rome's most famous fountain, may have been started by them, the work was halted by the death of Pope Urban VIII in 1623. It wasn't until around a hundred years later that Pope Clement XII chose the design of Nicola Silva and entrusted its completion to him from 1732 to 1751. Edit
    • Lack of continuity: Lizzie doesn't seem to remember from the episode "Clue-less" that Gordo likes her as more than a friend when Kate tells her that Gordo allowed himself to be sent home to protect her. Gordo also doesn't seem to remember that he likes Lizzie from the episodes "Dear Lizzie" and "Bye, Bye Hillridge Junior High" when Ethan points this out to him. Edit
  • Notes

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    • This episode was published in the Junior Novel The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Edit
    • This episode was published in Lizzie McGuire: The Movie Cine Manga. Edit
    • The title Ciao Lizzie was announced in September 2002 after the go-ahead for a Lizzie McGuire theatrical release movie was given in August. But in late November, Movies at Yahoo.com said that "apparently" the title went back to The Lizzie McGuire Movie. But then in late December, the movie was referred to on Hilary Duff's website as "Lizzie in Rome." Filming began on October 14, 2002 in Rome, then moved to Vancouver, B.C., Canada. The movie wrapped on December 11, 2002. In her question-and-answer section at her official fansite, Hilary Duff confirmed that Lalaine would not be in the film. Neither would Kyle J. Downes (Larry Tudgeman) or Christian Copelin (Lanny). The official site of The Lizzie McGuire Movie was at Disney.com, but it's been replaced by current films. But the Disney website still contains a page for the DVD to the movie. Click Here The trailer for The Lizzie McGuire Movie made its "official" debut during the broadcast of the TV-movie You Wish on Thursday, February 13, 2003. However, Yahoo! Movies had it on their website the day before for a while. The trailer for The Lizzie McGuire Movie can be found at this website! Click Here Edit
  • Quotes

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    • (As Paolo leaves the stage after being exposed as a fraud, he is confronted by his bodyguard Sergei)Sergei: Lizzie McGuire is nice girl, you try to hurt her? Paolo: Let me go, Sergei. You work for me. Sergei: Not anymore Paolo, I quit. (The reporters and photographers surround Paolo) Reporters: Paolo! Sergei: Paolo cannot sing music. Now he must face music. Edit
    • Gordo: (sizing up Kate): Evil and smart. Kate: Embrace it. Fear it. Edit
    • (at the Gelato Shop) Miss Ungermyer: Didn't you hear me say, "headcheck"? 15! 16! (then points at Paolo) Who are you? Paolo: (extending his hand) Paolo Valisari. Miss Ungermyer: Put your money in your front pocket. Edit
  • Allusions

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