MovieFreak.com - "The Lizzie McGuire Movie" DVD Review by Dennis Landmann

DVD REVIEW

Lizzie McGuire Movie, The (2003)

Starring: Hilary Duff, Adam Lamberg, Robert Carradine

Director: Jim Fall

Rating: PG

Distributor: Buena Vista Home Entertainment

Release Date: August 12, 2003
Review posted: August 22, 2003

Spoilers: Minor

Reviewed by Dennis Landmann

Synopsis

Lizzie McGuire (Hilary Duff), along with classmates Gordo, Kate, and Ethan, is celebrating with a graduation trip to Italy. In a whirlwind of comic events, Lizzie is mistaken for Italy's biggest pop diva, Isabella, and falls for Paolo, Isabella's handsome singing partner. Transformed from awkward teen to international pop star, Lizzie now has the choice of a lifetime. Will becoming Italy's next singing sensation also mean leaving her family and close friends behind? It is up to Lizzie to embrace newfound courage and do things she never thought possible.

Critique

Lizzie McGuire’s last day in school happens to turn into a disappointment as she appears to be embarrassing herself in front of the graduation crowd. You see, the graduation speaker is ill, or otherwise MIA, leaving Lizzie to speak in broken sentences. But her life is about to change as she books a class trip to Rome, Italy. What better way to lift your spirits and forget about the embarrassment of school than to visit a foreign city. Well, as soon as her plane lands and she boards a bus with her best friend Gordo, the music soundtrack swells up and Rome appears in all its glory to a popular song. Nevermind all the coincidences and fantasies of the film and you should have an enjoyable time watching Lizzie grow into a pop star, not much less than, let’s say, Britney or someone like her.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie is all too happy and cutesy, but then again, it’s a Disney film after all. Hilary Duff brings to the table her cute looks and talents, although comedic timing is not one of her strengths. One could compare this film to What a Girl Wants, starring Amanda Bynes, a similar-themed film in terms of its target audience and main star. Girl is a fantasy-type also, but its script is much more well-rounded and realistic. It features some life lessons, and is a bit dramatic as well. Bynes also makes a very fine impression, much more so than Duff. There is not much required of Duff in this film, other than playing sick, having a good old time, and performing in front of a large concert audience. Still, her charms and character traits get her by. On a side note, having to watch Duff as a recycled character in Agent Cody Banks makes her appearance in The Lizzie McGuire Movie all the more rewarding.

Surely, The Lizzie McGuire Movie is not a drama, but when it comes down to only good times and adventure, some aspects of storytelling are neglected. I didn’t hate this film, but I didn’t like it much either. It passes as moderate entertainment with some enjoyable passages here and there, but ultimately plays towards too much fantasy to be any more than standard Disney fare.

The Video

Buena Vista presents The Lizzie McGuire Movie in 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen. This is a generally strong transfer. Colors are bright, crisp, and well-saturated, especially exterior scenes in Rome. The image is sharp and detail is very accurate. Several scenes benefit form great depth and exceptional detail. On the other hand, edge enhancement shows up in a few scenes. Also appearing in this transfer are compression artifacts. However, the print seems to be in very good condition. Overall, the video quality is strong. You can also select to view the film in 1.33:1 pan-and-scan format.

The Audio

Buena Vista presents The Lizzie McGuire in English Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound. This soundtrack is really nothing special. Aside from some surround usage, mostly in the form of ambient sounds and effects, the rest of the sound emits from the front speakers. The many songs on the film come across nicely, and provide for a loud mix/boost to the soundtrack. Dialog scenes are clear and easy to understand. Overall, a pretty decent affair considering this is teenage-film material.

The Extras

The extras here seem like a somewhat big undertaking, but they’re not… not really. First up are a few deleted scenes, including an alternate ending. Reasons for cutting these scenes become obvious pretty soon, but they’re nice to watch here. Then Hilary Duff hosts a behind-the-scenes tour of the film in the Hilary’s Roman Adventure featurette. In Roamin’ Volare, Lizzie and Paolo take on the streets of Rome in a semi music video. In the Recording Studio with Hilary gives you an exclusive sneak peek at the making of Duff’s new album. Rounding out the extras is Hilary Duff’s “Why Not” music video and an assortment of Disney fare trailers.

You can select to view the film with optional English subtitles. The DVD’s menus are interactive, but not animated. The 94-minute feature is organized into twelve chapters.

Overall

The Lizzie McGuire Movie is moderate Disney fare. Except for some enjoyable sequences, the film plays for too much adventure and fantasy. Video/audio presentations are quite good, and the extras are mildly entertaining. This film should make for a decent rental for the kids. Fans of the show can do whatever they please; I don’t really care, although I could speculate. Nah, don’t have time.

RATINGS SUMMARY