JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS – The Review

No one else is the same… Em is her name! But, does the new Jem live up to her 80’s legend? Now you have two ways to find out! Not only will you find my written review below, but I also shot and edited a review just for you! (Go easy on me since I’ve never shot myself before!) It’s a ‘choose you’re own adventure’ kind of review!

Jerrica Benton, a small town girl is thrust into the spotlight after being discovered on YouTube, and is on the ride of her life with her sisters. The problem is that her video was posted under the alias ‘Jem,’ and now that’s who the world wants. Jerrica is now on a mission to find her voice in the world, and getting into mischief along the way.

I’m not going to lie. I was worried about this when I saw the trailer. As a child of the 80’s, so much had changed about my beloved Jem! Why did she have brown hair? How was she going to turn into Jem if she wasn’t using synergy to do so? Where was Rio’s sweet purple hair? Well kids… I’m here to tell you that I enjoyed this film. Sure, Jon M. Chu changed a lot when it comes to the sci-fi side of things, but he transformed Jem into something that young kids today can relate to. He adapted her. Instead of synergy creating the hologram of Jem, Jerrica was pressured to present Jem to the world at all times… Jem was her hologram to the outside world, and on social media to hide behind. Clever Chu… Clever.

The casting in this film was wonderful. Aubrey Peeples is not only talented, but incredibly likable. I’ve gotta hand it to Chu. He went out of his way to find actors with musical talent. Stefanie Scott, Aurora Perrineau, Hayley Kiyoko,  and Ryan Guzman really impressed me in the film. My biggest kudos goes to Juliette Lewis in her portrayal of Erica Raymond. In the cartoon, the head of Starlight Enterprises was Eric, a man. Not in 2015! Juliette Lewis is incredible to watch on-screen, and I’m hoping to see her rock out in a sequel since her real-life band is amazing! Add Molly Ringwald into the mix and you’ve got one solid cast!

The songs don’t stick to one genre, but dammit they are catchy. The song ‘Youngblood’ still creeps into my head. The songs go from more pop, to pop-rock, to an indie Zooey Dechanel type of ballad. There’s sure to be something for everyone!

Now, what comes up must come down. I do have a few gripes about the film. The second act is boring, and kind of unnecessary. Also, why does Rio have to sneak into his mothers company? He works there! It’s ridiculous and makes zero sense. While we are on the subject of Rio, where was his purple hair? My Barbies dated Rio instead of Ken as a kid because of his delicious purple locks. Such a bummer! Overall the film is a bit cheesy, but so were the 80’s, so I can overlook that!

If you’re looking to have a fun time at the theater, go see JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS. If you’re stuck in your old ways, go play with your pet rock.

OVERALL RATING: 3.75 out of 5 stars

For more info: www.jemthemovie.com 

JEM AND THE HOLOGRAMS IS IN THEATERS OCTOBER 23