The high-school musical comedy we need in our lives right now
Review Stargirl (G, 107 mins) Directed by Julia Hart Reviewed by James Croot ★★★★
Mica always felt like a place where something was missing. At least that’s what Leo Borlock (Graham Verchere) believed.
Having moved to the Arizona town aged 9 after the death of his father, the now 16-year-old laments its reputation as somewhere with ‘‘no trophies, no celebrations, no stories’’. That is, until he sets eyes on Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal).
Like Leo, she’s being raised by a ‘‘solo superhero’’, however, this uke-toting, rat-loving, eclectic wardrobe-wearing young woman isn’t afraid to stand out. Starting by serenading Leo on his birthday, she captures the entire school’s hearts and minds with an inspiring performance at the football team’s first game of the season. Egged on by his friends to ask her out before she becomes too popular, Leo is surprised when she agrees to a date. However, as her reputation as an upbeat, good luck charm grows, there are those who begin to wonder if she’s really as selfless as she seems.
Based on Jerry Spinelli’s awardwinning 2000 novel of the same name, Star Girl is exactly the highschool musical comedy we need in our lives right now.
Director Julia Hart (Miss Stevens, Fast Colour) and writers Kristin Hahn (Netflix’s Dumplin’) and Jordan Horowitz (La La Land’s famous Oscars-ceremony-saving producer) have crafted a joyous celebration of individuality, one that comes with the added timely message about the importance of taking time out and that it’s OK to be unsure.
Feeling like the cinematic lovechild of the films of John Hughes and Cameron Crowe, Star Girl is peppered with catchy tunes (most notably the school spirit anthem
Be True to Your School), and memorable moments (heartfelt speeches, a crowdpleasing finale featuring a classic banger by The Cars) that will delight audiences of all ages.
Central to the film’s success though are winning performances from the two leads. Verchere (Supergirl) is a delightfully nebbish everyteen (kind of like a young Jesse Eisenberg), while former
America’s Got Talent winner VanderWaal (the then Kansastween who denied New Zealand’s own Tape Face the title in 2016), is a revelation in her acting debut.
She imbues her traditional Hollywood manic-pixie-dream-girl with the requisite charisma and a surprising depth.
With Star Girl, it seems, a star truly is born.