From Justin to Kelly

_**Fun musical / beach flick**_ All these ultra-low reviews are ridiculous. What were these people expecting? A serious drama with superb acting? An action film? Actually "From Justin to KellY" (2003) is a fun musical/beach film in the manner of Elvis films and the 60's beach flicks. One look at the movie poster and it's obvious. When viewing films of this ilk it's time to just kick back, turn off your brain and have a good time. On this level "From Justin to Kelly" works fabulously. It's pretty much just as good or better than any Elvis or beach movie you can think of. Filmed in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area, the story deals with the romantic adventures of youths on Spring Break. Keeping with the traditions of the genre there's no raunch or moronic sex/bathroom humor; the film has an appealing innocence. Another highlight is that there are more gorgeous bikini-clad babes per minute than most movies out there (dudes too, if you're a woman). To be expected, the songs featured are all substance-less modern pop ditties ('modern' as in the early 2000s, which hasn't changed much today). I don't normally listen to this kind of music, but it fits the upbeat and fun vibe of the film. I'm hardly an American Idol aficionado but I admit that I did enjoy the show when I occasionally viewed it with my wife. And Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, the two stars of the film, were two of the more likable "idols.". (I also confess to liking Katharine McPhee, Bo Bice, Carrie Underwood, Chris Daughtry, Kelly Pickler and Clay Aiken). (I'm just joking about Aiken, lol). To be expected, Kelly and Justin aren't the best actors but they're not bad either, particularly as the story proceeds; the quality of the acting certainly doesn't prevent you from enjoying the flick. They did a fine job all things considered. One can't bring up American Idol without mentioning the ever-present Kimberly Caldwell (from the channel station). She's an undeniably good-looking woman but she tends to grate on the nerves. The reason I bring her up is, if you've ever secretly fantasized about seeing her chopped in half, be sure to check out the goofy gorefest "Wrong Turn 2: Dead End" (2007) (I'd call it a horror film but it's way too silly and over-the-top to be horrifying). This film makes your fantasies come true, literally. The DVD features the 81-minute fullscreen version of the film whereas as well as the 90-minute extended widescreen cut, which has a few extra dance numbers. If you're in the mood for an innocent beach flick turn your brain off and enjoy! GRADE: B/B-

While "From Justin to Kelly" may have been labeled a box office failure and a flop, I must admit that I have a soft spot for the music and dancing featured in the film. Despite Kelly Clarkson's candid dislike for the project, I find it to be a fun and enjoyable movie. My fondness for the film is largely due to my admiration for Kelly Clarkson. Although Justin's character may come off as corny and over-the-top, Kelly shines with her fun and exciting performance. With a better storyline and script, I believe Kelly's involvement alone could have led to box office success. Unfortunately, the mismatched casting and weak storyline hindered the film's potential. From a critical standpoint, "From Justin to Kelly" falls short in terms of quality filmmaking. Despite its flaws, I am able to overlook the film's shortcomings and appreciate it for the enjoyment it brings me. While it may not be hailed as a cinematic masterpiece or a top-notch musical, Kelly Clarkson's commendable performance stands out. The experience may have deterred Kelly from pursuing similar projects in the future, but her talent as a megastar continues to shine.