I'm not sure where to begin on this one. From the very beginning of the movie, there's lots of anger, tragedy and a general dark cloud over everyone. Hilary Duff plays the role of Terri Fletcher - a sweet girl with a 'special' voice. Rita Wilson plays the role of her mother, and David Keith, the role of her father (Simon). Rita's character (Frances) always looks and acts tired. She cries all the time while her husband, Simon, yells all the time. Terri's aunt, played by Rebecca De Mornay, is the most normal of the bunch even though her character is supposed to be a little on the wild side. It's still, however, quite the depressing, dysfunctional household. This movie had an identity crisis. It didn't know if it was a romance, a drama or a comedy. It was everything clumsily shoved together with no rhyme or reason.
The movie gets off to a rocky start with a major tragedy involving Terri's brother, Paul (Jason Ritter). Paul is the most likeable character in the movie who, unfortunately, meets tragedy early on. The movie was choppy. No real flow to the story or characters. Terri Fletcher is supposed to be at this great music school, which has been a dream of hers, and she's treated like an outcast for no apparent reason. The kids are just rude and mean to her to an extent that it's almost unbelievable. If a writer is going to do that to a character at least give some background to the audience as to why. Could it be the fact that she was the only light blonde-haired girl in the entire movie? (Yes, it was that obvious). I think she was being portrayed as some sort of angel of light(blonde hair).
Listening to Hilary Duff sing was torture. It was very obvious she had some studio assistance in that department. There was even one scene in the movie (by the fountain) where she starts to sing and pulls her friends in to join her. It's funny that you could hear her singing, but her lips weren't moving during part of the song.
There was also a very poorly developed romantic relationship between her and another guy, Jay, she met at the school. Jay, played by Oliver James, was a cutey, but there was no chemistry between the two of them. Again, no background or build-up to the relationship. One day he says 'hello' and the next thing you know they are in a relationship.
I think this movie was built around specific scenes. The scenes were planned out before the story. No flow or connection at all. I looked at my watch several times wishing it would be over with. I'm sorry to be so frank about this, but watching this movie was torture. I think it was supposed to be a mix between 'Fame' and 'Save the Last Dance,' which I absolutely loved. I'm so glad I didn't pay for the ticket. Even getting a free Press pass I felt like it was a waste of my evening.
Bottom line, with movie ticket prices today, you may want to wait until it's a bargain buy on your pay-per-view in another month. I don't think it will be in theaters for very long.
out of 4 stars 
