The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Review by Gus Frank
Theatrical Release: May 2, 2003 / Running Time: 108 Minutes / Rating: PG

Director: Jim Fall

Cast: Hilary Duff (Lizzie McGuire), Adam Lamberg (Gordo), Robert Carradine (Mr. McGuire), Hallie Todd (Mrs. McGuire), Jake Thomas (Matt McGuire), Ashlie Brillaut (Kate), Yani Gellman (Paolo)

Movie: This is my first review for the site and I'm excited. I feel like Lizzie, hitting it big! I'm a big time fan of "Lizzie McGuire" the Disney Channel original series - I don't always catch it, but when I do have the chance, I enjoy every minute of it. A back-to-back marathon, and I'm in heaven! I was skeptical of the idea of making a movie from the show, and from the previews, it looked like teeny-bopper material. But boy was I wrong, it's great!

In the movie, Lizzie and her friends fly overseas as part of an 8th grade graduation trip. Lizzie and her best friend Gordo are looking for excitement and adventures in Rome, but things start to go crazy when she meets Paolo, an Italian pop sensation. Things get even crazier when she's mistaken as Isabella, a fellow Italian pop sensation. Things get out of hand and Lizzie's in for the time of her life. Will she transform from awkward teenager to fabulous pop princess? We'll find out!

 

Buy The Lizzie McGuire Movie from Amazon.com DVD Details

2.35:1 Anamorphic Widescreen & 1.33:1 Pan & Scan
Dolby Surround 5.1 (English)
Subtitles: English
Release Date: August 12, 2003
Single-sided, dual-layered disc (DVD-9)
Suggested Retail Price: $19.99 (Was $29.99)
White keepcase, chapter listing insert

 

VIDEO

How does it look? Well before we start getting technical here, let's note that Disney has included a great viewing choice (now that's rare!). We get both the original 2:35.1 aspect ratio widescreen (enhanced for 16:9 televisions) and the not-so-welcome 1.33:1 Pan & Scan options. This movie is best enjoyed in its original widescreen ratio! The print looks extremely clean. I didnt notice no grain, but some minor edge enhancement. Still, the transfer is super and especially enjoyable when we get treated to Rome's beauty!

AUDIO

All I can say is "I love 5.1!" The film's score makes use of all the channels, while dialogue stays in the front most of the time. It's a nice, suitable mix.

 

 

EXTRAS

Hilary's Roman Adventure - This 12-minute Making-of featurette is hosted by none other than Hilary Duff. We get cast and crew interviews, as well as behind the scenes in the making of the movie. For a brief making-of featurette, it's a fun and informative piece. Hilary does a nice job in this and it's fun to watch!

Hilary Duff's "Why Not" Music Video (2:15 min) - I'm sure you all know what this is all about, so no need to explain. All I can say is it's there for your viewing and hearing pleasure!

In the Recording Studio with Hilary (2 min) - Here we get 2 snipplets of Hilary's songs from her upcoming debut album due this September!

Roamin' Volare (2:15 min) - This is a weird feature which looks more like a deleted scene made into a feature. It basically involves Lizzie and Paolo going around Rome in the motor bike.

Off the Cutting Floor - Here we get 3 deleted scenes with director's commentary these include: "Kids Coming Off Plane", "Lizzie's Shopping Spree", and "Lizzie & Gordo Kiss" with alternative ending, which I think should have been the movie's actual ending. you decide!

 

Sneak Previews: The Lion King Special Edition - We get a new trailer behind-the-scenes with Disney Channel's cast recording a new music video for "Circle of Life", plus some scenes of the DVD's features. Click here for screen captures.

Other trailers preview Sleeping Beauty, Kim Possible: The Secret Files, Disney's original series "That's So Raven", the direct-to-video sequel George of the Jungle 2, and two volumes of the "Lizzie McGuire" TV series, hitting stores December 9.

 

Closing Thoughts: I didn't expect much from this movie and would have never paid to see it, but maybe I should have because it's a great movie fr what it is. I can forgive and forget the corny scene when she's singing at the end, since the rest of the movie makes up for it. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who watches and enjoys the TV series; it's like a feature-length show. If you're not familiar with the show, it's a nice feel-good movie you should check out. Gus' Movie Score (1 to 10): 8 1/2
(Italian cinema reference intended? You be the judge.)

Extras & Menu Screencaps from The Lizzie McGuire Movie DVD

 

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Lizzie McGuire: Box Set Volume 1
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