“From Justin To Kelly” (20th Century Fox)
As everyone in the world knows by now the winner of the first “American Idol” competition was a fresh-faced, clean cut cutie named Kelly Clarkson. The first runner up was a curly haired boy named Justin Guarini. These two seemed to be the best of friends, and maybe more. To capitalize on their success and charm, Hollywood has thrown them into a musical called “From Justin To Kelly.”
The movie is as original as any teen flick for the last forty years. A girl named Kelly (Clarkson) travels from Texas to Miami with her two best friends Kaya (Anika Noni Rose) and Alexa (Katherine Bailess). Kelly is the good girl. Kaya is the smart one. And Alexa is the backstabbing party girl.
When they arrive for Spring Break, Kelly is immediately drawn to a curly haired boy she meets, named Justin (Guarini). He is in Miami with two of his friends, Brandon (Gregg Siff) and Eddie (Brian Dietzen). Justin is the good guy while Eddie is the nerd and Brandon is the party boy.
Kelly and Justin fall for each other but Alexa uses tricks to keep them apart. Meanwhile everyone else, but Alexa, finds love at the beach. And they do it while they are dancing and singing.
Clarkson and Guarini sound better than ever in their solos and are at their best in their duets. They have a natural charm to them and make their roles believable. They even display an ability to dance without looking awkward.
The film is rated PG for mild profanity.
The editing of the film is awful. Scenes end abruptly as does the entire movie. When it is over, it is over. No fade-outs here. It all looks like it was slung together as quickly as possible to take advantage of the two lead actor’s fame. Still the natural likeability of the “Idol” stars and their singing talent makes this a movie that can be enjoyed.
“I scored “From Justin To Kelly” an idolized 4 out of 10.
