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JOSIE & THE PUSSYCATS (PG-13)

Plot Summary: The 70s comic book trio is back—rocking, rolling and trying to figure out how a small town band should handle sudden stardom in the midst of conspiracy and corruption

Reason for the Rating: Language and mild sensuality.

I have a sneaking suspicion JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS is a teenybopper movie. I also think it might be a chick flick. And possibly over-packaged and unbelievable, making you wonder what on earth you’re watching.

Yet, it’s also one of those movies that when asked my opinion, I feel like lowering my head, coughing, muttering “yesIlikedit” all in one breath, and coughing again. 

But it’s time to lose my reservations. I’m going to be brave. I’m going to declare right now that well, Yes, I liked it! In spite of my suspicions (which are probably true) I still enjoyed this movie. 

No, I’m not reliving the comic books (I never read them.) No, it wasn’t superbly acted, although Rachael Leigh Cook (Josie), Tara Reid (Melody), and Rosario Dawson (Val) did make a good, albeit scantily-clad girl band. And Parker Posey was hilarious playing an evil record executive. No, the plot wasn’t remotely believable, and while the movie was funny, it didn’t have me rolling. 

So what did I like about it? I liked its mood. If movies think rationally, it’s clear that JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS understands it’s not Oscar material, could never happen in real life, and won’t make it on the “poignant” or “overly intelligent” list. But watching this, it’s as if the movie has decided to have fun in spite of its shortcomings. And fun it has, with two hours of good times, good music, and (insert surprised look here) some good points.

It gives an exaggerated (yet eerily realistic!) glimpse of how materialistic and over-marketed our society is—and how easily swayed we are by public figures. My favorite line is a reference is about Carson Daly’s involvement in a “vast conspiracy to control the minds of America’s youth through pop music.” Do I think the host of MTV’s popular show is really part of this conspiracy? No. Does it make me think a little harder about what influences me? Yes.

JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS is fully aware at every moment that it is a movie, and it uses this freedom to make a statement. I honestly think I heard it scream, “I’M A MOVIE!” once. But then I heard it whisper, “Look what I’m able to point out about our society....” Not everyone will like this approach, but I found it strangely fresh (or freshly strange!).

FamilyFans.com Recommends: If you’re in the mood for a random movie that manages to be fun, give this one a shot. But have an open mind.

After the Show…If members of your family choose to view this movie, use these questions to spark discussion about it afterward:

-- Do you think people are easily influenced by fame in real life?

-- What have you done to try to fit in?

-- Why do you think there were so many advertisements throughout the movie?

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