Jem and the Holograms reminds me of the Lee Ann Womack hit, “I Hope You Dance.” It’s full of positive advice parents may want to share with their children about how to approach life. And, both the movie and the song get the same reaction from my teen daughter: eye rolls.
The film is an adaptation of the cartoon TV series from 1985-93, although some of the characters and their roles have transformed a bit. Don’t know the series? No problem, unfamiliarity works for this film: it’s the origin story of how Jerrica and Kimber Benton and their two foster sisters, Aja and Shayna, form an (ethnically diverse!) band and became an overnight sensation.
The film changes up and thankfully modernizes the story, utilizing YouTube and other social media to show how “Jem” (Jerrica’s alter ego) is discovered and becomes a force in entertainment without even trying. It’s not far-fetched, this is famously how the film’s executive producer and music manager Scooter Braun discovered Justin Bieber and others on his client list.
The influence from Braun and his steady big screen collaborator, director Jon M. Chu (Never Say Never, Believe, Step It Up), is felt strongly in many ways.
One of these is the depiction of bad behavior from young performers. Jerrica and the girls are given a curfew and a lights out time by the label. However, on the first night, Jerrica and the girls sneak out, steal a truck, break into private property and escape arrest by running from the police. It’s all shown for good purpose – Jerrica is pursuing a kind of scavenger hunt her late father left for her – but, the truth is, this…and a later break-in to a secure, locked building AND safe…is all totally unnecessary: she could’ve achieved what she needed in both instances if she would’ve just waited til daylight. Of course, there are no consequences.
The scavenger hunt is what allows the late father to connect with his daughter and for him to encourage his daughter from beyond the grave. The film shows that families are there to love and support each other, no matter what. It’s shown in the best of ways through Aunt Bailey (Molly Ringwald, giving us a peek at what Andie from Pretty in Pink would’ve become 30 years later). Bailey doesn’t allow the girls to take any responsibility for the family’s financial issues but still is loving, firm and admirably supportive. The film is devoid of violence, cursing and sex (although we do get two brief kisses, one sweet and innocent and one hot, heavy and comical).
But, whatever happens during the film, it ends on very, very positive notes. The last ten minutes are chockfull of positive messages – “never fear the unknown,” “create your own destiny,” “use your gifts,” “be yourself,” “express yourself,” etc. etc. The messaging feels like overkill, but I actually find this the most authentic part of the film. I’ve interviewed many successful music artists performers and find these mantras are what they believe led them to success. Music artists generally do want to encourage others to follow their dreams, so the hammering of these affirmations is genuine. Younger kids may buy into this, however, to my 14-year old daughter it was too overt.
Jem and the Holograms is an uplifting, optimistic and encouraging film meant to guide girls to live to their fullest. My recommendation: if your tween or teen is expresses interest in seeing this movie, take one more piece of advice to come from the film: don’t let opportunity pass you by!
Check out more Jem parent reviews:
Watch the Jem Moms Movie Minute
Sassy Mama in L.A. -- Jem and the Holograms Movie Review
