OMG GF!
Review by: Jade
I really didn't want to see or review Monte Carlo, the new teen rom com starring Selena "Mrs Bieber" Gomez and Leighton "Gossip Girl" Meister.
TOP 5 REASONS I DIDN'T WANT TO SEE MONTE CARLO
1. I'm old and don't do text abbreviations
2. It was raining
3. I've seen the trailer, I already know what happens
4. The screenings are always so early
5. I'm busy man!
But I went. And because I had to go, that meant my boyfriend had to go too. James got off easy this time!
After graduating from university Grace (Selena Gomez) embarks on a European holiday with her best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy) and her uptight step sister Meg (Leighton Meister). While in Paris, Grace is mistaken for a British heiress and then hey presto, the three girls suddenly find themselves in Monte Carlo. Let the film begin...
One of the first things that caught my eye were the opening credits. I thought I was seeing things and had to immediately consult imdb as soon as I got home. It turns out Nicole Kidman's production company Blossom Films is responsible for producing this film and Nic is a producer. Which made me wonder "what was it about this script that attracted Nicole?".
It's not that this film is bad. It's not. It's easy to watch and it's good, innocent fun. So innocent, you have to wonder if there is a Christian agenda hiding somewhere. Or a Disney one. Same, same but different.
But this is what partly bothered me. Despite starring two Gossip Girls, this film ain't no Gossip Girl.
Three young women in Europe not drinking, not shopping, not doing drugs, not partying and not slutting around (these girls need to try Schoolies)?! The most exciting thing they do is steal the identity of an heiress - and while this may sound rebellious and adventurous - it couldn't be further from that.
Prior to departing for Europe, Emma breaks up with her boyfriend because he can't handle her going away for ONE WEEK. Poor Owen (Glee's Cory Monteith) truly believes if Emma goes to Europe, she will leave him forever. Buddy?! It's one week! My boyfriend has made a point of telling me it takes him at least a week to even start missing me!
And really, who is buying that Katie Cassidy is a teenager anyway?! She looked too old on Gossip Girl. She looks too old in this movie. Yes I know she's only 25 which isn't really old. Did you know David Cassidy from The Partridge Family is her father?! I'm sorry but this is really spinning me out.
Australian actor Luke Bracey plays Riley, Meg's love interest. And to be honest I'm surprised Nicole didn't pipe up at script stage when it comes to Riley's character. Seriously, this guy was about as cliched as Crocodile Dundee! One of his lines about being injured while playing rugby is absolutely hilarious. Real sorta laugh out loud kind of stuff. I don't think I have laughed so hard since watching this:
Who is Luke Bracey? I don't know. He was on Home & Away.
Andie MacDowell plays Grace's mother. And when you see the huge faded L'Oreal sign on the girls apartment block in Paris, you know this is definitely an integrated sponsor moment. Why? Because you're worth it. Because Yumi and I recently covered L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Week, where we interviewed L'Oreal ambassador, Andie MacDowell (who, by the way, is still so stunning).
And I also feel it's important to note for a film set in Paris & Monte Carlo with a cast hot young women, there is a serious lack of fashion and shopping! MAJOR FAIL.
But on the upside...
I got to catch up with the gorgeous Kylie Speer and have a laugh about rugby.
I got to catch up with the gorgeous Kylie Speer and have a laugh about rugby.
Selena Gomez is so loveable. She is gorgeous.
The story is predictable but I didn't really care.
It moves fast, has a cute soundtrack and is just good, clean, fun.
And I walked out smiling. And still with a BF.
STARS: 3 stars
SYNOPSIS: Three young women holidaying in Paris are offered a trip to Monte Carlo after one is mistaken for a British heiress
WHO SHOULD SEE IT: Tween girls. Disney fans. Babysitters.
RELEASE: In cinemas now
