blinnjo Reviews

Sorority Wars (2009 TV Movie)

"Sorority Wars" is much more than "Mean Girls" go to college

[10/10 · 14 January 2012]

"Sorority Wars" is a made-for-TV movie that, in many ways, is much better than many commercial motion pictures. The writing is sharp and well-developed, advancing the story, sometimes in humorous ways. The directing and editing move the storyline along smoothly and naturally without effort on the viewer's part.

While it may appear that girls and women would comprise the audience, the film has a great deal to offer males, namely an understanding of female competition, while seeking one's acceptance into a social network. The movie explores revenge and spiteful treatment of those ostracized by the college Greek system.

One of the most important elements deals with parental influence as freshmen attempt to establish themselves as independent individuals. Failing is often a major part of succeeding, and determines what group peer pressure elements are acceptable.

The last reason this film is excellent is Lucy Hale. She appears in nearly every scene, so consistency of her character is vital to the film's success. While her career is just getting started, Lucy's delivery and enthusiasm in acting, dancing, and singing demonstrate multi-talent that, a few years from now, may remind us of Doris Day.

Legally Blonde (2001)

Legal Blonde theme drives under the influence of other movies.

[6/10 · 23 January 2003]

"Legally Blonde" is one of those zany throwbacks to comedy of the simpler, more innocent time of the 1940s or 1950s. If you liked this film, its premise, and its humor, then you probably will like a Disney movie using much of its plot and storyline.

"Cadet Kelly" is about a teenage girl forced by the remarriage of her mother into military school where her stepfather is the commandant. Like Elle, Kelly is totally out of her element as she competes for the attention of the most perfect guy who just happens to be the ranking student cadet.

In order to impress him, Kelly must find a way to help him win a drill team medal, and that involves "throwing around rifles like robots," to quote Kelly. She is way in over her head, but somehow, like Elle, she rises to the occasion.

This film uses many of the same techniques; instead of the legal profession, the humor focuses on the military, with much of it aimed at adults. since the lines are over the heads of youngsters.

Camera angles, gags, and two of the same songs are used in both movies. An example of a gag scene from "Legally Blonde" has Elle talking on the phone to her sorority sisters with the bride-to-be taking a fall. A parallel scene in "Cadet Kelly" has Kelly's father doing the same as he talks with Kelly.

The two films are very similar as both stress females winning male approval by achievement. However, "Cadet Kelly" leaves a much more positive message about female success, as the two females are only eight years apart, and the younger one appears to be more savvy about how the world works by the end of the movie.

Cadet Kelly (2002 TV Movie)

This flick deserves a second look

[10/10 · 29 December 2002]

The film "Cadet Kelly" is one of those movies you tend to forget, unless you view it at least a second time. However, each time you view it, its value becomes more obvious.

The movie has four things going for it. First, Hilary Duff does an outstanding job in the character of Kelly. She is in nearly every scene, and her delivery of lines and expressions is priceless. It's difficult to believe she was only 14, because she has the natural ability to behave rather than to act in a role.

Second, the rest of the cast. Each one contributes to the overall effect led by Christy Romano as the mean Captain Stone. And Kelly hugs or is hugged by each character except the "perfect" Brad Rigby somewhere during the course of the film. How can those natural signs of affection do anything but make viewers love the character of Kelly?

Third, the script and story line. What undoubtedly began as a typical Disney original film for tweens, turned into a flick for the entire family. Many of the lines are over the heads of kids. "accessories are a girl's best friend," "wear 'em if you've got it," and other gags give adults a chance to laugh. The editing is super and camera angles are carefully chosen, although for some reason, the camera seems unsteady at times.

Fourth, the soundtrack, including music and sound effects, is one of the best I've observed. Those responsible should be commented for a superior presentation. Not only is the military mood and tone realistic, it really makes this movie come alive. I watched the rough editing version, and without the superb sound effects and music, this film would have been just another dismal kiddie effort. To fully appreciate the soundtrack, you must close your eyes and picture what is going on.

To me the scene where Kelly cuts Jennifer off from Brad is indicative of all of the above qualities and one of the funniest 20 seconds in the movie.

Perhaps the most poignant scene is the 15 seconds when Kelly has her revelation upon seeing her drill team uniform and realizing she is still an individual, although a part of something largest than herself.

There are so many subtle qualities that you could spend hours discussing the superiority of "Cadet Kelly."

For all of inaccurate military "stuff," this is still one heck of a great movie.