Treat yourself. Click here to enable the “totally outrageous” and upbeat song “Youngblood,” the heart of Jem And The Holograms, to infuse your soul as you read.
Ok. Ready? Excellent. Now, have a gander at this Instagram post.
The guy photographing the four lovely actors is Ryan Landels, the screenwriter of their newly released Jem And The Holograms.
He’s also my niece’s husband.
His “I’m so proud to have this be the first studio feature I’ve written and am honored to have worked with some of my very best friends to bring this story to the big screen” is pure Ryan. I’m so happy for him. He’s a genuinely talented guy.
Bless him. He’s in a tough business. How is the movie doing? As the director Jon M. Chu, explains in a recent tweet, not that well. For the moment.
Not the easiest thing 2make a speech the morning after ur movie is stumbling at the boxoffice but here r my thoughts https://t.co/iSghPsgLfT
— Jon M. Chu (@jonmchu) October 24, 2015
We Are All Jem
But you know what? I suspect the tide will turn.
First of all, Rebecca Keegan, critic for the Los Angeles Times wrote a refreshing review, giving a nod to “Ryan Landels’ often witty script …”
And secondly, how about me? Would I have liked Jem And The Holograms if it wasn’t written by the “often witty” (and ever so humble) Mr. Landels? Well, I should tell you that my background is in theater and I am a harsh critic. Bad scripts and woeful acting don’t sit well with me. Had I not liked the movie I would remain silent. Even though I’ve been eager to get the “we are all Jem” updates and bulletins for a good year or two, I can’t promote what I truly don’t believe in. But after seeing the movie twice, once with friends and my sister (Ryan’s mother-in-law) and then again with my 93 year-old mother, I can honestly say I bounced out of the theatre feeling inspired. It was a welcome tonic. The key message, that of the importance of family, is authentically and often hilariously delivered in a quirky, relatable manner.
The admiration goes both ways. Note Jerrica/Jem admiring Mum’s totally outrageous footwear. Right in the middle of the flick!
And what did our darling (always blunt) nonagenarian have to say at the end of the movie?
“Thank God there’s no need to avoid chatting about the damn thing with Ryan. I loved the message and the music. I wanted to get up and dance. Anyone of any age should go see this movie.” Yes, she wants the movie’s soundtrack. What a gal.
And she’s right. Jem And The Holograms is for every age. Not just the tweeners. Check out this ardent fan.
We ran into him as we came out of the theatre on Friday night. He apparently tweeted Ryan after the show, full of enthusiasm for the movie.
So, dear readers, do yourself a favor. Pull out the Aqua Net, slap on your glitter, round up your family and toddle off to Jem And The Holograms. If you like it, tell your pals. Better yet, go with ’em.
Should you go, please report back. I welcome all comments.
I’d also love it if you’d share this post via Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, email, those countless random social media delights my darling children are thrilled I know nothing about, and over coffee and your neighborhood fence. Thanks, guys. We are all Jem.
24 Responses
Loved JEM; the music, the multiple messages and came out of the theatre with sore cheeks from all the smiling! The JEM concerts were the best pump ’em up scenes ever! ???⚡️ We love you JEM! Kel, your sentiments spot on!
Isn’t it just such a feel good movie? With ya all the way, Wend. And I love seeing that the soundtrack is trending #2 on iTunes.
So sorry for having hockey tournaments over the weekend. I can’t say my 12yo son wants to see Jem, but I bet my 8yo daughter would be keen. Thanks for the Six degrees of Jem and Kelly McKenzie run-down! All very neat.
Yes, I know your daughter would love it, Katy. Go with her. Mum wants to go again – maybe you could pop by and pick her up?
This is awesome and huge congrats to your niece’s husband!! I loved Jem back int he day totally and even had the Barbie like dolls as a kid. So, you are right we are still all very much Jem!!! 😉
I’ll pass on your congrats, Janine. Thank you. Love that you had the Barbie like dolls as kid.
Sounds terrific! I will definitely keep a look out for it! Shared!
Thanks for sharing, Rena. Should you see it, you’ll come out feeling happy and with a song in your heart.
Wonderful way to support Kel! Ryan has worked very hard on this. Go and see the movie!!
Couldn’t agree with you more, Lynn.
LOL!! Thank for pointing me to this movie! Will tweet about it!
Thanks so much, Roshni. It’s a real hoot.
Will definitely go and see it!! I LOVE the song Youngblood!! I’m getting a pair of shoes just like your Mom’s. I can’t stand it anymore!
Oh do – on both counts. I’d be thrilled to see you sporting the shoes at the movie! So would Mum.
I remember the cartoon – I was a little too old for it, but I watched it anyway. I will definitely add it to my “must see” list!
Great, Dana. It’s a gem.
Oh YEAH BABY!! That is just SO AWESOME!!! Now I will HAVE to go see it! It’s out in the public theaters, right? I will investigate in my area… and definitely give the movie a big SHOUT OUT when I do!!!
GO RYAN!
Btw- I adore your mom. Can you share her? 🙂
Yes, it’s out in public theatres. Do go! It’s a hoot. Thanks, Chris. And yes, Mum is more than available for sharing. She adores travelling and wishes she was 10 years younger and her doc would let her travel more than two hours from home!
Great endorsement for the movie Kelly, it sounds like a fun show . Congratulations to Ryan !
It’s worthy of a viewing, Jane. I’ll go with you if you like. I’ve got all the inside scoop and am so happy to share!
I LOVED the cartoon growing up. The movie? I’m not sure about yet. I might give it a try, but I loved the cartoon so much.
Oh do go, Amber. The fellow we ran into who was a true Jem fan and put on the Jem glam to see the movie, loved it. If you go, let me know what you thought. I’d love to know.
How cool!!! I need a movie to take my mom to this weekend, and now I’ve found it. Sharing…
Bless you. Thanks for sharing, Lana. Did you go?