2001
·98m
Josie and the Pussycats
Summary
Josie, Melody and Val are three small-town girl musicians determined to take their rock band out of their garage and straight to the top, while remaining true to their look, style and sound. They get a record deal which brings fame and fortune but soon realize they are pawns of two people who want to control the youth of America. They must clear their names, even if it means losing fame and fortune.
Director, Writer
Deborah Kaplan
Director, Writer
Harry Elfont
Characters
John L. Goldwater
Characters
Dan DeCarlo
Characters
Richard Goldwater
Reviews
Wuchak
December 14, 2018
***Amusing satire on the power & brainwashing of the music industry***
I never saw the original cartoon or read the comics on which it was based, but “Josie and the Pussycats” (2001) is fun and the three protagonists are attractive & enthusiastic (Rachael Leigh Cook, Tara Reid & Rosario Dawson). Yet the movie shoots for something deeper as this is an amusing and potent satire on the influence and manipulation of the entertainment industry.
Alan Cumming is outstanding as the villainous band manager who uses bands, abuses them and throws them away at whim. His opening scene with the fictional boyband Du Jour is worth the price of admission. Parker Posey is also good as his diabolical superior. Curvy and towering Missi Pyle is also on hand as Alexandra.
Ever wonder why all those musicians die in mysterious plane crashes, overdoses, etc. at the height of their fame? How about all those successful government cover-ups? How do artists with little actual talent and songwriting abilities become hugely popular, usually overnight, while the truly talented artists languish in obscurity? Why do you sometimes have this insane drive for a Big Mac or Coke? "Josie and the Pussycats" explains all, lol.
As for those who complain about the product placement, they all live on Aduh Street.
Unfortunately, the great set-up of the first hour sorta peters out in the last act. It’s okay, just not up to the quality of the first two acts, as far as compelling writing goes.
The film runs 98 minutes.
GRADE: B
Media
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$22,000,000.00
Revenue:
$14,866,444.00
