As an adaptation of a cult classic "Jem and the Holograms" will capture the attention of Jem fans, music fans and any one who has ever felt they have needed to be a different person to have a voice.
Although the story revolves around the sisterhood of the main characters, any person who has ever felt alone will be enticed by the themes of this film.
Jerrica aka Jem, played by Aubrey Peeples, is an orphaned girl who along with her sister Kimber, played by Stefanie Scott, go to live with their aunt Bailey, played by Molly Ringwald, after their father passed away.
Peeples is captivating, cute and awkwardly quirky. She is relatable because of the desires she has and the logical manner in which ideas are conceptualized. She delivers a delightful performance.
Scott as a sister is charming. She's a great match for because their compatibility can be seen immediately.
Ringwald is a good energy match for the girl. She seems young enough to be just another girl in the house, but has the maturity to also be an authority figure.
Their aunts two foster children Shana, played by Aurora Perrineau, and Aja, played by Haley Kiyoko, are more outspoken and outrageous with strong personalities.
Kiyoko has a strong presence and with the wild hair definitely stands out. Her wild character is both funny and fantastic.
Perrineau is able to compete with the wild nature of Kiyoko, but also has a style of her own.
The female cast is a great match with fantastic chemistry.
When an unexpected YouTube video goes viral, Erica, played by Juliette Lewis, searches for Jem.
Lewis is a great villain, although she does so much that is underhanded, there is something that makes her likable. She's a commanding force which is brilliantly powerful.
Erica's son Rio, played by Ryan Guzman, starts off being snobby and grows as Jem does.
Guzman is a good actor and fit this role well. He's able to be strict and stern and yet have a softer edge. Fantastic contrast to Lewis.
The film uses social media aspects well and tells the story through social media. It's a fantastic idea and helps modernize the story.
The little beat-boxing robot Synergy is one of the best parts of the film which comes unexpectedly from it barely being mentioned in the first 15 minutes of the film.
The ending felt rushed and predictable.
I give this coming-of-age film 3 out of 5 Popcorns. Although the ending lacks, the journey to that ending is of rockstar quality. The music is addicting although what makes Jem famous to start is nothing close to what Jem delivers in the end. The mixture of genres isn't bad and may go unnoticed. The story itself is lacking, but a sequel may save the franchise.
"Jim an the Holograms" opens in theaters Oct. 23.
