Review | Hollywood Stargirl - Future of the Force

“Hollywood Stargirl is a sweet and refreshing sequel. This is the feel-good movie we need right now.”

Two years ago when Disney Plus arrived in Europe, we were able to watch Stargirl. And now, we can watch the unexpected sequel untitled Hollywood Stargirl. Unlike the first movie, this one is not an adaptation of the books but instead tells a different story. So is this a worthy sequel?

STORY

Grace VanderWaal as Stargirl Caraway in Disney’s live-action HOLLYWOOD STARGIRL, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

First of all, Hollywood Stargirl takes a big departure from the first movie since the first one ended with her leaving the town. Now, she has moved to Los Angeles as the title suggested. Thus, this is an entirely new cast of characters apart from Stargirl herself. This time, the story follows Stargirl from start to finish.

I did not know what to expect from this sequel. So I am glad that I was pleasantly surprised. This is a feel good movie. Whenever you feel down, you can watch this one and I can assure you it will cheer you up. Moreover, this is also a coming of age. It is about falling in love, believing in yourself and fulfilling your dreams.

Stargirl gets to sing once again as she enters the world of Hollywood. In that world, she learns to act, write her own song and fall in love. She meets new people, she starts a new life. And this time, it is not about her helping someone. But, it is about her discovering what she wants to do and living her life. Undoubtedly this is a different type of sequel. And this is why it is refreshing. I would not say it is better or worse than the first movie, it is different, in a good way.

CAST

(L-R): Uma Thurman as Roxanne Martel and Grace VanderWaal as Stargirl Caraway in Disney’s live-action HOLLYWOOD STARGIRL, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Once again, Grace VanderWaal delivers an heartfelt and joyful performance. She is accompanied by Elijah Richardson who was in The Falcon and The Winter Soldier. He delivers a good performance. Moreover, Giancarlo Esposito may not be in this sequel but we got Uma Thurman instead. It was unexpected but I definitely loved seeing her in this movie. I think playing an old singer who has moved to producing instead is a role that suits her perfectly.

SOUNDTRACK

(L-R): Grace VanderWaal as Stargirl Caraway and Elijah Richardson as Evan in Disney’s live-action HOLLYWOOD STARGIRL, exclusively on Disney+. Photo courtesy of Disney Enterprises, Inc. © 2022 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Rob Simonsen and Duncan Blickenstaff’s score is nice and a good fit for the story. But, the songs really steal the show. Which is understandable considering Grace’s melodious singing voice. This time, she covers more songs. Plus, she also gets to sing an original song – ‘Figure It Out.’ I would describe it as the anthem of this movie. It is a truly wonderful song. The cover of ‘Dreaming’ with Grace and Uma is another highlight from this beautiful soundtrack.