Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

Wuchak December 14, 2018

★ 7/10

***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 …

JPV852 November 20, 2021

★ 6/10

Entertaining enough music-comedy that at least had me smiling throughout. The core cast with Rachel Leigh Cook, Rosario Dawson and Tara Reid were fun and the satirical element was fun with the incredible amount of product placement. Not familiar with the comic or animated shows beyond seeing a couple episodes here and there, but seemed to capture the tone. Not a big compliment, but it is far better than Jem and the Holograms... **3.0/5**