From Justin to Kelly

Movie review by Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
From Justin to Kelly Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Idol film expands 15 minutes of fame.

PG 2003 90 minutes
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Parents say

age 10+

Based on 3 reviews

Kids say

age 15+

Based on 4 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this movie has some mild swearing and sexual references. Kelly objects when Justin and his friends organize a whipped cream bikini contest. Some characters talk about "party" behavior (in mild terms), but the behavior they exhibit would impress even Annette and Frankie. Justin and Kelly share just one kiss. Characters drink in a bar. It is worthwhile to note that there are inter-racial friendships and romances, positively portrayed.

Community Reviews

dvdgirl
dvdgirl Adult
April 28, 2020
age 10+

good movie.

its a good movie not bad the critics are wrong with negative reviews good movie.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
TagiUnagi
TagiUnagi Adult
April 9, 2008
not rated for age

Want to see a better movie than "Chicago"? Look no further!

Honestly! "From Justin to Kelly" was a top-notch movie, surpassing the musical greatness of this year's Oscar winner. Unlike "Crossroads," this pop movie had a real, complex plot and deep characters. Some of the script was cheesy, but the acting was phenomenal. The singing, acting, and dancing was all so much fun to observe! I am not urging you to see this movie as an American Idol fan, but as a movie goer, who is often skeptical about today's movies. Musical lovers, and those who want to laugh and feel other emotions other than fear will absolutely adore the movie! I only wish there was to be a soundtrack! I hope that Justin and Kelly continue their movie persuits and the future American Idol winners continue on the path J2K created for them. I rate this movie two thumbs up, A+, for people who like humorous musicals!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

American Idol celebrities Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson star in this light romance. Kelly's namesake character is a waitress/singer in a Texas country and western bar who is persuaded by her two friends, scheming party girl Alexa (Katherine Bailess) and smart, loyal Kaya (Anika Noni Rose) to go to Miami for spring break. Also arriving in Miami are party promoter Justin and his two friends, party boy Brandon (Greg Siff) and nerdy Eddie (Brian Dietzen). The ensuing romantic intrigue includes jealous Alexa's attempts to derail the romance between Justin and Kelly, Kaya's dates with a poor but proud busboy, Brandon's encounters with a stern female cop, and Eddie's missed meetings with his online dream date.

Is It Any Good?

FROM JUSTIN TO KELLY isn't a terrible movie; it just isn't a very good one. A slight story about spring break romances is the excuse for a series of forgettable musical numbers, each delivered with the same shake-the-rafters power ballad punch. This film tries to be an updated Frankie and Annette beach party movie with cell phones and whipped cream bikini contests, but Frankie and Annette showed more energy, charm, and heart before the opening credits than this movie can manage in all of its seems-longer less-than-90 minutes.

Guarini and Clarkson are game and clearly like each other, but there are no romantic sparks between them, and if there was an American Idol for acting, they would not have made it to the finals. The musical numbers are mildly enjoyable, but at about the level of a theme park variety show.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why Alexa was jealous of Kelly and why it took Kelly so long to figure out that Alexa was disloyal?

Movie Details

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