Monte Carlo

Selena Gomez knows her audience which is probably why she was drawn to this film. 

Monte Carlo

Selena Gomez knows her audience which is probably why she was drawn to this film. Sure Monte Carlo plays more like a made for TV Disney Channel original and will more than likely get lost in the jungle of summer flicks. But this has a place for all the young girls who are starting to love the idea of freedom, boys, and finding yourself in this great big world of ours. Gomez plays a duel role and quite solidly at that. A cute film and Gomez is Groovy!

Grace (Selena Gomez) is fresh out of high school and ready to head to Paris for a post graduation adventure. This small town, Texas girl is joined by her best friend Emma (Katie Cassidy), and uptight step sister, Meg (Leighton Meester). They soon find out that Grace is a dead ringer for a British Heiress named Cordelia Winthrop Scott (Selena Gomez). Shen Cordelia decides to run off to NY, Grace and her pals figure they might as well take advantage of Grace's face and live it up on the Scott name.

The plot line is in no way unique or inventive. Yet it is still the perfect story for the tween and teen girls out there who love Gomez. It doesn't stray too far from the Disney TV yard in both content and style. Gomez is certainly the star of the show as she pulls off both roles with apparent ease. Grace is the quiet, small town girl while Cordelia is the spoiled, uppity, pampered brat. She is used to fancy parties, lavish hotels and constant catering. Grace on the other hand waited tables her senior year and saved every penny in order to make the trip even possible.

The movie has lots of teen humor in it as Grace and her friends try and keep up the ruse. There is also that romantic element as the girls each try and figure out the boy dynamic. It is this direction of boy talk that might make those 10 and younger lose interest. It is certainly safe for them, just not sure it will hold their attention.

Monte Carlo is rated PG for brief mild language. Again it is as tame as anything Disney has ever offered on their channel and one that parents can feel safe taking their own young ladies to see. Though geared for the kids I think Mom's will enjoy it for what it is if they decide to have a little mother daughter outing. I give it 3 out of 5 polo shots. This one will do a lot better on DVD than the theater. I am sure once it hits shelves young girls everywhere will watch it again and again.

Matt Mungle



Review copyright 2011 Mungleshow Productions. Used by Permission.