source: Jem and the Holograms

Being a fan of the animated series grouping up (it was an animated MTV for kids back in the day, back when MTV still played music videos), so I decided to see the movie last night. I have to say the movie isn't as bad as people are making it out to be. Granted, they took some liberties updating it for social media and YouTube generations, but I think they made the right call with it. And while the dialogue was pretty sappy at times (which actually works to its benefit considering how sappy the dialogue was in the original series), and that they tweaked other changes (Synergy is now a robot instead of a holographic supercomputer, Rio is the son of the record producer Erica Raymond, and a few others), overall, I think the story of empowerment and being true to yourself and expressing your voice shouldn't be lost in the mix. And I also enjoyed the mid-credits scene, which people should stay for to see for themselves! Plus, they made sure to include some of the classic lines from the animated series into the movie.

It's pretty easy to spot the industry reviews here. Took my niece and nephew over the weekend to see this one and afterwards they told me that they would have rather stayed home and been forced to do cleaning chores around their house for 2 hours. It simply amazes me how God awful some kids movies like this one can turn out to be. They have to be paying the actors minimal scale. There didn't seem to be any vision or direction with the script in this one. Seems like they were trying too hard to make the 80s out to be even more cheesier than it needed to be. The acting was terrible in this one. I would not waste your time or money going to see this. It isn't even worthy of watching as a rental.

I'm not sure what the point of calling this Jem and the Holograms is. It bears no real connection to the fun '80s cartoon series. Instead, this is a boring and predictable teen drama that rips off everything from Hannah Montana to Earth to Echo. So you make a property based on an old cartoon and toy line and then proceed to alienate any viewers who might want to check it out for nostalgia's sake. On top of that, your movie kinda blows anyway so you can forget adding any new fans. The songs suck, the actors are forgettable, and the script doesn't have a single original idea. There's also this annoying YouTube crap that keeps popping up. I get it. You're trying to make a Jem for the generation that has such a thing as "YouTube popular." That's an idea that should have been killed in any of the pre-production meetings they undoubtedly had before this thing was made. It's a misfire from start to finish. It likely won't appeal to any of the fans of the original Jem and I can't imagine it will hold much appeal to any younger fans, excepting those who might be crushing on a couple of the actors.

Jem and the Holograms was one of the best movies I have ever seen in my life, and so far it's currently my top pick for 2015. It really does hit your heart with open-minded messages: fame is never good and always comes with the consequences. My 8 year old daughter fought back against her leash, but by the time the movie ended, her opinions had changed. She totally loved it and she wanted it on Blu Ray instantly. Obviously though, it's not out on Blu Ray yet which really upset her. Just goes to show how good it was! My favorite part was the acting. We've got some really good performances here and I can tell these actors/actresses are upcoming mega-hitters! Go see Jem and the Holograms and your money will be in safe hands for a sequel, and boy, do you want a sequel after watching this! AMAZING! People who hate it are clearly sinners who don't understand the messages. You want blood and death, really? NO! This is 2015, and with feminism up and coming in the world, I think this shows really strong political values! It's okay to be yourself! You are a woman and proud! These men don't need you! Come into the light away from these Star Wars nonsense alien rubbish movies! Jem and the Holograms opens up a new path for strong women into the future of 2016! Thanks. ~TurnYourWeaponsToSnow.

It was super cute, very funny in places, and I was really surprised by the acting, the acting was incredible. The music was fun! I could definitely see the cartoon inspiration. Don't go into the movie theatre expecting the cartoon, it was loosely inspired by it, but it paid a lot of homages to it. Molly Ringwald was in it (love her), Juliette Lewis was in it (incredible actress), and Ke$ha has the most BADASS cameo in the post credits that really sets this movie up for an incredible sequel. I'm praying to the glamor, glitter, fashion, fame and pink Gods to get a sequel. (wait a little bit while the credits are rolling, the post credit scene is to die for.) I will be devastated if this doesn't get a sequel. Don't believe the haters who've been bagging on this film by calling it a Hannah Montana knock off. It is far from it. Also, for a movie about holograms with a budget of only $5,000,000, I was very impressed. GIVE IT A CHANCE! I will be seeing this movie again.

** may contain spoilers, may not... read at your own risk ** This movie was NOTHING even close to the "Jem and the Holograms" cartoon.. to the point that it's being dubbed "Jem in Name Only".. you know a movie is awful when the Official preview on YouTube has more Dislikes than Likes.. and to add more insult to this junk the pirates aren't even bothering to rip it off. They didn't even consult with the shows creator on this movie. destroyed the whole origin of "Jem" and turned it into a cross between Justin Beiber & Hanna Montana. Save your $$$ and watch something else, this will ruin your memories of "Jem and the Holograms"..

I went into this movie with mid level expectations. I'm the type of person to give anything a chance if I call myself a fan of what it's based on. Jem is one of those instances. I grew up on Jem and have loved every aspect since I was a small child and my sister brought it home, by mistake, for me from the video store. This movie was a glorious surprise for me, it had everything I wanted and if anybody is a fan of marvel comics, think of this movie as Jem's "ultimate" universe. A modern refashioning of something classic with a great potential to be amazing and in my opinion it succeeded in being amazing.

Just came out of the theatre about 90 minutes ago. Loved it. It was fun, the music was terrific, and the cast was great. I don't know why people thought recreating the original as a live-action movie would be a good idea. It was about a young woman (18 years old at the start of the series) who ran a record company, was a rock star, managed an orphanage, and two-timed her own boyfriend. Given today's focus on authenticity vs. cultivated image, I thought the movie hit the nail on the head. I'm tired of remakes and remakes of remakes (Fantastic 4, anyone? Spiderman?). This one isn't a remake. Chu & Co. took the basic concepts (girl power, the question of identity) and redid it for this day and age. If you're expecting the original, then watch the original. For once, Hollywood tried to make something original from the original. I, for one, am glad.

Let me start by saying I love the Jem franchise. Since I was a kid, Jem has always been in my life. When I heard there was a movie in the making, my excitement was palpable. Finally got to see "Jem" last night and I was not disappointed. It's a wonderfully fresh take on the Jem universe with real life scenarios- not time travel and the misfit felonies of the 80's. Even though there isn't a Rockin' Roadster or that one Felony where The misfits kidnap Jem or that one time the President is kidnapped and Jem saves him, the movie truly holds the Heart of Jem and the Holograms. Sisterhood, self reliance, and rad music. Loved the movie from start to finish- from seeing the girls argue the first time to the end credits with a fabulous surprise. It was moving and endearing at all the right parts. And can I just say how fabulous Molly Ringwald looks?! I won't mention the numerous nods to the original cartoon-- too many to count and made me so stoked as a fan. Go see this movie for great music, fun adventure and self-discovery in a tween/young adult vein. It's Truly Outrageous!!