Valley Girl

Valley Girl (2020) is a vibrant, coming-of-age musical comedy, directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, starring Jessica Rothe, Josh Whitehouse, Jessie Ennis among others. Brimming with effervescent colours, pulsating 80's music, and a captivating love story, Valley Girl (2020) is a successful reinterpretation of the 1983 movie of the same name. The film showcases an electric love story flawlessly woven with powerhouse performances, amusing humor, and 80's nostalgia, radiating an irresistible optimistic energy.

Jessica Rothe, esteemed for her lead role in "Happy Death Day" series, brilliantly shines as the titular Valley Girl, Julie Richman, a high school senior, living a seemingly perfect life. She's a popular, privileged, all round nice girl from the San Fernando Valley, only finding her complacent life lacking the magic of the unusual and the unexplored. Happy in her routine life, Julie, is, however, discontented with her predictable and complacent life.

The sizzling and spontaneous Randy, played flawlessly by Josh Whitehouse, is a punk rock musician from Hollywood, the polar opposite in every aspect to her sheltered and privileged life. Their worlds collide at a beach party one summer, setting off an unexpected spark, fleeting glances turning into stolen moments. Their chemical connection is palpable, setting off a story of a love that risks defying their separate realities.

Randy's punk-rock lifestyle and the world of the Valley cause a cultural clash forming the crux of their budding relationship, exploring themes of differences and acceptance. The film excellently addresses these teenage trials and tribulations, weaving a tale of difference in class, subculture, and acceptance, in the backdrop of an exploding 80's pop culture scene.

As the couple navigates the stages of their unconventional relationship with the backdrop of 80's Los Angeles pulsating with the music scene, familial pressures, and peer influence, Julie must decide what her heart truly desires. Showcase performances are pivotal in building the contrasting worlds of Julie and Randy and capturing the essence of these characters. Josh Whitehouse's every moment on-screen is captivating, effortlessly embodying the rebellious spirit of Randy. Rothe brings to life Julie's conflict with absolute credibility, her journey of self-realization expressed brilliantly.

Jessie Ennis gives a fantastic performance as Stacey, Julie's outgoing and fun-loving friend in the quintessential Valley Girl squad. She adds another flavorful layer to the tale with her quirky nuances and high-energy performance, rounding off the ensemble with her dynamic presence.

The film uses music as a key narrative device, making it an essential part of the tale. The songs are an assortment of classic 80’s pop hits that will have you tapping and humming along. The contemporary renditions of these classics, are not just performed, but woven into the story, highlighting key moments and exhibiting the intense emotionality of the situations.

The setting and aesthetics are conceived with exceptional attention to detail. Vivid colors, high-waisted jeans, aerobics attire, crimpy hair - the film is a nostalgic visual treat for anyone who has grown up in the 80s or has a soft spot for the decade.

Despite this, Valley Girl (2020) does not shy away from adding its own unique flavor to the narrative. It's not merely a remake but a reimagining, maintaining the spirit of the original while bringing something fresh and contemporary to the fore. It seamlessly blends modern sensibilities with 80s aesthetics - a testament to the director's thoughtful vision.

Valley Girl (2020) is more than just a remake of a cult classic. It’s a musical tribute to the coming-of-age dramas of yesteryears filled with electrifying chemistry, heartfelt romance, and unforgettable musical numbers that leave you feeling nostalgic and energized all at once. This effervescent re-imagining of the classic film will certainly appeal to an audience seeking an engaging and uplifting cinema experience, offering both laughter and profound insights in equal measures. Its humor, relatability, and a dash of sentimentality make it a memorable blast from the past.