Orphan Mary Katherine Gallagher, an ugly duckling at St. Monica High School, has a dream: to be kissed soulfully. She decides she can realize this dream if she becomes a superstar, so her prayers, her fantasies and her conversations with her only friend focus on achieving super-stardom.
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Reviews
I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.
Brilliant and touching
It's not great by any means, but it's a pretty good movie that didn't leave me filled with regret for investing time in it.
There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.
After watching it my second time, I realized that this movie is not primarily a comedy: It is a social statement and source of inspiration for all those who have been dis-enfranchised, isolated and rejected. As we see in Superstar, some of these "outsiders", like Mary Katherine Gallagher (played by Molly Shannon) and Helen Lewengrub (played by Emmy Laybourne), have a heart of gold.Yes, some of the things Mary Katherine does and says are funny, but it is not the main show nor the main point: She wants to prove to herself and others that she is worthy of respect and love. She knows how good she is. When she realizes that she is seeking fame for other's approval, however, she rights her motivation, and continues on to a stellar performance at the talent show.This spiritual instruction by her grandmother, played by Glynis Johns, deserves special mention, because her character, although handicapped and in a wheelchair, proves that she still has much to offer Mary Katherine and the world. Pay attention to this movie and listen to what it is telling you about finding your own heart and soul and defending it at all times and at all costs: Dare to dream and to pursue those dreams. Also, make sure it is your dream and not someone else's.I would have done a couple things differently in Superstar, had I been directing: Sorry, Bruce: Any movie with spontaneous, choreographed dance scenes is all-the-worse for it. Why? It is impossible. It makes no sense. Where and when did the students in the cafeteria rehearse this number? It makes me want to puke more than Evian pukes.Also, Mary Katherine's act at the talent contest should not have been interrupted by "the record getting pushed to 45rpm". That was just stupid, and it consumed the time that could have been devoted to Mary Katherine doing some more funny and entertaining stuff on stage. Will Ferrel's "appearance" as Jesus Christ was particularly cool and funny. Slater took it pretty calmly when confronted by the King of Kings, on the road out of town! Very funny.I enjoyed the character of Slater, and think Harland Williams did a great job playing this complex-yet-simple character. Especially touching was the scene when Mary Katherine told him she (still) wanted a kiss from Sky (Will Ferrell), and Slater, though hurt, politely told her good night, and left.An especially candid statement was made by Mary Katherine, to Slater, at the pool: "Sometimes, I just hate the way I am". Molly Shannon does a great job of lighting up when Slater told her she is beautiful. This movie is not a comedy, and anyone who has ever been isolated, insulted or made to feel sub-par by a group will recognize this fact.If you are one of the drones who make others feel bad to make yourself feel good, you will despise this movie. Please think twice about the psychological effect you have on others.There are not many movies I can think of that I consider important. Superstar is an important movie because it speaks for the outsiders: Those who have had to do things by themselves with little or no help, despite over-whelming odds.Right now, you may wish that I was savagely ripped apart by a school of hammerhead sharks, but I figure.., if Steven Tyler thinks Mary Katherine's hands smell pretty good after being in her armpits.., then maybe we underestimated her. If someone in a wheelchair can organize a stage show like that.., then maybe there are superstars all around us.
Well, I won't state it's not a clumsy movie, because in fact, in most of the times, it is. However, I find it to be occasionally enjoyable and funny. One of its mistakes is the actress chosen to portray Mary; don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with Molly Shannon, but it was evident that she was much older than her character-- mainly if you've seen other of the projects she's been into in the twenties. For some moments, I noticed many similarities with "Never Been Kissed", even if they were released in the same year. I mean, what was going on with American cinema back then? Lack of authenticity, maybe? However, I may be not too critical on that, considering that such subject wasn't THAT saturated as it is nowadays. I'm talking about the weird girl that wins the prom contest or something similar in the end. Also, I admit that the few references to "Carrie" felt very funny, even if they made clear the movie's overall cheesiness. All in all, it's not a great or inspiring movie in any aspect, but it's enjoyable when you're looking for a light comedy.
I remember watching this movie when I was working in America in the year 2000 with my cousin and absolutely pissing my pants with laughter at it.I then totally forgot about it until I noticed it on a website for sale for like £3 and thought I would buy it and see if it was as funny as I remembered. It was - and it was funnier the second time around.Molly Shannon is an underrated comedic actress who we should see more often and who should be given lead roles on a more regular basis as she is absolutely hilarious in Superstar.This movie has absolutely no point and no story but is just full of class comedy moments which make me chuckle over and over again. And not only is Ms Shannon rather good in it - Will Ferrell is on top form before he made it big time. Its just a shame he didn't drag Molly with him and make her as big a star as she is.Get her in the Frat Pack now! Oh - and this movie is well funny so I recommend it highly to anyone with a sense of humour!
Because we had seen all the other comedies at the DVD store, my son and I finally watched Superstar. It had been so panned by every review I had ever seen, I thought it would be a waste of time. Perhaps especially for those who have memories of Catholic schools, it is as delightful as it is silly. My twelve-year-old does not have these memories but he laughed hysterically none the less.I do recommend this film, but I do not recommend the critics who gave it only one star. Like psychologists, film critics must understand both the genres they review, and every type of audience that will view the film. This comedy may not be for everyone, but I cannot imagine anyone taking real offense at it either.