Film Review: "Jem and the Holograms" (2015).

"Every Generation Needs a Voice." This is Jem and the Holograms. This musical fantasy comedy-drama film directed by Jon M. Chu, written by Ryan Landels, loosely based on the 1980s animated television series Jem by Christy Marx, and produced by Hasbro Studios and Blumhouse Productions. As a small-town girl catapults from underground video sensation to global superstar, she and her three sisters begin a journey of discovering that some talents are too special to keep hidden.

In 2010, Hasbro and Universal had signed a six-film contract, or a new incarnation of the animated series, due to the recent successes of G.I. Joe and Transformers. In late March 2014, a live-action adaptation was announced, to be directed by Chu. Chu's interest in developing a film adaptation was based on having grown up watching the original animated series with his sisters. He had attempted to make the film eleven years earlier with producer Jason Blum, but was rejected by Universal due to the cost. The film's musical producer, Scooter Braun, stated that he drew influence from his work on the career of Justin Bieber. It was later revealed that the original Jem writer Christy Marx was not involved in any part of the film's production. Marx was upset that Hasbro did not inform her about it. In response to her having no part or consultation on the film, Marx defended Chu's sense of ambition for the project via Facebook and left it up to the fans to decide whether or not the project was a "smart decision". In late April 2014, it was announced that Aubrey Peeples had been cast in the title role. Peeples had admitted being initially unfamiliar with the franchise although she subsequently became familiar with it and became a fan quickly. Stefanie Scott, Hayley Kiyoko, Aurora Perrineau, Ryan Guzman, Molly Ringwald, Juliette Lewis, Molly Ringwald, Ryan Hansen, Kesha, Hana Mae Lee, Katie Findlay, and Eiza González rounded out the film's cast. At the same time, principal photography commenced, and wrapped in late May. Filming took place in Van Nuys and Los Angeles, California, under the working title of Pink Pony. Chu and the film's creative team gave the fans of the original animated series a chance to participate in the film by filming themselves talking about how the show inspired them. Several fans sent in videos, with most of them showing off their Jem memorabilia. However, the filmmakers took the footage and edited it to make it look like the fans were talking about the film's version of Jem, sparking controversy and anger with original fans. The filmmakers defended this decision however, stating that it was a way to pay tribute to the fans and the original series while seamlessly incorporating it into the film's version of events.

The cast provide performances that should be in the hall of shame under the category "Best example of going through the show for a paycheck."


Though arguably superior to Chu's Justin Bieber concert films, Jem and the Holograms is overwhelmed by its nonstop music and is too nonsensical and vapid to leave a lasting impression.

Simon says Jem and the Holograms receives:

Also, see my review for G.I. Joe: Retaliation.