This student made web series follows Melanie (Lily Bowen) a straight "A" middle school student who is framed for stealing answer keys and no one believes her innocence except for herself and the Cooler Crew who want to help clear her name.
The screenplay is well written and has elements of mystery and suspense, but the lesson is about friendship. What I like best is that eventually Melanie's investigation identifies the true culprit and she is able to get out of detention and clear her name. The camera work is pretty good, although the lighting is weak and hence, many of the shots are not particularly clear or definitive. The cinematography changes when Melanie is alone in her room. In that location, the cinematography is very clear and the images and colors are very vivid. This web series use locations that fit the storyline and are very believable. The background music enhances the mood and tone of the series. The music used when Melanie and the Cooler Crew are trying to break into the principal's office is very suspenseful. The music introducing each episode is very catchy, so much that me and my Mom were dancing along to it. Melanie's character develops a lot during this episode. Daniel (Louis Buchanan) is the BEST at pranking people! One girl, Emily Colton is on her phone all the time. I have to say that Melanie's mom disappointed me; she never gave Melanie a chance to explain her side of the story. My second least favorite character is the principle who also doesn't take time to really listen to Melanie and hear her side of the story. This is an example of stereotyping a bad parent and a bad principal. One of the most amazing things about this film is that 13-year-old Lily Bowen is the writer, director, and stars as Melanie Simmons. My favorite character is Melanie Simmons.
The message of the series is that honesty is the best policy.
I give The Cooler Crew 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Kira O. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
This student made web series follows Melanie (Lily Bowen) a straight "A" middle school student who is framed for stealing answer keys and no one believes her innocence except for herself and the Cooler Crew who want to help clear her name.
The screenplay is well written and has elements of mystery and suspense, but the lesson is about friendship. What I like best is that eventually Melanie's investigation identifies the true culprit and she is able to get out of detention and clear her name. The camera work is pretty good, although the lighting is weak and hence, many of the shots are not particularly clear or definitive. The cinematography changes when Melanie is alone in her room. In that location, the cinematography is very clear and the images and colors are very vivid. This web series use locations that fit the storyline and are very believable. The background music enhances the mood and tone of the series. The music used when Melanie and the Cooler Crew are trying to break into the principal's office is very suspenseful. The music introducing each episode is very catchy, so much that me and my Mom were dancing along to it. Melanie's character develops a lot during this episode. Daniel (Louis Buchanan) is the BEST at pranking people! One girl, Emily Colton is on her phone all the time. I have to say that Melanie's mom disappointed me; she never gave Melanie a chance to explain her side of the story. My second least favorite character is the principle who also doesn't take time to really listen to Melanie and hear her side of the story. This is an example of stereotyping a bad parent and a bad principal. One of the most amazing things about this film is that 13-year-old Lily Bowen is the writer, director, and stars as Melanie Simmons. My favorite character is Melanie Simmons.
The message of the series is that honesty is the best policy.
I give The Cooler Crew 4.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 18, plus adults. By Kira O. and Julie S., KIDS FIRST!
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