Teen Spirit – Vivid, Enthralling and Momentous Film Filled with Important Messages
Violet is a shy teenager who dreams of escaping her small town and pursuing her passion to sing. With the help of an unlikely mentor, she enters a local singing competition that will test her integrity, talent and ambition. Driven by a pop-fueled soundtrack, Teen Spirit is a visceral and stylish spin on the Cinderella story. KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Nathalia J. comments, “Can I say catchy! Teen Spirit, directed and written by Max Minghella, is ever-lasting, vivid, enthralling, remarkable and a momentous film. It is loaded with important messages that can be applicable during life. Let me warn you, it’s an entertaining ride. Get ready to sit back and enjoy some beautiful music.” Zoe C. adds, “This is a different musical: Teen Spirit is not about the typical dream of becoming a star, but the situations and temptations you face throughout the journey. It is fueled with great acting and a powerful soundtrack. It’s definitively a nontraditional coming of age story.” Ivey H. wraps it up with, “The scenes are great to watch. I enjoyed the color scheme, lights, music and costumes which support the entire vibe of the movie. This film reminds me of other iconic movies such as Flash Dance and Footloose. TheTeen Spirit helps you understand how the music /entertainment industry is full of “smoke and mirrors.” The message is to keep people around you that you trust and that have your best interests at heart.” See their full reviews below.
Teen Spirit
By Nathalia J., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 10
The story follows a shy, stylish, and deep feeling youth named Violet (Elle Fanning). Wow! What a dream she has of pursuing her passion to sing and break free from her small town. With the help of an unexpected mentor, she enters a local British TV talent show that will test her patience and ambition. This film allows you to experience one of the most beautiful and emotional touching stories ever.
The lead characters are Elle Fanning (Violet), Millie Brady (Anastasia), Elizabeth Berrington (Lorene), Jordan Stephens and Rita Zmitrowicz (Hayley). My favorite part is undeniably when Violet executes a breathtaking performance during the finals. I enjoyed this moment because it really inspired me to take big leaps of faith just like Violet did. I also enjoyed this moment because it shows how far Violet has come to achieve her dream.
My favorite character is the inspiring and hard-working Violet, not only because she is the lead character, but because she inspires us to believe in yourself and don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish a dream, big or little. An important aspect of the movie is the creative and story-telling music. I enjoyed numerous performances throughout the film because the songs aren’t just up-beat catchy tunes, they also tell a powerful and moving story which explains Violet’s past.
This film promotes many positive, heart-warming, uplifting and inspiring messages such as being true to yourself. For example, Violet has a dream that she wants to achieve, but she doesn’t change for anybody to accomplish that dream. She works hard to accomplish it though. Another important message is about how peer pressure influences you, but you most follow your heart and be strong.
I give this film 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 10 to 18, adults can enjoy as well. You can catch this film at your local movie theater on April 19, 2019. So look for it.
Teen Spirit
By Zoe C., KIDS FIRST! Film critic age 10
This is a different musical: Teen Spirit is not about the typical dream of becoming a star, but the situations and temptations you face throughout the journey. It is fueled with great acting and a powerful soundtrack. It’s definitively a nontraditional coming of age story.
Violet (Elle Fanning) loves singing, but, more than becoming a star, she wants something different in her life. She wants to escape from her small town and auditions for a popular singing competition in the U.K. called Teen Spirit. A stranger she meets in a small bar, Vlad, becomes her mentor; although her mother doesn’t like the idea at first, later she approves. With her mom’s blessing, Violet embarks on a journey in which she will face obstacles and make important decisions.
This is a good film for teenagers; the classic Cinderella story is retold in a modern world with current events and situations. Although I am slightly disappointed with the ending, the story flows slowly but nicely, and the music is enjoyable. The ending should tietie the movie all together, but this one seems to be missing something. There are a couple of parts that I don’t feel are complete or well-developed and the storyline was kind of plain.
Elle Fanning is great in her role. Teens can connect to her character, Violet; Elle actually sings most of the songs, making this connection even stronger. It is very remarkable her ability to perform a “triple threat” meaning she can act, dance and sing. She also speaks a foreign language fluently (her character is of Polish descendent, and Violet exchanges some lines in this language with her mother).
The relationship between Violet and mentor, Vlad, ( Zlatco Buric) is key in the film. It is unconventional but somehow predictable.
This film is produced by a La La Land producer, and has elements in common but with a European flavor.
I love the wardrobe and the makeup is good as well. I love all the songs and the montage in the main audition scene.
The message of this film is that if you have a dream don’t lose yourself. Stick to your dream and don’t let anything stop you from accomplishing it. I give Teen Spirit 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 13 to 18. Teen Spirit opens nationwide on April 19, 2019
Teen Spirit
By Ivey H, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 13
I enjoyed this dramatic, vibrant, pop culture movie! Teen Spirit is written and directed by Max Minghella, a filmmaker from Hampstead, London, England. The music, costumes and storyline are very intriguing. I really like the way the director shot the scenes.
The film is about a teenage girl, Violet, who has a complicated life. She has a single mom, and they are on the verge of losing everything. They both work multiple jobs just to survive. Violet has many interests and is more of an introvert, although her passion is singing and dancing. She enters a local talent contest with the help of a friend she meets in a nightclub. This friend has an interesting past. By entering the contest, Violet brings hope to her small town. The movie has some unexpected twists and turns.
Violet is played by Mary Elle Fanning. Her performance is amazing. She is a natural beauty, and I love her style in this film. This is a difficult and complex character to play. Violet is an introvert and a sort of sad young lady. You really feel for her and Maria, her mom, in their everyday struggles with life and school. On a brighter note, the music and lyrics are so well done. I am really impressed with her ability to sing. Her voice is mesmerizing — it gave me goose bumps!
Agnieszka Grochawska plays Violet’s mother Maria. They are both of Polish decent. Agnieszka is very intense in this role and also made me laugh in a few parts. The bar friend and manager, Viad, is played by Zlatko Buric. He plays a very important supporting role. I like the backstory with this character as it is unexpected. His character and relationship with Violet really pulls the plot together.
The scenes are great to watch. I enjoyed the color scheme, lights, music and costumes which support the entire vibe of the movie. This film reminds me of other iconic movies such as Flash Dance and Footloose. TheTeen Spirit helps you understand how the music /entertainment industry is full of “smoke and mirrors.” The message is to keep people around you that you trust and that have your best interests at heart.
I give this film 4 out 5 stars. It is for an audience range of 12 to18. Adults will definitely enjoy this movie, too. I do not recall any bad language so I give it thumbs up for that. There are a few scenes with drinking, smoking and slightly risky behavior. It opens in select theaters everywhere April 19, 2019.
