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71 out of 106 people found the following review useful: Heartfelt...most underrated film of the year!, 26 October 2004 Author: Smurfette_Smurf (Smurfette_Smurf) from London, England
I went to see Raise Your Voice expecting the worst. What I left with was a lump in my throat and a sincere admiration for this young actress/singer Hilary Duff.People are so hard on her and she just seems so unworthy of such criticism. Sure it's a squeaky clean Fame...and it's kinda cliché. But...the performances of Hilary as well as her supporting cast were honorable. This movie certainly doesn't deserve the bashing it's getting.I was especially impressed with the young supporting cast including Kat Dennings, Johnny K. Lewis and Dana Davis. Not to mention John Corbett who by far was one of the greatest things in this film.I cared...I cried...and when it was all over I honestly felt inspired.I give this film a 6 out of 10...because it makes u care..it really does.
31 out of 39 people found the following review useful: Tragically Predictable, 7 June 2005 Author: Ddey65 from United States
In my review of "Cheaper by the Dozen"(2003), I mentioned the difficulty Hilary Duff is going to have breaking away from typecasting as Lizzie McGuire. The fact that this movie was a Brookwell/McNamara Production, a staple of the cable network that made her famous may be another obstacle from that typecasting. Make no mistake though -- Hilary Duff *IS* a talented actress and singer(in spite of corporate punk pretensions), and even with this formulaic material she proves it. But the way things are looking now, she couldn't break out of the Disney universe if she did hardcore pornography.Terri Fletcher(Duff) sings in a local church chorus, and for her own personal enjoyment. She also thinks her singing can make her a star, and so does her brother Paul(Jason Ritter) who secretly recommends her for a scholarship to a school for the performing arts in Los Angeles. But her father(David Keith) wants her to stay at home and wait tables at the family diner. After she and her brother sneak out to go to a concert one night, some drunk driver plows into them on the way home. Her brother dies, she survives and is left with crippling flashbacks and survivor's guilt. But just when she thinks she's going to have to spend the rest of her life at the bottom of the barrel, along comes that scholarship to the performing arts school she didn't even know she entered. Of course, the only reason she doesn't want to go is because she's afraid to face the wrath of Dad, so Mom(Rita Wilson) and Aunt Nina(Rebecca De Mornay) tell Daddy she's going to spend time with her aunt, while smuggling her off to that school. And the rest of the movie involves Terri trying to make friends in the big city, cover-up her lie to her father, and deal with her own fear of bright lights, courtesy of that random drunk driver.Too much about this movie is predicable; The overbearing father, sympathetic avant-garde artistic aunt, the tragic car wreck, the boyfriend with an ex-girlfriend who won't let go(who Terri catches putting the moves on and thinks is unfaithful to her), and yes even the triumphant concert at the end. Having said all that, I must reiterate that I don't want my criticism of this movie to be interpreted as another Duff-bashing tirade. Because regardless of the cookie-cutter plot line, Duff is still outstanding. Yes, she's a better actress than a singer, but both of these aspects of her are far superior to the movie. And if you DON'T believe she can play anyone else but Lizzie McGuire, you should've seen her in a highly publicized episode of Joan of Arcadia from the Spring of 2005. So while it's nowhere near the fluff-piece that her first big series was, it makes you wish there were more parts out there that are better for her.
32 out of 47 people found the following review useful: Raise Your Voice 9/10, 11 October 2004 Author: joaniekilbride from DG, IL
*** This review may contain spoilers ***
In RAISE YOUR VOICE, Terri Fletcher(Hilary Duff) has always had a close relationship with her brother, Paul(Ritter). When they sneak out to a concert and get hit by a drunk driver(Terri survives the accident,leaving Paul dead), she feels terrible. She then loses her passion for singing. She was hoping to attend a summer music program in LA, but her father(David Keith) says she can't go. Terri's mom and aunt sneak her in and tell her father that Terri is spending the summer with her aunt.I am surprised that people didn't think this was a great change for Hilary. All of her other roles were the same; but in this, her character isn't all that different but the heartfelt script brings much emotion into Terri's role, giving Hilary the opportunity to show everyone that she can do a drama. She convinced me.A lot of sadness is brought in through her brother's death. Hilary Duff is good at crying and the rest of the cast is pretty good. Oliver James is great at Hilary's boyfriend, Jay. And John Corrbett is fine as the loose music teacher. Good job, Hilary. I hope to see a movie like this from you again: smart, thematic, romantic, and humorous. Mostly the thematic.PG- thematic elements, mild language, and brief sensuality.
29 out of 46 people found the following review useful: The movie does NOT suck..., 19 December 2004 Author: dawnkelley from United States
I'm so sorry to see so much negativity about this movie. It's apparent to me that people that don't see the value of it, just plainly don't like Hilary Duff. Whether you like her or not, this movie has great potential.I am an adult with a teenage daughter, and I happen to love the storyline...it showed great character in how some kids deal with adversity. Never mind, that we all knew Hilary would be a great singer, and how it was portrayed. So what? I enjoyed the storyline, and was caught by surprise on the tragedy. Note in the end, the prize went to her friend, and it was a great moment.I guess I just enjoy a great movie when I see it!
28 out of 45 people found the following review useful: Amazing Hillary Movie!, 29 August 2005 Author: Riley Hudson from United States
I thought this movie was amazing!A lot of people don't like Hillary movies but this one is worth seeing.There are parts that made me wanna cry and other parts made me laugh.I think this movie is really heart-warming so all girls should see it.Guys may like it too but I think it's more on the chick-flick side.The issues with Teri are very real and the movie is played out really well around them.I really enjoyed watching it.Even if you don't particularly like Hillary,you should still see it because this is one of her best movies.It's different than her other movies and she really shines in this.Oliver James is also very good in this movie along with the rest of the cast.
17 out of 24 people found the following review useful: A little formulaic, but still provides 'that peaceful loving feelin', 8 June 2005 Author: (~AleXa~) from Texas, USA
Hilary Duff stars as Terri Fletcher, a 16-year-old anxious to explore her musical talent at a performing arts academy in L.A. for the summer. After a little persuasion, she makes it there, and the movie is more or less about her exploits therein.The film starts well; the Three Days Grace concert helps set the musical tone for the movie. That was an unexpected surprise, although I suppose I'm partially biased since I like the band.A beautiful performance by Hilary Duff. I am more and more impressed with her with every movie I see her in. She brought me to tears twice in the first twenty minutes of the movie. I was impressed by the colorful array of teens at the school, even if they were chosen primarily to make it believable that they're in L.A. I appreciated that none of the teens were written to fulfill any particular stereotype and all seemed like real people, for stereotypes are a sore spot for me, as my teen years were not all that long ago. I loved the scenes with Denise playing the violin; again, very refreshing and stylistic. John Corbett turns in a innovative performance as a progressive music teacher, breathing a little more life into the film.The direction really helps to further the movie along, as it is pretty anti-climatic. The 'unwanted kiss' was a bit predictable, however an element of predictability is generally assumed in movies of this persuasion. The make-out scene was completely unnecessary and should've been cut.And it should be noted that the film is more or less like a Crossroads (2000) for a slightly younger generation, but despite that, it still maintains its own life.I absolutely love the last song in the film—that was the perfect song for the theme of the movie. And I don't care what anyone says, Hilary Duff is a true performer, even if she isn't that great of a singer. She just always has this glow about her, and no matter how I feel, seeing her perform always makes me smile, and that's something to be commended.VERDICT: Very enjoyable musical film despite its predictability. Recommended to anyone with kids, who's young at heart, who likes Hilary Duff, or just needs a good smile, but be forewarned—you might get a little teary-eyed before that smile reaches your lips.6.5 out of 10.0
24 out of 40 people found the following review useful: totally underrated movie, 20 May 2005 Author: gsmoore81 from United States
I do not understand why anyone would rate this movie anything less than a perfect 10. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, the characters were great (all movies make high-end music students look like snobby prima-donnas). I have seen every Hilary Duff movie to date and this is definitely her best work. Compared to "A Cinderalla Story", this movie has 10 times the quality and entertainment value. I thought Terri's relationship with her brother was very moving - and the scene where she first saw his DVD that was sent to the school was very well done - I could almost feel her grief. The teachers were well done. Thanks to everyone who made this film. I will be purchasing the DVD. Remember that Hilary is 16 years old when this was filmed - I look forward to the next decade as Hilary finishes her teens and goes into her 20's. My only complaint about Hilary - lose the fake hair - just let yours grow - it looks better.
10 out of 15 people found the following review useful: good one, 20 December 2005 Author: mattkratz (themattk@hotmail.com) from Richardson, TX
This was a decent movie about a girl who is inspired to follow her dreams. Hillary Duff plays a small-town girl who is accepted into a prestigious music school camp for the summer. Her father is adamant that she not go, so she sneaks behind his back to do so. Her brother had sent in a tape of her performing (which got her in) right before he is killed in a car accident. She attends the camp, endures some rivalries, finds love, and actually has a good experience. This movie did follow a formula, but it was a likable formula. I think this was a feel-good movie about doing what's right and following your dreams. I liked it.*** out of ****
7 out of 10 people found the following review useful: Awesome!!, 10 May 2005 Author: LLLLdude_aka_Babieboi from United States
I love this movie and find it inspirational. Some people may not, so why even bother watching it? You don't have to like it, but anyway, if you do, then great. This movie is unlike all those other pointless movies (Ex. Confessions of a teenage drama queen, Freaky Friday). Instead, it proves a point. If you're suffering currently, you're not alone. Just know that someone's got it worse than you and sometimes you just have to push your limits and as the movie is mainly about, raise your voice. Don't hold back because eventually, you've got to let it all out. I think Duff portrays her character's role rather well. It may contain some profanity, but I'd still advise people of all ages to watch it.
8 out of 12 people found the following review useful: raise your voice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, 15 February 2005 Author: freshD from United States
Raise Your Voice is by far the best movie i have seen all year. Hilary duff is amazing in it and i think this is the best yet of all the movies she has been in . I have watched the movie a the theatres 5 times and it is out today .i have already but it and recommend to everybody that if you are a Hilary Duff fan or you love music and wanna make it big watch the movies and the amazing special features! i have many spoilers but I'm sure nobody needs them because everybody has probably watched the movie. I also think that Hiary duff plays a much more mature confident role and I like how it is different from any role she has played.
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