The Clique (2008) (V)

User Rating:

4.9/10   

Director:

Michael Lembeck

Writers:

Lisi Harrison (novel)
Liz Tigelaar (adaptation)

Release Date:

11 November 2008 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

The only thing harder than getting in, is staying in.

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Based On Novel

Cast

Elizabeth McLaughlin	...	Massie Block
Ellen Marlow	...	Claire Lyons
Samantha Boscarino	...	Alicia Rivera
Sophie Anna Everhard	...	Dylan Marvil
Bridgit Mendler	...	Kristen Gregory
Elizabeth Keifer	...	Judy Lyons
Vanessa Marano	...	Layne Abeley
Keli Price	...	Chris Abeley
David Chisum	...	David Block
Dylan Minnette	...	Todd Lyons
Shelby Stanton	...	Jenna
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Dale Appel	...	Upscale Shopper
Chris Conte	...	Abeley's Dad
Angel Desai	...	Nurse Adele
Roger Dillingham Jr.	...	Paramedic
Elizabeth Gillies	...	Shelby
Stephen Guarino	...	Vincent
Nazanin Homa	...	Mrs. Alvarez (as Naz Homa)
Julie Lauren	...	Kendra Block
Lisa Masters	...	Mrs. Marvil
Neal Matarazzo	...	Jay Lyons
Boris McGiver	...	Isaac
Todd Mello	...	Winning auction bidder
Juliana Parinello	...	Debbie Weecer
Aaron J. Patton	...	Parent
Camila Vignaud	...	Fawn

MPAA:

Rated PG for thematic material, rude behavior and language.

Runtime:

Argentina:87 min (DVD version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

USA:PG | Argentina:Atp | Singapore:PG | New Zealand:PG | Australia:PG

Filming Locations:

Rhode Island, USA

Company:

Alloy Entertainment

Trivia:

During the painting scene (around 22:19) There are paintings behind Alicia and Claire. One of them is clearly a reference to the Korean Pop group Wonder Girls, and their debut single "Irony".

Goofs:

Continuity: When Massie is picking up Mr. Lyons's plate and Todd's plate Todd closes his hand after he tells Massie "you complete me" but when the camera backs up you see him close his hand again.

Quotes:

Massie Block: Loser loser, double loser, whatever, as if, get the picture... DUH!

Better than I expected, but still not good enough

As a fan of The Clique Series, I was very curious to see this movie. Mainly because the entire world of Massie Block, her exclusive clique and Claire Lyons is so relatable. The actors were not very well-known, it was going straight to DVD and there wasn't much of a hype for it. And like many novels turned into movies I expected the worst. However after watching it all, I realized it wasn't half bad. Not amazing (or "ah-mazing") but still tolerable. And the acting was pretty good for teen actors who are starring in their first movie. In my opinion, the actors did a good job of embracing their characters - despite how some did not exactly fit the descriptions entirely. The script even stayed mostly true to the story. There were only a few things I was disappointed with though. First, even though the acting was tolerable, it wasn't always up to par. At times I found what they were doing to come off as forced, as if they didn't really know what they were saying. And sometimes there was just too much yelling I couldn't take it. Second the setting of the school (OCD) disappointed me greatly. I expected a wealthy, stylish prep school, decorated and all. But I guess there's only so much you can do with a school hallway. Despite the negative things though, I really enjoyed the high end fashion. It was a good break from the usual we see on the streets everyday. But, sadly, it's not the clothing that makes a movie. All in all, I would recommend this to my friends, other teenagers who want a good laugh or style ideas. Or even pre-teens looking forward to junior high. It may not be the next "Mean Girls", and sure the acting is so-so but it was certainly better than expected.