Genres

Visitors Review

2012-05-25 20:26:58

Better than I expected

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Alice Upside Down is a "tween" movie starring Alyson Stoner (of Camp Rock fame) as Alison, Luke Grabeel (of the High School Musical franchise) as her popular, easygoing and supportive brother Lester, and the now paternal Luke Perry (from the original Beverly HIlls 90210) as her father, Ben. Alice's life is turned Upside Down by a move to a new town, where she is the "new girl" in school, just trying to fit in.This movie turned out better than I expected. Alice does her best to fit in, and flashes between her real life, full of normal daily embarrassing moments that seem much worse than they are, and her fantasy world, where she is beautiful and popular, wears all the in-style clothes and is a fabulous singer. Many of the situations she is in are not far from reality, and her fantasy life is not far off from what every 11 year old girl's fantasy life would be. Because of this fresh realism, the movie was enjoyable to watch. Granted, everything turned out perfect for Alice in the end and there was no chance of any true conflict (even her mother's death when Alice was 5 years old ends up being warm and fuzzy in the end). I watched the movie with my six year old daughter and her seven year old friend. They both gave it two enthusiastic thumbs up. Even my eight year old son (who watched it just to keep the girls company, of course) enjoyed the movie. I would watch it again.

2012-05-25 06:41:28

Fun movie for pre-teens

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Alice upside down is a charming kids movie that parents will be able to watch along with their kids. The movie stars Alyson Stoner as a misfit pre-teen moving to a new town and entering a new school. Alyson deals with her insecurities by imagining that she is actually a "cool" girl. The movie flashes into imaginary sequences where Stoner appears as she wishes to be seen - with cool clothes, witty comebacks and an entourage of friends. These dream sequences contrast with Stoner's stumbles as a regular teen trying to fit in. The acting is pretty good which makes the movie stomach-able for adults. Stoner is really charming, her brother is believable and her father (played by Luke Perry) does a decent job in the role. Penny Marshall appears also as a school teacher with an attitude. Pre-teens will be satisfied by Alice Upside Down's charm and fun.

2012-05-15 15:07:35

A cut above!

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) "Alice Upside Down" is the movie version of The Agony of Alice, the first book in Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's popular series. I had not read the book but I watched the DVD with a girl who vouched that the movie true to the story.Alice is starting sixth grade as the new kid at school. Her mother has been dead for years, so Alice is looking for a female role model to guide her through adolescence. Her widowed Dad and older brother are sweet but have their own issues. At school, Alice finds a mentor where she least expects it.The movie plays a bit like "Junior High School Musical" at times, given that Alice is trying out for Drama Club and her brother is played by Lucas Grabeel (Ryan from High School Musical). But this movie is refreshingly real and down to Earth. The issues are centered on the genuine agony of feeling that you don't belong, and that everything you touch turns into an embarrassing mess--and worst of all, thinking you are the only one who feels that way. No one in the movie is a true villain, and Alice makes her own share of mistakes such as spreading gossip without really meaning to. Alice is shown in fantasy sequences that show the difference between how she sees herself and how others see a situation--a cute way to illustrate that stage that all sixth-graders and most American Idol auditioners seem to go through.Actress Alyson Stoner does a great job as Alice. She's all dressed up in the movie poster, but her Alice is a realistic kid. Lucas Grabeel's role as the brother is definitely more than a cameo. Though I personally didn't need to see him play his guitar with his shirt off in the band "The Naked Nomads," that might be a plus for some fans.Finally, when I saw Luke Perry on the DVD case I thought maybe he'd play a cool teacher. Imagine my shock that he was the Dad. Yes, GenX parents reading this review, we're officially old. (Guess that happens fast to a guy who played a high schooler on Beverly Hills, 90210 well into his 20's.)I would recommend Alice Upside Down for 9 to 12 year olds. Any girl who is ready to be clued in about the complications that come with the tween years would enjoy this movie.

2012-05-15 06:28:56

Good movie for pre-teens and teens - not young kids

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I anticipated this movie to be around the same age-level as High School Musical. It was not. I think this movie, while very well acted, is really for kids ages 11 and over. There is too much thinking, understanding, brattiness etc... that goes over the heads of younger ones. I watched it with two 7 year old girls and one 8 year old boy and felt that it was a few years too early for them to be watching it. Kids kissing, boy rock band with no shirts, very mean girls - it just didn't feel right to watch it with them. I am not an overbearing mom by any means but I would think twice before letting any kids under 5th grade watch this movie.That all said, Alyson Stoner is such a cute and wonderful actress and played the part of Alice perfectly. Same with Lucas Grabeel, her brother, who is the total opposite of his High School Musical character. Luke Perry didn't have much of a part and he was just okay. It was very nice to see Penny Marshall playing a part instead of behind the scenes. She did a spot on job of playing the "mean" teacher in school and how she is misunderstood. So overall I think it is a very good well acted movie for kids over 10 years old. The problem is, it isn't a movie kids will want to watch over and over again. It has lessons to be told but it lacks music, adventure, dancing and lots of comedy that keeps kids watching over and over again. I would recommend renting it before buying.

James Weinberg 2012-05-05 19:56:33

Man are you guys critical. You remind me of Aunt Sally!

I'm giving this a 10 not because it was Lawrence of Arabia or someearth-shattering, life-altering drama, but for two reasons: 1) tocounterbalance the snobs who gave it a low rating, and 2) because forwhat it is, it was really good. Yes, it could be a Saturday morningDisney Channel show. Yes, it reminded me of Lizzie McGuire or That's SoRaven and other programs of that genre. But folks, that's what it'ssupposed to be! Why are you trashing it when it is so obviously nottrying to compete for an Oscar? I'm a middle-aged father and watchedthis with my son. We both thoroughly enjoyed it. Penny Marshall was aan unexpected delight.I've never seen the Stoner girl before, or mostof the cast for that matter, but thought they were all very talented.No--I haven't read the book that people mention on the boards, so Idon't know if was faithful or not. Does it really matter? It hadwell-defined characters, good interaction and lots of momentum. I'm aprofessional musician and I even liked the soundtrack. This moviepresented a believable story about commonly shared family circumstances(okay...for middle-class white kids) treated with humor and respect.Funny, good acting, cute kids, no cursing or stupid sexual jokes, andvaluable messages for teens. So, I guess I had more than two reasonsfor giving it a 10!

2012-05-05 17:29:36

Excellent family fare!

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Alice Upside Down is a movie that tweens and their parents will adore. Alice McKinley moves to a new town where her Dad has opened a business. Her Mom has died, and Alice is left adrift in a world troubled by the usual tween angst. Is it her fault that, through her perspective, everyone else seems to have all the cool clothes, confidence and style? No wonder she spends so much time in her own fantasy life where everything goes perfectly. All of Alice's suffering is made worse by her assignment to the absolutely "worst" 6th grade teacher, Mrs. Plotkin (played by the fabulous Penny Marshall.) Why couldn't she have gotten the really cool teacher with the great hair and clothes who just seems to be her students' best friend?Ultimately, there are some great lessons learned in Alice Upside Down, and Alice learns to get past her superficial evaluations of what is important and move into a brighter and happier world!I highly recommend this cute film for the younger crowd. Older teens may feel they are too sophisticated for this DVD. Parents will be happy to find a film that families can watch together that is thoroughly entertaining, but also provides wonderful subject matter for later discussion.

2012-05-04 20:15:39

Awesome tween movie

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Alice Upside Down is a great book series for children. The movie was really good as well. It stars Alison Stoner of Camp Rock and Lucas Grabeel of the High School Musical Movies.Basically the story is about a young girl about 12, who lost her mother at a young age. She has had to grow up with only men around, therefore she is more tomboyish. She longs to be sylish, as in where super cute clothes, and to be popular and fit in. She can't sing, but trys out for the school musical to be close to the ultra pretty new teacher. Along the way, Alice learns about herself and that being coll and popular isn;t all what it's cracked up to be. She finds her place and gains some slef esteem.This is a great family movie, and perfect for girls 8-13. I recommend it.

2012-05-04 10:09:19

Surprisingly touching

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I was expecting a goofy Disney movie but this is much better than that. It's the type of movie you could let your 12-16 year old girl watch knowing she's getting a few life lessons included in the cost of entertainment.The main character Alice McKinley (Alyson Stoner) is cast as a clumsy tomboy. Having a "normal" main character instead of a pretty popular type makes the movie much more realistic and touching. She falls, spills, and finds herself in embarrassing situations constantly. Most teenage girls could relate to that. Most of the movie has you hoping her character will find happiness. That theme is the one that dominates.Also influencing the plot is that the whole family suffers from the death of the mother. There are a lot of touching issues revolving around that issue. The dad is starting to date and Alice has emotions resulting from that as well.Alice has teacher named Mrs. Plotkins who Alice does not like at first. Mrs. Plotkins keeps helping and through the movie you want Alice to appreciate Mrs. Plotkins too. In summary, you can't beat a movie that young teenage girls will love and parents will not mind watching too.

2012-05-02 01:59:30

Very enjoyable family film

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Ever since I have had a home theatre system in my basement, I always look for a movie that all of my family members truly enjoy. Other than some great animation films, such as the ones from Pixar (Finding Nemo, Cars, Toy Story etc.), it is not easy to find a movie that all of my family are satisfied with. And I can say that this movie is the one I have been looking for. This film has a story about a girl that moves to a new town, meets new friends, and tries to find a her way to be happy. Pretty familiar story, right? Of course there is a story with a boy and the jealousy she runs into. When I watch the first 15 mins of the movie, I could expect what the rest of the story will be. Yes, I was right and the movie went as I expected to be. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the acting and flow of the movie. I really enjoyed the movie and my 8 year old daughter really liked it. There are parts that my daughter watches over and over and laughs every time. Alyson Stoner, who I did not know before, did a great job acting Alice and it is fun to see Penny Marshall, who I remember more as a director than an actress, as a thoughtful teacher. It is also interesting to see Luke Perry as a careful dad, instead of a sexy bad boy that I have always remembered. One thing I should note is that this DVD does not have any subtitles. If you are like me whose native tongue is not English, you might not catch all the words in the movie. However, even without subtitles, I do not have any problems and do not think I missed any bit of the movie. The message is universal and the acting shows everything. I heartly recommend this movie for your family movie night.

2012-05-01 19:00:37

Alice Upside down

Note- The movie shows full screen on computers and widescreen on tv'sI love this movie and recomend it. Brought back some memories from my jr high years. This is the first in a series of direct to video Alice movies based on the books of the same title.Alyson Stoner does a very good job of acting in this film. Some may remember her from Mikes super short show and Suite life of Zack and Cody.She also guest stared on an ep of Thats So Raven.In the above series her characters were out going in Alice(She plays Alice) the character is subdued compaired to the above. She plays the subdued Alice great, which shows off her range of acting she can do.Her best scene is at the end when she is crying while talking to her dad.You can see real tears. One of the few actresses that pulls off a scene like that so convinceingly.Lucas Grabeel from High School Musical plays Alices brother.Alice is a girl where everything she does seems to go wrong.To borrow a phrase "If it weren't for bad luck she would have no luck at all."If that weren't enough her mom died a few years early and they have moved recently to a new house away from eveything she new. She falls on her facefitting in the first day at her new school. The girl across the street does however give her a change at school after there first meeting as they were moving in seemingly taking an instant dislike to Alice.In the end things start to work out. I like that its not a she lives happy every after ending. In the next films she will not dought face new problems to work out.This is sort of Lizzie Mcquireish that we see what she is thinking live action not cartoon. The tone of the film is Nickelodeon. Would be a good network for it to air on.Start collecting these films. Good store, Good lessons, Good acting.Oh there is soundtrack avalable for this movie. Alyson sings two songs.One a solo, and one a duet. Lost and Found and Free Spirit. You can get the soundtrack with the movie in a double pack but only at Walmart. They should do a normal release of the Soundtrack. The soundtrack is not avalable seprately.

2012-04-27 01:52:25

Perfect for Middle-Graders

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Looking for the perfect movie to take your eleven year old daughter? This is the one. The movie's main character, Alice, is actually a creation by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor - one of my favorite writers. In the books, the Alice series ranges from readers 9 - 13 and others from 14 and up. Alice in Alice Upside Down is eleven years of age. She lost her mother at age five. It's been rough and she's always felt like she doesn't fit in. Even so, Alice remains optimistic that things will turn out. Her, her father and her brother move to a new house and start all over. Alice is thrown into a new school to find her way. And she does, just not exactly how she envisions it. This movie will have you laughing and in some parts, a little sad. Alyson Stoner did a great job as Alice McKinley, but the one who shined the brightest was Lucas Grabeel as Lester McKinley. Penny Marshall, another actor who could do no wrong in my book - ever, played Mrs. Plotkin. The actor to surprise me was Luke Perry. Remember 90210, the long-running popular primetime television drama series that aired from October 4, 1990, to May 17, 2000? Remember Luke Perry? He plays Ben McKinley, Alice's father. It's a great cast of characters and I found the movie a delight. My daughter, age eleven, loved it too. Can't beat that.

2012-04-26 04:48:38

Watchable time-passer for pre-teens

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) "Alice Upside Down" is not a bad kid's movie. It's just not a very good one. The story concerns a sixth grade girl, Alice, who's family has moved to a new city. It's just her, her father, and brother - the mother passed away several years ago. Alice is awkward and unstylish. She has a generally hard time fitting in at her new school. Throughout the movie, we watch Alice trying hard to make new friends and avoid embarrassing situations.The movie was based on a book. I haven't read it, but I got the feeling that the filmmakers really didn't figure out what story they were telling. Books can pursue all sorts of plots and subplots, all while adding up to something complete. This movie is all over the map, plot-wise. It couldn't settle on just telling Alice's story - it also tried to tell her brother's story and her father's story. In fact, there didn't even seem to be much focus regarding Alice's story. Is this a movie about a girl trying to fit in with her peers? Is it a movie about a young girl coming to terms with not having a mother? Many avenues are explored, but there isn't enough skill in the writing to make it all satisfying in 90 minutes. Inner monologue is also suited to books. Having Alice directly address the camera in most scenes was distracting - and usually unnecessary as it rarely revealed anything we couldn't figure out for ourselves. Alyson Stoner plays Alice. I remember seeing this girl years ago dancing in Missy Elliot videos. I'm not sure if dancing is still her forte, but they do manage to work it into the movie. Alice sets her sights on playing the lead in the school play. Despite having talented musicians in her family (her dad is a singer/songwriter and her brother has a rock band), Alice can't carry a tune. Unfortunately for her, the school play happens to be a musical. Even so, she manages to land a role that requires some dancing. On the subject of Alyson Stoner, she is likeable and natural as Alice. Also convincing is Lucas Grabeel, as her smart-alec brother Lester. For the older siblings and/or parents who watch this movie - Luke Perry portrays the father. Penny 'Laverne' Marshall is nicely understated as Alice's teacher. The synopsis on the DVD case makes it seem like Alice lives in a fantasy world of her own conjuring - with her various trials and tribulations alternating between reality and how she envisions them in her imagination. Another problem with the movie is that this concept is hardly explored. We see a handle of scenes play out as Alice would like them to - with her being more confident and popular. But it never contributes in any significant way to Alice's character. In a way, those imagined scenarios just seem like ways to fill extra running time.All that said, the movie is inoffensive and very young viewers (like 12 and under) will likely enjoy it. The DVD features include short interviews with Stoner and Grabeel and a featurette about the costumes.

2012-04-24 11:15:53

Good movie!

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) "Alice Upside Down" was an enjoyable movie. Alyson Stoner plays Alice, who lost her mother 6 years ago (I don't believe the movie indicates how or why her mother died.) The movie is about Alice and her family (her brother Lester played by Lucas Grabeel, and her father played by Luke Perry) who have just moved to a new city because their father purchased a music store there. Alice is the new girl in 6th grade and doesn't have the best of luck, like her older brother does, making new friends and a perfect new life. She gets the "mean" teacher, played by Penny Marshall, and learns life lessons along the way as her and her teacher grow closer. Alice's mother had a beautiful singing voice, which must mean that Alice does too, right? Alice learns the answer while trying out for the lead part in the school musical. The movie is entertaining with all of Alice's mis-adventures, but has a very real feel to it while it deals with real-life matters surrounding the loss of Alice's mother. I even found myself in tears a couple of times! While I enjoyed the movie, it definitely has some heavy life lessons in it. I recommend this movie, as long as there are parents watching it with their kids, to help explain some of the lessons it teaches.-1smileycat :-)

2012-04-23 23:58:11

Tweeny Boppers comedy drama but not too schmaltzy

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Based on the successful books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, the adventures (if that's the right word) of the likeable but quirky Alice (Alyson Stoner) make it to the big screen in this Disney channel ready adolescent comedy drama. After the death of her mother, Alice is uprooted by father Ben and moved to a new town, school, teacher's friends and all that goes with it amidst her adolescent angst and tumultuous throws of simply being a teenager.Her shyness and isolation leads her to live out her dreams in vivid fantasies that often get her into tricky (and often funny) situations.That pretty much sums up the picture; it's fairly predictable as we watch her interactions and growth but gladly without being too sickly sweet.A genial cast including the likes of Luke Perry and Penny Marshall as the (almost sinister) teacher Mrs. Plotkin, help the story along and give it a well rounded family appeal.As long as you accept the intentions of the movie to appeal almost singularly to its targeted viewers you will enjoy it, although for me there wasn't enough breadth or character embellishment to covet a wider audience.Overall 4 stars for some believable and solid acting performances from the young cast. Not my particular kind of movie, but a nice (and fairly safe) viewing time with the family.

2012-04-22 23:05:05

Presenting tough issues to tweens - the RIGHT way

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) The main thing I want to get across is that 'Alice Upside Down' is, in fact, a true "family movie," that is actually free of the typical Hollywood over-the-top stuff that a family with tweens can't watch (at least comfortably) together. This is mostly very light material with a few issues that, while depressing, are handled in a positive light with good role models shown. There's a positive vibe that sat well the entire film - for this parent.

2012-04-22 15:43:00

A Good Movie Played Out Through the Eyes of Alice in 6th Grade

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Faced with the challenges of a sixth grade girl growing up with the complication of having lost her mother at an early age, the film revolves around the school-centric experience. Things are further complicated for Alice because her father, played by Luke Perry, purchases an out of town music store forcing a family move. Everything seems to be working against her, hence the title, "Upside Down". Even the teacher she was given Mrs. Plotkin played by Penny Marshall was considered to be the mean teacher, and something to be avoided. The school play tryout was a disaster. I can't reflect on the movie any deeper than that, otherwise I would be giving away the ending. I think that the moral of the movie is that when you think that your world is falling apart, and you are the most unpopular person, it really is a façade, and given a chance, support and friendship can come from the most unexpected places.

Gagana 2012-04-20 15:17:23

OMG!!!!!!

This movie is going to be wonderful. i can't wait for this movie!!!! I hope people will enjoy it as much i will. I have practically read every Alice book.

2012-04-19 18:57:53

Good flick for tweens and young teens

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I found this movie to be quite enjoyable. This movie would be especially relatable to kids of single parent households and kids who are starting or have started a new school. While it does deal with some heavy issues, such as death, this movie handles these issues in an, "it's going to be okay" fashion.For the target audience this movie is shooting for, it definitely delivers. Young girls will love it and young boys will like it, too. I would say the theme of the movie is "acceptance." This story helps kids accept things they cannot change. For instance, Alice is very clumsy and this often ends up in humiliation, but this movie teaches that it's not the end of the world to have a moment of embarrassment and I think that's a good message for kids.

2012-04-15 08:49:05

Surviving sixth grade. . .

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) Based on the first in a series of children's books by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor, ALICE UPSIDE DOWN offers up the familiar-yet-pleasing-enough story of a sixth grader Alice McKinley, as she faces the challenges of trying to fit in in a new school. I haven't read any of the books, but the movie follows the "tween" girl-power formula popularized by the likes of Hannah Montana and any number of Disney-style adolescent comedies.Among the well-worn cliches (boys are either icky or hot, single dad Luke Perry fumbles through cooking a Thanksgiving dinner), the best thing about ALICE is Alice herself, played with believable awkwardness by Alyson Stoner. High School Musical (Encore Edition)'s Lucas Grabeel is fine as Alice's older brother, and Penny Marshall is the reputed meanest teacher in the sixth grade. The rest of the cast is really average, with Perry in particular looking rather bored.Parents can rest assured, it's perfectly fine for your kids to take ALICE home. It's quite inoffensive, but may be a bit too bland for older teens.

2012-04-15 03:53:08

Nice family film, solid acting & engaging drama

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?) I liked this film a great deal. The story follows Alice and her older brother and widowed father as they move to a new neighborhood. Alice faces all the typical insecurities of someone entering their teenage years. Luke Perry plays the father and Penny Marshall appears as Alice's teacher. Alice's adventures are an emotional rollercoaster and the story provides an opportunity for the characters to grow and face the difficult feelings they have held within. Occasionally Alice's character goes into narration mode to reflect on what the character has learned or experienced. The lead actress does a superb job of playing the part in a way that helps the audience relate to what Alice is experiencing. This film is well-paced and contains a number of musical elements. This film is suitable for all audiences.