A French Tale Reimagined: “LOL” (Without the Musical Numbers)
This is the story of a high school year in the life of Lola (played by Miley Cyrus), a teenager navigating the complexities of love and family. Lola has a crush on a singer in a saccharine rock band and finds herself at odds with her seemingly strict but ultimately understanding mother (Demi Moore).
This remake of the French film of the same name (the original title is much better) was destined to be sweeter and more glamorous than its source material. After all, American teen comedies have a well-established tradition of sentimentality. Here, notebooks are adorned with hearts, and the heroine’s MacBook proudly displays the word “love.” However, since Lisa Azuelos, the director of the original, also helmed this Hollywood version, the film avoids becoming completely unbearable. The grandmother is still being given sleeping pills, and the best boyfriend is still the old friend.
The Original’s Legacy
It’s important not to overstate the merits of the original film. Its main appeal was the charming fact that Sophie Marceau, who played a similar character named Lola in “La Boum” at the start of her career, returned years later as the mother.
Miley Cyrus: The Deciding Factor
Here, everything hinges on one person: Miley Cyrus, the star of “Hannah Montana,” whom young audiences in the United States either adore or vehemently dislike. Don’t be surprised if, after watching this film, you find yourself drawn to one side or the other.