Unlike some IMDb reviewers I can watch a movie and understand what demographic it is for and enjoy it for that demographic and review it fairly. Obviously Monte Carlo was not written for my demographic but there has been plenty of "Disney" type pre-teen "Chick flicks" that I have thoroughly enjoyed for what they are. Monte Carlo doesn't really fit that bill very well. The movie has a decent, well liked, and popular lead cast, lovely European locations, a funny comedic plot but none of it really takes off. I would have liked to have seen more slapstick laugh out moments and better chemistry with the cast would have made this far better than what it was. I think I expected the film to fit the demographic of pre-teen...12-14 year olds but instead, at best, this is made for 10-12 year olds.
Selena Gomez plays her dual roles in the film as down to earth likable Grace, and the uppity, snotty, entitled Cordelia. She actually does a solid job in both roles but she is one of the people I expected more laughs from and that never really happens. Katie Cassidy plays Grace's best friend. I thought she sort of didn't fit in the cast very well. I like Cassidy in certain roles but this one just didn't fit her and she didn't have great chemistry with Gomez. Leighton Meester is okay as Gomez's step-sister. Meester is a great actress but I don't think her character has much depth and she comes across as very unlikable for the most part. The supporting cast including Andie MacDowell and Cory Monteith are okay in their roles but far from noticeable or stand out in their performances. Even the romantic story lines are rather weak because the male romantic leads are completely forgettable.
I would imagine that young girls will still get a kick out of the film but it could have been a whole lot more given the positive aspects of the film. I would say that the film's lack of impression was due to co-writer and director Thomas Bezucha lack of experience but he did an excellent job on his previous film "The Family Stone" but I still think this wasn't necessarily the right project for him because I think the script lacked real depth and the execution of the film lacked punch. While there are some fun moments and some amusing laughs, overall this one is definitely avoidable. There are just too many better films for the same demographic. 6/10
Selena Gomez plays her dual roles in the film as down to earth likable Grace, and the uppity, snotty, entitled Cordelia. She actually does a solid job in both roles but she is one of the people I expected more laughs from and that never really happens. Katie Cassidy plays Grace's best friend. I thought she sort of didn't fit in the cast very well. I like Cassidy in certain roles but this one just didn't fit her and she didn't have great chemistry with Gomez. Leighton Meester is okay as Gomez's step-sister. Meester is a great actress but I don't think her character has much depth and she comes across as very unlikable for the most part. The supporting cast including Andie MacDowell and Cory Monteith are okay in their roles but far from noticeable or stand out in their performances. Even the romantic story lines are rather weak because the male romantic leads are completely forgettable.
I would imagine that young girls will still get a kick out of the film but it could have been a whole lot more given the positive aspects of the film. I would say that the film's lack of impression was due to co-writer and director Thomas Bezucha lack of experience but he did an excellent job on his previous film "The Family Stone" but I still think this wasn't necessarily the right project for him because I think the script lacked real depth and the execution of the film lacked punch. While there are some fun moments and some amusing laughs, overall this one is definitely avoidable. There are just too many better films for the same demographic. 6/10