This film is exactly what you'd expect from a screen adaptation of the Stargirl novel made by Disney and starring Grace Vanderwaal.
It carries over all the issues I have with the novel - the eponymous Stargirl is a supernaturally perfect "manic pixie dream girl" who is too good for this Earth. She exists only to inspire all the students to become quirky and aspirational non-conformists, almost like some sort of religious prophet. Her character is a little toned down from the novel, where she is actively disruptive and does things like saying "United Turtles of America" in the American Pledge of Allegiance. This adjustment makes the film a little more bearable to watch, but it also removes anything genuinely interesting or entertaining about her. Now the only thing that sets her apart is that she has a strange name and wears colourful clothes, which makes me wonder why anyone notices her.
Another issue of the adaptation is the acting and characterisation. Leo has been reduced to a stammering mannequin. Stargirl is just a mannequin. No offense to Grace Vanderwaal; she is a great performer but seemed perpetually dazed when acting. Maybe this is her way of showing how carefree and otherworldly Stargirl is, but to me it just seemed like she was constantly dissociating. Everyone's personality is toned down to the point of one-dimensional blandness.
The Disney production has shaped this movie into a strange style where the plot is constantly contrived and cheesy, yet it is shot as if we are supposed to take it seriously. There are many unrealistic moments that serve only to hit pre-defined plot beats without much of a compelling reason or build-up. Examples include Stargirl's sudden popularity/infamy, many spontaneous musical performances, obligatory romantic focus on protagonist Leo and inexplicable success in the speech competition. In a usual Disney sitcom this would be presented in a stylised comedic way, but here it is imbued with so much lingering pathos that it presents an identity crisis for the very film itself. Do you want to be a deep teen drama with relatable issues or a quirky comedy with over the top characters and events? Make up your mind.
If there's anything good about the film, it's the production values. The cinematography showed the scenery in gorgeous deep tones, the choreography was skillful (if misplaced) and the sets felt like the book's settings come to life with character. It's a shame that this skill was wasted on such an indecisive and contrived adaptation though.
