KEY POINTS:
Herald Rating: **
I imagine most of those planning to see this film will know what a Bratz doll is, but for the rest of us old enough to remember Barbie or Sindy, then a Bratz is the equivalent for the 21st century girl.
The dolls have unusually large heads, wear a lot of makeup and short skirts, are very sassy, and have Bratitude. And this, the Bratz franchise's first foray on to the big screen is filled with young actresses who do their best to match up to their plastic inspirations.
Bratz is a chick flick for 9- to 12-year-olds. The creators know their target market and there is little else for anyone outside that demographic.
The film features cheerleader Sasha (Browning), science and fashion freak Jade (Parrish), wannabe journalist Yasmin (Ramos) and soccer star Chloe (Shaye), free-spirited teens who are BFF (Best Friends Forever) and have "a passion for fashion". It kicks off on the morning of their first day as freshmen at Carry Nation High, where the school principal's daughter, the class president Meredith Baxter Dimly (Staub), like, totally runs the show.
Preppy Meredith rules the school with an iron fist. As each new student arrives, she confirms the "social clique" they are in, and hands out seating plans indicating where each clique is to hang out. Meredith successfully manages to separate the four BFF who have the potential to ruin her empire and two years later they are hardly talking to one another.
But our spunky Bratz aren't going to conform to peer pressure, banding together to prove that individuality, friendship and following your dreams are the values they aspire to.
Which is all very sweet, but these overly dressed airheads are impossible to take seriously.
Ironically, it's the evil Meredith who manages to dominate the film with her "it's all about me" attitude, providing most of the entertainment and laughs, and reminding us that this tacky, American, glitter-filled portrayal of teenage life shouldn't be taken as anything more than light fluffy fun.
Cast: Nathalia Ramos, Janel Parrish, Logan Browning, Skyler Shaye, Chelsea Staub Director: Sean McNamara Running time: 97 mins Rating: G Screening: SkyCity, Berkeley Verdict: Pretty hard to stomach, unless you're a 9-year-old girl
