Sometimes we all just need a feel-good movie to watch when the world feels dark. Disney Plus has gifted us a sequel to their movie Stargirl! Read on for a spoiler-free review of Hollywood Stargirl, streaming on Disney Plus.

Screener provided by Disney however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hollywood Stargirl Review

In Hollywood Stargirl, Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal) and her mother Ana (Judy Greer) relocate to Los Angeles where Ana has a job as a costume designer.  Left on her own, Stargirl dreams of singing and songwriting but with no contacts and no friends, she is more lonely than ever before. 

A chance meeting with two neighbors Evan (Elijah Richardson) and Terrell (Tyrel Jackson Williams) who are working on their own film opens an entirely new world to Stargirl, which includes meeting her favorite singer Roxanne (Uma Thurman.)

It should be said that I wasn’t sure what to expect from this film and I figured it certainly wasn’t created for my demographic.  I’m happy to say that this movie is an absolute delight! 

Stargirl’s quirky songs and outfits were a big part of the movie Stargirl, and while these character quirks are a part of this film, there is a certain amount of sadness that surrounds this version of Stargirl.  Gone are her friends and love interest and even her mom is absent for the majority of the movie.  What’s left is a stripped-down version of a girl just trying to live out her dreams and feel at home in her own skin.  Lead actress Grace VanderWaal was made for this role.

I really enjoyed that Hollywood Stargirl has a dreamlike quality to it.  Director Julia Hart took advantage of the sunsets in Los Angeles, as many of the scenes have a soft orange glow to them.  Paired with Stargirl’s desire to make her dreams come true, there’s a quiet beauty to this film that was very unexpected.

Other Movie Reviews

Movie Review: Pinocchio Streaming on Disney Plus

The Best Tween Movies on Disney Plus

Epic Adventures Return in Willow Now on Disney Plus!

Movie Review: The Sanderson Sisters Run Amok in Hocus Pocus 2!

Review: Doctor Strange in Marvel’s Multiverse of Madness Brings More Chaos Into the MCU!