The Challenge
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Movie Reviews of The Challenge
Movie Review: Olsen Reality TV?
Summary: 4 Stars
"The Challenge" continues (and perhaps wraps-up???) the Olsen twins direct to video line of franchise movies, this time taking the girls to Mexico for a "Survivor-esque" reality game show.THE STORY:
Shane and Lizzie Dalton (Mary-Kate and Ashley) are estranged sisters who unknowingly enter the same "Reality Game Show" competition for college scholarship money where, among other things, they have to learn to tolerate each other, compete in "Survivor-esque" contests, battle "evil" TV producers and of course, work through boyfriend problems. In the end the girls learn the meaning of family.
THE ANALYSIS:
All in all, this is definitely one of the best Olsen twins efforts and marks a fitting end to their "pre-adulthood" films and direct-to-video line. While the "Faux-Survivor" bit was a little cheesy at first, the action is top-notch for a "family" film courtesy of all the outrageous "Survivor"-type challenges and the message of family the film shares is just awesome. In a strange but appropriate nod at the end of the film the girls and characters "break character" to acknowledge the twins past accomplishments and a montage of the girls in their films throughout the years make an appropriate end to not only this movie but their "pre-adulthood" career.
THE DVD SPECIAL FEATURES:
Like most Olsen DVDs you've got a stuffed DVD features section, but unfortunately most of it is fluff. Included in the DVD special features are:
1. Behind the Scenes featurette: 7 1/2 minute featurette where the cast and crew (primarily the twins) talk about the movie and their experiences filming it.
2. Trailers: The Multi-million dollar Olsen marketing machine was in full force here!!! The twins shill the following from their extensive product line as well as the Warner Brothers product line:
a. "New York Minute" Movie Trailer
b. Their extensive DVD/Video Catalog
c. "Getting There" Movie
d. "When In Rome" Movie
e. Mary-Kate and Ashley Super Spa Day Fashion Dolls (?????)
f. Their line of books
g. The "Mary-Kate and Ashley in Action" cartoon series on ABC.
h. Their website "MarykateandAshley.com" where you can get all the latest information!!!
i. Fiesta Americana Grand Los Cabos (where THIS film was filmed)
j. "What A Girl Wants"
k. "Twas the Fight Before Christmas Powerpuff Girls"
l. the "Tom and Jerry" Catalog of videos
m. "Saddle Club: The First Adventure"
3. Trivia Quizzes - Test your knowledge on the film and the twins!!!
a. "The Challenge: Don't Spill the Beans" Quiz - Answer the same questions as posed to the contestants during the movie
b. "The Challenge: Know Your Challenge Contestants" Quiz - Test your knowledge of the various characters in the movie
c. "Mary-Kate and Ashley Movies: What Happened Where?" Quiz - How well do YOU know your Olsen twin films?
d. "Mary-Kate and Ashley Movies: Who Played Whom in What?" Quiz - How well do you know the characters the girls played in their films?
THE VERDICT:
In all, overselling in the DVD features aside, the movie was great for a family viewing. Olsen fans should love this installment in their ever-growing video franchise series. While the "Faux-Survivor" concept was a bit cheesy this film probably had the best mix of adventure and story out of all their films and the message of "family is important" is as great a message to share in a film as any. Parents should be pleased with another clean, quality product from America's favorite twins. Overall, not a bad addition to their franchise and a fine choice to add to your Olsen collection if you're so inclined.
GRADES:
Film: 4.5 stars
Extras: 3.5 stars
Overall: 4 stars
Highly Recommended
Movie Review: Last Direct To Video
Summary: 4 Stars
The film The Challenge is Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen's last direct to video film before going to the big screen with New York Minute. In the movie the Challenge, Mary-Kate Olsen plays the character of Shane. A relaxed girl who doesn't eat meat, likes yoga, and is pro-nature. Ashley Olsen plays the character of Lizzie. Lizzie has very high goals for herself, she likes things to go smoothly (she's never ever late for anything), enjoys steak (opp. for Shane), and is basically a perfectionist. When the two girls meet they are shock, but both decide to stay because of the prize at stake-a college scholarship. The show's rules are curfew by ten and no romantic entanglements. As in all the other films, the girl's characters meet boys which they become interested in. I liked the idea for the movie because its original and something different from what the girls usually do. The film is pretty entertaining. It does a good job is mixing humor, romance, and adventure. The only reason why the film gets four stars instead of five stars is because the challanges they do are a bit on the easy side. However, the film has so many fun things in it, that it helps compensate. Also, without giving away too much information, the ending of the film is great. It wraps up Mary-Kate and Ashley's home video series with a song and clips and it even takes on a hilarious take from past films. The movie is worth renting if not owning. Hope this review helps.Movie Review: Better than the rest....
Summary: 4 Stars
I liked The Challenge better than either Holiday In The Sun or When In Rome because it looks like the girls are getting better. Not great, but better. And there was more of a plot than usual ;)The scenery is great but what really did it for me was the ending. Fans will get the ending and think it's hilarious. I have to admit I actually teared up a little - I always get emotional when they have lovey twin moments.
Other favourite bit - Ashley in the snake pit. So real. Adorable.
Movie Review: Saw the tv version November 15
Summary: 4 Stars
This movie will be great for the "tweens" and for those wholike survivor. It was a little weak on the plot, but my 10 yr. old daughter loved it.
It showed we should put our
differences aside sometimes for the sake of others.
We saw it on tv, but are going to buy
the dvd when it comes out.
It would make a great addition
for the christmas lists.
Movie Review: Not a bad movie.
Summary: 4 Stars
While the Olsen movies aren't known for having stellar movie plots, i found this one much more interesting than most of the other movies that came out. And thank goodness they decided not to make out every 2 minutes like they did in when in rome. I recommend this to any parent.