Stargirl Caraway is back to teaching people to stay true to themselves and believe in the magic of kindness in Hollywood Stargirl. After changing the lives of the students of Mica High in 2020's Stargirl, the dazzling heroine sets off to the West Coast to change more lives and see what adventure her dreams take her on. For the sequel, writer-director Julia Hart and co-writer Jordan Horowitz stray from Jerry Spinelli's sequel novel, Love, Stargirl, but keep much of the same themes and broad experiences the character has from the book.
Hollywood Stargirl follows Susan "Stargirl" Caraway (Grace VanderWaal) as she moves to Los Angeles with her mother, Ana (now played by Judy Greer). As Ana pursues a new career opportunity, Stargirl feels agitated about the constant moves and her inability to stay in one place long enough to make a real friend. Not long after moving in, Stargirl attracts the attention of Evan (Elijah Richardson), her new neighbor. Evan is an ambitious young man chasing his Hollywood dream by making a film with his older brother Terrell (Tyrel Jackson Williams). Luckily for him, his leading lady shows up just in time, and it just so happens that Stargirl can relate to his story. Like in the first film, Stargirl's effervescent quality and unrelenting kindness and spirit will change everyone around her — even herself.
In the sequel, Stargirl is seeking companionship, one that doesn't come at the cost of her conforming, as was the case with Leo and the students of Mica High in the first film. By setting the story in Los Angeles, Stargirl's eccentric style and outward acts of kindness are not viewed as abnormal (at least to a certain extent). There is little fuss about Stargirl's habits as the environment and people around her are a lot more open. Despite the setting being more fitting for Stargirl, her antics and general outgoing nature is somewhat subdued, perhaps a by-product of her maturing into a young woman.
With Stargirl taking center stage, VanderWaal is given more space to embody her dynamic character, but she and the film fall flat in that regard. VanderWaal is easily amongst the young starlets with an innate magnetism that cannot be overstated. She even manages to rock a short haircut that most would dread sporting. However, she and the story are far more placid than one would expect the second time around. Considering the inner turmoil that Stargirl attempts to quiet, Hollywood Stargirl lacks a sense of gravity or urgency. Persistent pleasantness permeates the movie until the central conflict comes to a head in the third act when Stargirl can express her withheld negative emotions. Unfortunately, Stargirl doesn't change or evolve and remains relatively neutral. Throughout the film, Stargirl simply floats from one experience to another, incapable of being anything other than a manic pixie dream girl (sans the manic). There are shades of something more substantive, but the film never lingers long enough on moments for them to have more of an effect.
Richardson and Williams are delightful additions to the sequel, but the story of two brothers teaming up to make a movie is something that could easily be its own. Their characters get a decent amount of screentime, but they sometimes feel more like people Stargirl needs to talk to for the movie to have a plot. But the pair are charming enough to make do with what little is offered to them. Uma Thurman as Roxanne Martel and Judd Hirsch as Mr. Mitchell play characters that fit the LA scene perfectly and just happen to be the right people for Stargirl to enchant into helping her and the brothers' movie. Greer is also good. Ultimately, the cast all do well with playing their pleasant characters who take to Stargirl with ease, which is refreshing because viewers don't need to go through another story with someone reacting poorly to her.
There is an earnestness to Hollywood Stargirl that is very sweet and somewhat indulgent in places. While the film is never particularly dull, it is slow. However, there are a ton of pleasures to enjoy, particularly in the filming style and aesthetic of the film. Hart's assured directing makes up for much of what the story lacks. Her eye for natural beauty allows the settings to feel more magical, allowing the enchanting aura Stargirl gives to permeate every space she inhabits. Natalie O'Brien's costuming shows off each of the character's unique traits, but it is most notably effective when highlighting the uniqueness of Stargirl herself. The film is rich with tenderness and vibrancy overall.
Hollywood Stargirl offers Disney+ viewers a nice change from the usual Disney shtick, films and TV that overwhelm the senses with over-the-top acting, clownish jokes, big production and even bigger noise. Hart's vision gives audiences a relaxing and comforting adventure that leaves a very satisfying feeling in the end. Sure, the film may feel somewhat tepid in places, and it meanders, but the overwhelming wholesomeness of the picture will make one embrace its simplicity.
Hollywood Stargirl premieres on Disney+ Friday, June 3. The film is 107 minutes long and rated PG for some mild language.
