Home | Movies By Year | Movies from 2009
Degrassi Goes Hollywood
Buy Degrassi Goes Hollywood now from AmazonFirst, read the Wikipedia article. Then, scroll down to see what other TopShelfReviews readers thought about the movie. And once you've experienced the movie, tell everyone what you thought about it.
Wikipedia article
'Degrassi Goes Hollywood' is a 2009 Canadian film adaptation of the popular, long-running teenage drama 'Degrassi: The Next Generation'. The movie premiered in the United States on The N on 14 August 2009, and in Canada on CTV on 30 August 2009. It was directed by veteran Degrassi actor-director, Stefan Brogren. 'Degrassi Goes Hollywood' is the first feature-length movie of the 'Next Generation' cast, and the second feature-length film in the 'Degrassi' franchise, the first being 1992's 'School's Out' in which Brogren co-starred. 'Degrassi Goes Hollywood' is the first in-continuity 'Degrassi' production recorded and set principally outside of Canada. For syndication purposes, the film has been shown as a four-part episode titled "'Paradise City'".
An extended version of the film was released as a bonus on the show's season 8 DVD on 1 September 2009.
Plot
As the name suggests, the cast of 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' travels to Los Angeles, California as they attempt to live out their dreams. While Manny Santos continues to pursue her acting career, Paige Michalchuk manages to acquire a leading role in a Hollywood film directed by Jason Mewes about his high school story and the girl of his dreams, Trixie. The dramatic relationship between Craig Manning and Ellie Nash continues to intensify after years of turbulence. Meanwhile, Stdzthe band composed of Peter, Danny, and Savseems to be headed towards their big break.
Cast
Former 'Degrassi: The Next Generation' co-star, Shenae Grimes and her current series, '90210', are spoken of in dialogue by Hailey Montel (Mary Ashton) at a party, making Grimes the first 'Degrassi' actor to exist within the 'Degrassi' fictional universe independently of her character. Her 'Degrassi' character, Darcy Edwards is neither seen nor referred to in 'Degrassi Goes Hollywood', and was said to be volunteering in Africa in a previous season. The line of dialogue, "Does '90210' have an After Show?" also refers to the Canadian series 'The After Show', which is co-hosted by Dan Levy who plays Robbie in the film. Also making an appearance is Romina D'Ugo, who appeared on the first season of 'So You Think You Can Dance Canada', as well as Janna Polzin, who was runner-up on 'How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?' This was done again the following year with 'Degrassi Takes Manhattan', when 'The After Show'
Stacey Farber earned a Gemini Award nomination for best performance in a children's or youth program or series, as Ellie Nash in "Paradise City (Part Three)". The award was won by Michael Seater (who also appeared in 'Degrassi Goes Hollywood') for his work on 'Life with Derek'. He would then star beside Farber in '18 to Life'.
Production
Filming was split between Toronto, Canada, and Hollywood, California with the majority being the former to keep production cost low. Adamo, Stacey, Lauren, Jake, and Jason all filmed in both locations while everyone else filmed only in Canada. All of the studio scenes were shot in Toronto during 'Degrassi's regular filming schedule while a lot of outdoor Los Angeles was filmed on location in less than a weeks time. Paige's mansion was filmed in both Canada and Los Angeles.
Absences
The following characters do not appear in the movie, but were regular characters on the show during the previous season.
* Sarah Barrable-Tishauer as Liberty Van Zandt
* Stefan Brogren as Archie "Snake" Simpson
* Paula Brancati as Jane Vaughn
* Aislinn Paul as Clare Edwards
Music
'Degrassi Goes Hollywood: Music from the Original Movie' is the title of the movie soundtrack released on CD on 4 August 2009, and digital download 25 August 2009. It features songs from little known Canadian artist as well as five original songs performed by cast members Cassie Steele and Jake Epstein. Some of the songs featured on it were previously used in the show, thus making this the eighth season soundtrack as well.
References
Buy Degrassi Goes Hollywood now from Amazon
<-- Return to movies from 2009