Lauren Levine Movies
Nolan Funk, Tammin Sursok, and Victoria Justice headline this Nickelodeon Original Movie about a bad-boy rock star who helps a goodie-two-shoes choirgirl sing her way to the national championships. Nikko (Funk) has just been ousted from his band. He thought he was on his way to musical superstardom, but now he's got to start over from square one. Enter Courtney (Sursok), an ambitious choirgirl who's just formed a new singing group that's in desperate need of a male vocalist. At first Nikko and Courtney have little in common, though before long they've bonded in a bid to win the national championships right out from under the nose of Courtney's catty nemesis Tammi (Justice), who isn't above cheating to take top prize. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nolan Funk, Tammin Sursok, (more)
- 2008
The newest nerd in school joins forces with the one-time Olympic hopeful whose failure at the Seoul Games made all of America cringe in this Nichelodeon Original Movie. Try as he might, there's just no disguising the fact that Hamm Lake Middle School's newest arrival won't be scoring any winning touchdowns in the near future; not only is Roland (Nathan Kress) hopelessly inept when it comes to sports, but he can usually be found somewhere in a corner with his nose buried in a book. Enter beloved Hamm Lake Middle School gym teacher Dave Stewie (Christopher Meloni). Dave represented his country at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, though his disastrous vault went on to become one of the greatest bloopers in sports history. Now, the National Gym Class Fitness Competition is fast closing in, and Dave is catching heat from the principal (Amy Sedaris) to whip the students into shape. Could Roland be just the kind of underdog Dave needs to lead his school to victory at the National Gym Class Fitness Competition? As Roland and Dave get busy training, a devious gym teacher (David Alan Grier) at a rival school plots subterfuge from afar. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nathan Kress, Christopher Meloni, (more)
From the producers of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and the mind of author Katherine Paterson comes a rousing fantasy adventure about family, friendship, and the wondrous power of imagination. A perpetual outsider both at home and at school, Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) just never seems to fit in no matter how hard he tries. When his goal to become the fastest runner in middle school is unexpectedly thwarted by newly arrived classmate Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb), who enters in an "all boys" race and leaves her competitors in the dust, Jess soon strikes up a friendship with the imaginative outsider. Their bond is soon cemented thanks to Leslie's love for storytelling and Jess' skill as an artist, and the two lonely kids create a secret kingdom called Terabithia that is only accessible by swinging over a stream on a nearby rope. Though Jess and Leslie may be considered outcasts by their classmates, their adventures in Terabithia find the pair doing battle against the dreaded Dark Master and his malevolent creatures while plotting revenge against the schoolyard bullies. Now, thanks to his adventures in Terabithia and his friendship with Leslie, Jess finally finds the confidence needed to stand tall and be himself. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Josh Hutcherson, AnnaSophia Robb, (more)
When a young boy who is about to enter middle school makes a wish that summer will never end, he receives the unique opportunity to live the last day of summer until he finally determines exactly the kind of person he wants to become. It's the last day of summer, and Luke, A.J., and Riley are all about to experience their first day of middle school. As the young trio prepares for the debut of their band Steel Monkey at the local town fair, Luke's older sister makes a comment that leaves her sibling more nervous than ever before at the prospect of entering the next phase of his education. As a result, Luke wishes for a "do-over" day, and is surprised when his wish actually comes true. With all the time in the world to impress his secret crush, stand up to the biggest bully in the neighborhood, and work up the courage to take on the local half-pipe, Luke will finally unlock his true potential and enter middle school with a newfound sense of confidence and self-assurance. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jansen Panettiere, Eli Vargas, (more)
A kid discovers a unique way to stand up for himself and his friends in this family-friendly comedy-drama from director Savage Steve Holland. Nolan Byrd (Devon Werkheiser) is a bright fifth grader who has a knack for creating electronic gizmos and a fondness for remote-control model planes. Nolan is also skinny and shy, which makes him a constant target for thick-headed bully Bubba Bixby (Andrew Caldwell), the son of local sewage magnate Bob Bixby (Daniel Roebuck). Bubba makes life miserable for most of the students at Nolan's school, including Isabel (Francia Almendarez), the girl Nolan worships from afar, but no one is sure what to so about him. An assignment from his teacher Mr. Green (Tim Meadows) gives Nolan the idea to secretly videotape Bubba as he tortures his classmates and post the results online, where parents, teachers and others can see him in action. Needing an alter ego, Nolan creates the online identity "Shredderman," and soon "Shredderman"'s website is the talk of the school as he exposes Bubba's misdeeds to the world. However, "Shredderman" soon has bigger fish to fry when he uncovers evidence that Bob Bixby is planning a scam that will bilk the city for an expensive water processing plant they don't need. Shredderman Rules was based on the popular Shredderman novels for kids by author Wendelin Van Draanen. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Devon Werkheiser, Andrew Caldwell, (more)
A young boy is sent on a remarkable odyssey as he flees a Communist prison camp in this historical drama, set in Eastern Europe in the early '50s. David (Ben Tibber) is a 12-year-old boy who was sentenced with his parents to a Bulgarian labor camp when they were found guilty of political subversion; he hasn't seen his folks in years, and looks to fellow inmate Johannes (Jim Caviezel) for protection and guidance. One day, David is able to escape, and as he flees, he is given a sealed envelope with strict instructions that he is to travel to Denmark, and he cannot open the letter until he gets there. David makes his way to Greece, stows away on an Italian ship, and is befriended by Maria (Viola Carinci), a girl he saves from a fire. Maria convinces her wealthy family to take David in, but when they become curious about his background, David realizes he's in danger and is soon on the run once again. In time, David makes friends with Sophie (Joan Plowright), a kind Swiss woman who gives him a home and is willing to help him complete his long journey. I Am David was adapted from the novel North to Freedom by Anne Holm, and represented a change of pace for director Paul Feig, best known for his work on such offbeat television comedies as Arrested Development and Freaks and Geeks. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ben Tibber, James Caviezel, (more)
- 2002
Presented by the Bravo cable network, Musicians not only featured in-depth interviews of famous musical performers, but also allowed them to strut their stuff in front of a live audience at the Sony Music Studios in New York City (in the tradition of Bravo's long-running Live at the Actors' Studio). Among those feted on the program were Lou Reed, Sheryl Crow, Barry Manilow, and Alanis Morissette, all of whom managed to rabbet in plugs for their autographed CDs. The series was hosted by renowned music journalist and scholar David Wild. Musicians debuted on February 4, 2002. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
