Zoey 102

"Zoey 102" is a movie that I really thought wouldn't work, I was shocked though how much I actually really enjoyed this movie, for the most part.

Starting with the good, I think all the old cast members do a really great job at getting back into character. It was really nice to catch up with everyone. I liked the main story here, I though it fit very well for a Zoey 101 reboot. I also really like some of the new characters, particularly Dean Geyer and Audrey Whitney. I really like both of them and though they were pretty funny. Along with that I also thought the film was decently funny. And finally I was surprised how well shot the movie was. The lighting was very vibrant and overall it was a good looking movie.

However all of the new stuff including the subplot with Zoeys job I thought was very boring. I was really entertained with the main story but whenever it went back to that part of the movie I honestly was getting very bored. I also thought the pacing at times suffered as the movie felt a little longer than it was. And finally I did wish there was some more callbacks to the original series just to make it feel more like Zoey 101.

Overall though, despite a pretty bland subplot and pacing issues I did find this to be a pretty decent catch-up with the old series.

The crew could have worked a lot more when they were creating this reunion film. Everything about this reunion film was weak. The storyline really did not go anywhere. It was nice to see most of the cast return and see how much they have changed from the original series. It is a real shame that not all of them returned like Paul Butcher, Victoria Justice, and Austin Butler. The cast members that did appear did not exactly recapture the same energy and spirit as the original series. This reunion film reveals to viewers that everyone can come together to work together to make the world of today a better and safe place. This is an alright reunion film that could have been better.

It's not common to find a light movie getting so polarized opinions. 50% in RT, 50% here in ImdB, 4.9/10 in Filmaffinity. I really wanted to give it more than 5/10 but I have to agree with the average, for some reasons I would like to explain.

The movie have just a remarkable 9-minute sequence, the karaoke joint. The revelation of PCA academy as being unlicensed and the "Time of our lives" duet are funny. But in the rest of this is 101-min long mess there are flaws and not very funny things. Zoey being trapped with Chase inside a full automatic car and claiming not knowing how to open the door, when all she has to do is call the owner, that is nonsense. The truth about the fake Zoey's boyfriend in the last scene is unnecessary portrayed. And those feminist references sprinkled here and there in the movie are not funny at all.

As to the cast, it was good to see Mark and Stacey characters practically unchanged, but Quinn should have preserved her black hair at least. Sad thing Lola doesn't appear even when Victoria Justice should accept any role considering the little success she's having in the business.

In summary, this movie is a product of the inexperience, as much in writing as in directing, but has some moments that hardcore Zoey fans will appreciate. But I'm not one of them.

Zoey 102 brings back Zoey Brooks (Jamie Lynn Spears) and her PCA friends for a long-awaited reunion, now as adults navigating their careers and relationships. Set around a wedding, the film attempts to blend nostalgia with a fresh, modern rom-com approach. However, while it delivers some heartwarming moments for longtime fans, it struggles with weak writing and uneven execution.

Positive Aspects:

• Nostalgic Appeal: The return of familiar characters and callbacks to Zoey 101 will please longtime fans, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.

• Reunion Chemistry: Some of the original cast members, including Sean Flynn (Chase), Erin Sanders (Quinn), and Matthew Underwood (Logan), bring fun energy to the film.

• Lighthearted Fun: The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, offering easygoing entertainment for those looking for a simple feel-good watch.

Negative Aspects:

• Weak Writing: The plot relies heavily on clichés and predictable rom-com tropes, lacking the charm and originality that made Zoey 101 so beloved.

• Missing Key Characters: Some major cast members from the original series, like Paul Butcher (Dustin) and Victoria Justice (Lola), are absent, which feels disappointing for fans.

• Mixed Acting Performances: While some actors slip back into their roles well, others (including Jamie Lynn Spears) deliver stiff and unconvincing performances.

• Forced Humor: Many of the comedic moments feel awkward or outdated, failing to land with the same wit as the original show.

Final Verdict:

Zoey 102 is a decent nostalgia trip for fans of Zoey 101, but it falls short as a standalone rom-com. While it's nice to see familiar faces back together, the lackluster writing and uneven execution make it a forgettable addition to the franchise rather than a triumphant return. It may be worth a watch for longtime fans, but expectations should be kept in check.

This movie is a complete waste of time to watch. I hated this movie so much that I had to write this review. I have seen many comedies that were focused on a wedding going wrong. This is the worst I've seen. I didn't laugh once during it. It makes me feel depressed that people would want to live in a world that was anything like the lifestyles of those in this movie. The only reason this film exists is, most likely, to try and make Jamie Spears relevant. Probably as a gift from her sister to try and make her something she is not. I would prefer never to see Jamie Spears in any movie or show in the future.