Zoey 102

3.8/10

This was not a nostalgia movie we needed. I didn't know it existed until I found it scrolling through Paramount+, and I much rather have liked not knowing it existed. While I can't remember "Zoey 101" completely, it was one of the shows I grew up on as the actors and actresses were, and are my age, but despite a few jokes from the show I feel I got nothing out of the movie. It doesn't need to exist. It shouldn't exist.

There were very small pieces of humour that were funny, but really it feels stale. The acting was rigid. The story was mediocre. The spark of "Zoey 101" doesn't exist. The characters are somewhat relatable, but you can really find that in any other show or movie. Lastly, the pacing is slow. There came a point where I had given up on the movie, but I had to see it through knowing there was no recovery.

The big takeaway is that if you want your childhood memories of this show to stay in tact then don't bother watching this film. In the end I was left with the feeling of "that's it?" I wasn't even happy to see the reunion in the end. I wished for better.

That's all for now. Thank you for reading my review, and until next time.... Enjoy the show!

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.

Zoey 102 is a bonus movie of the teen tv series Zoey 101 that had aired more than a decade ago (close to two actually).

If you haven't watched the series, you probably won't get some of the jokes, which does take some of the fun out, as the rest of the movie is boring and makes no sense.

The story is messy and handles too many subjests, and leaves them all underdeveloped and half baked. Not to mention that most of the characters had no storyline, only a character cell.

Finally, the plot is cheesy and it does feel like it was written in the early 2000's. And what was the deal with all that sci fi advanced technology gadgets that they added?

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.

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.