User reviews

Into the spotlight is a movie for the whole family that you can watch any given day and enjoy it! This movie has everything...including talented actors and crew, wonderful storyline with some surprising twists and turns, great singing & dancing to all original music, and everything in between We were especially blown away to learn that ITS was written by the lead actress, Kate Larson! A teenager! Feel-good movie that will leave you cheering for the characters and maybe even singing along to the memorable tunes. A great message that really speaks to this generation of teens trying to figure out who they are. So pleasant surprised by this heartwarming teen flick!

"Into the Spotlight," written by and starring Kate Larson as Laura Banks, is a prime example of a film that squanders its potential at every turn. Despite the promising premise of a gifted young songwriter grappling with fame and identity, the movie descends into a predictable and uninspired mess, failing to offer anything new or compelling to the audience.

From the outset, it's clear that "Into the Spotlight" relies heavily on tired clichés and formulaic storytelling. Laura Banks, portrayed by Larson herself, is presented as the archetypal tortured artist, struggling to balance her newfound fame with her sense of self. Unfortunately, this character archetype feels more like a caricature than a fully realized individual, lacking depth or nuance in her portrayal.

The plot follows a predictable trajectory, with Laura's rise to fame accompanied by the predictable pitfalls of success: substance abuse, strained relationships, and a loss of authenticity. Despite the potential for genuine emotional resonance, these themes are treated with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, leaving little room for the audience to engage with the characters on a meaningful level.

Even the supporting cast, including Laura's parents and friends, feel like little more than cardboard cutouts designed to prop up the protagonist's journey. Their motivations and relationships are never explored in any meaningful depth, leaving them feeling like little more than plot devices to drive Laura's narrative forward.

Perhaps the most egregious flaw of "Into the Spotlight" lies in its treatment of its central themes. While the movie pays lip service to the importance of staying true to oneself and the pitfalls of fame, it ultimately fails to offer any meaningful insights or commentary on these subjects. Instead, it simply regurgitates tired platitudes and clichés, leaving the audience with a sense of déjà vu rather than enlightenment.

Furthermore, the film's pacing is utterly disjointed, lurching from one melodramatic set piece to the next with little regard for coherence or narrative flow. Scenes drag on interminably, while others are rushed through so quickly that they barely register before the movie has moved on to the next contrived plot twist.

Even from a technical standpoint, "Into the Spotlight" leaves much to be desired. The cinematography is pedestrian at best, with uninspired shot composition and a lack of visual flair. The soundtrack, purportedly a central element of the film given Laura's background as a songwriter, fails to leave any lasting impression, consisting primarily of forgettable pop ballads that do little to enhance the viewing experience.

I love ITS! The acting was outstanding! Music delightful! Well written by Kate Larson, a teenager herself! All cast members were amazing including Raphael Ruggero & Karen Abercrombie to name a few. Wonderfully directed by Lisa Arnold. This movie is not just for teenagers, although it does target that audience. It was lighthearted, warm & entertaining. This movie certainly has a great message for those trying to figure out who they and what really matters in life. Congrats to all these talented and gifted cast and crew on this fantastic teen movie. Kate, hope you'll be writing more movies with an impactful message. Thank you!

If you are a fan of High School Musical (like so many of us still are *cough, cough* you have to admit it's true) then this is the movie for you & there is MORE to the story! YES, it's filled with great musical numbers but also you find yourself connected to the main character as if she were your best friend or you might take notice that her life is a mirror of your own life. This film is for every age! The story is thoughtful, inspiring, fun & makes you want to sing along to every tune. Did I mention that the writer Kate Larson was a teen when she wrote this story?! Truly amazing! Plz don't miss this film!

"Into the Spotlight" is a film that offers wholesome entertainment for the whole family to relish together! My children have embraced it wholeheartedly, watching it repeatedly and requesting the music whenever we're in the car. They particularly adore the character David with his playful antics and his sidekick Riley. The love for the movie is evident, as they are eagerly anticipating a sequel. Go check out this movie now so that the company will know to make more films the resonate with the teens! My daughter is planning on showing it at her sleepover next weekend and can't wait to show it to her friends.

"Into the Spotlight" is a mesmerizing film that will strike a chord with preteens and teenagers. The characters are lovable, and the storytelling is skillfully executed, bringing the narrative to life. This musical feature is certain to captivate the audience with its musical numbers and choreography. The movie rekindles lost virtues in contemporary cinema, highlighting the importance of family bonds and the value of friendship. It conveys essential life lessons on forgiveness, truthfulness, uprightness, and faithfulness. Certainly, this movie has earned the title of our family's favorite of the year. We are eagerly looking forward to the potential sequel!

ITS is a movie for the whole family and your teenagers will approve! The entire cast did an incredible job. Leigh-Allyn Baker is always knocks it out the park, while seeing Victoria Jackson was such a treat. The younger cast members were ALL just incredible! We were especially blown away to learn that ITS was written by the lead actress, Kate Larson! A teenager! So excited to see what she does next and we'll definitely be following the other cast members careers as well, Raphael Ruggero & Marisa Hampton to name a few! A great message that really speaks to this generation of teens trying to figure out who they are. So pleasant surprised by this heartwarming teen flick!

"Into the Spotlight" brought a refreshing vibe that resonated with our family, reminiscent of the beloved classic "High School Musical." The music is upbeat and carries valuable life lessons. The young audience was captivated by the storyline revolving around the enchanted microphone and Laura's quest to discover true priorities. The comedic elements reflected authentic teenage behaviors, entertaining the whole family. Additionally, fans of "Good Luck Charlie" will spot Leigh Allyn Baker. The stellar cast showcased remarkable chemistry on screen, creating an enjoyable viewing experience. I enthusiastically suggest this as a perfect choice for a family movie night, especially with its delightful original soundtrack.

I've watched ITS 5 times with friends and family. I love the characters and the relationships. The film is well done and so entertaining.

I loved Kate Larson's character. I could feel all her emotions watching her. I am a huge Victoria Jacskon fan too! I loved all the characters. Great cast!

These characters reminded me of my high school years. So it was so fun to watch that.

The social message is important to spread, especially to teens. What's important in life and to be yourself.

The writing and the acting is top notch!

Will watch again during the Christmas holidays when my nephews come to visit. Looking forward to a sequel!!!

LOVED IT! This was so fun to watch! It's even better to be able to watch as a family and know that it's safe and entertaining. It made me laugh, cry, and even dance. I find it amazing that the young actress, Kate, wrote this film. She can write, act, sing, and dance. Raphael is also jaw dropping. Just, ALL of these kids...wow! I LOVE this new talent. I hope they can continue making great and wholesome films. Great quality, great direction, great sound, choreography, styling design, etc. I see bright future for Kate.

I highly recommend it! We need to support films like this so they keep making more.

Get ready for a heartwarming and fun-filled adventure with "Into the Spotlight"! Join Laura and her friends as they navigate the challenges of growing up, but learn that the power of friendship and love can conquer all.

With toe-tapping musical numbers and a message of unity and togetherness, this movie is perfect for the whole family to enjoy. So grab your popcorn, gather your loved ones, and get ready to be transported back to a simpler time when the bonds of friendship were everything.

Don't miss out on this nostalgic journey filled with laughter, joy, and catchy tunes. "Into the Spotlight" is sure to be a hit for audiences of all ages. Get ready to dance, sing, and feel all the feels with this feel-good film that will leave you smiling long after the credits roll.

This movie has everything...including talented & very believable actors, wonderful storyline with some surprising twists and turns, great singing & dancing to all original music, and everything in between. Lead actress Kate Larson, who wrote the script, is so talented and held her own opposite seasoned actors. Into the Spotlight will make you smile, laugh, and shed a few tears. The message is powerful & inspirational, especially for teens who are fed (by social media) to believe that becoming famous & rich, with tons of likes and followers is what it means to be successful!!

Highly recommend!

Into the Spotlight is a heartwarming and inspiring film that will leave you feeling uplifted and entertained. The themes of friendship, teamwork, and perseverance are central to the story, making it a great choice for teens and anyone who appreciates feel-good movies. The catchy songs and talented cast make this film a must-watch for all ages. Don't miss out on this feel-good movie that will leave you cheering for the characters and maybe even singing along to the memorable tunes. Grab your popcorn and friends for this memorable film that will remind you of your favorite movies from the 90's!!!

If you seek a movie that appeals to both elementary-aged children and teenagers, "Into the Spotlight" is the perfect choice. Packed with a blend of drama, humor, and music, this film is ideal for a family movie night during Spring Break. I highly recommend it for viewers aged 8 and above. While not categorized as a faith-based film, the music subtly conveys messages about friendship, unity, and embracing one's true self. The characters in the film had wonderful chemistry and also kept our entire family laughing. The anticipation for the sequel has my kids asking all the time is it out yet so please make it soon.

My family and I enjoyed sitting down together and watching this film. We really loved the music and dancing. It gave us that "High School Musical" vibe. Very cute storyline with great message that all ages can relate. So nice to watch a film with a good message. It seems so few films out there that we can all watch together. The actors and actresses were fun and the characters were relatable. I really liked the role of the principal. The comedic timing was great between her and her assistant. Loved the quick wit. We liked the ending and - Maybe a sequel in the future? (Wink wink- no spoiler here.)

I was absolutely thrilled by this movie! It evoked a sense of nostalgia for the good old days. My tweens were enamored with the music and dance sequences. The enchanting microphone and Laura's transformation were highlights for them. Kevin Sizemore and Leigh Allyn Baker delivered outstanding performances as the parents, adding both touching moments and comedic relief. Kate Larson brought the character of Laura to life, resonating with the kids' contemplation of fame versus normalcy. The heartwarming finale, where Laura's friends support her, underscored the message that unity makes us better together!!