As a fan of The Clique Series, I was very curious to see this movie. Mainly because the entire world of Massie Block, her exclusive clique and Claire Lyons is so relatable. The actors were not very well-known, it was going straight to DVD and there wasn't much of a hype for it. And like many novels turned into movies I expected the worst. However after watching it all, I realized it wasn't half bad. Not amazing (or "ah-mazing") but still tolerable. And the acting was pretty good for teen actors who are starring in their first movie. In my opinion, the actors did a good job of embracing their characters - despite how some did not exactly fit the descriptions entirely. The script even stayed mostly true to the story. There were only a few things I was disappointed with though. First, even though the acting was tolerable, it wasn't always up to par. At times I found what they were doing to come off as forced, as if they didn't really know what they were saying. And sometimes there was just too much yelling I couldn't take it. Second the setting of the school (OCD) disappointed me greatly. I expected a wealthy, stylish prep school, decorated and all. But I guess there's only so much you can do with a school hallway. Despite the negative things though, I really enjoyed the high end fashion. It was a good break from the usual we see on the streets everyday. But, sadly, it's not the clothing that makes a movie. All in all, I would recommend this to my friends, other teenagers who want a good laugh or style ideas. Or even pre-teens looking forward to junior high. It may not be the next "Mean Girls", and sure the acting is so-so but it was certainly better than expected.
20 Reviews
Girls you'll really love to hate
sashalimuy27 June 2009
Okay, so the girls from the Pretty Committee may be hard to relate with, the acting may be sub par, and the whole thing might not be realistic but I thought that was the entire point of the film. It presents two kinds of realities--the beautiful, smart, and rich that everyone craves to have (Massie Block) and the dull plain one that most people are in (Claire Lyons). It doesn't really have to be taken literally, point is, they still represented the various cliques that really are present in high school-- the popular ones, the almost there but not quite, the weirdos, and the losers. In a way, Clique is just an incredibly high-end and young version of Tina Fey's Mean Girls. It's not something to watch if you're in need of a life-changing film. This one's fun, but it's definitely a no-brainer.
Their wealth wasn't believable.
ewoon1017 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
OK, so this was one of those movies that was so terrible that I loved it. I liked it because of how...unrealistic and purely stupid it was. I liked the idea of these rich bratty girls, but it would've been more believable if their choice of fashion was more legitimate. To some what their wearing may seem so out of this world and amazing, but for me, growing up in Monaco around bratty whiny heiresses who took frequent trips out on their parents expensive yachts to St Tropez, Monte Carlo and Mykonos from the age of 13 up, this just didn't cut it for me. Their dressing was cheesy, their clothes were tacky and most of the time too mature for them and their swimsuits looked more like they were out of Target than Claires' did. I felt that they were trying too hard with the clothes, trying to out bling it when it turn it looked tacky. I feel like if they actually seemed filthy rich it would've made the whole thing more like oh my goodness poor Claire she's so poor compared to them, in reality I was cringing "poor Claire, she's being showed up by these wannabes. It's like they weren't really that rich, they were just playing dress up in clothes they thought were high fashion, in a big house and tried to make it look like they were rich. Their houses weren't that big. There were some girls (Like Shelby) who were WAY more up to par with what I would define a typical rich girl, even though she was still far off. The mini-skirt, tights, heels was what I was expecting from this. Or Gossip Girl-esque fashion. Other than that their whole act was very, very similar to people here in Monaco. Spending like there's no tomorrow. Though less class. Okay movie other than that. Mildly entertaining because of how stupid it was.
A Big Disappointment
debberrs-124 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I have read The Clique series and have grown to love it over the years. I was excited when I got the DVD from a close friend.
First of all, I have to say the acting is terrible. Elizabeth McLaughlin did not portray Massie one bit, she was way too over-the-top, and her acting was fake and not believable. Ellen Marlow was fine as Claire, but there were times where she was too cheesy with her lines. Although Samantha Boscarino does not physically look like Alicia, her facial expressions and acting were convincing. The best actress from this movie was hands down Bridgit Mendler. She was great as Kristen, and was maybe the only reason this movie was worth something. Dylan Minnette and Vanessa Marano also did a good job.
Besides from the actresses, I thought the scenes were way too short and choppy. There was no substance to the movie -- it was a rather cheesy plot. It looked like Mean Girls #2, which The Clique books are not.
Another disappointment in this movie was the fashion. As all Clique fans know, high fashion is very common in the books. Younger girls might think it is high fashion, but the outfits are definitely not. The sunglasses, bathing suits, and most outfits the girls wore were far from high fashion and did not give justice to the book. The only outfit that was decent was when Massie was in the cafeteria, and she wore a white dress with a black bow.
As for Massie's house, it was not as big as it was described. She also did not have a Range Rover but a cheap car.
I watched this movie twice to make sure it was as horrible as I thought, and it definitely was. There are only about four actors worth watching, and the only good scene in my opinion was the one in the art room.
I do not recommend this movie at all -- you are in for a big disappointment (and to think I've waited over two years to see this.)
First of all, I have to say the acting is terrible. Elizabeth McLaughlin did not portray Massie one bit, she was way too over-the-top, and her acting was fake and not believable. Ellen Marlow was fine as Claire, but there were times where she was too cheesy with her lines. Although Samantha Boscarino does not physically look like Alicia, her facial expressions and acting were convincing. The best actress from this movie was hands down Bridgit Mendler. She was great as Kristen, and was maybe the only reason this movie was worth something. Dylan Minnette and Vanessa Marano also did a good job.
Besides from the actresses, I thought the scenes were way too short and choppy. There was no substance to the movie -- it was a rather cheesy plot. It looked like Mean Girls #2, which The Clique books are not.
Another disappointment in this movie was the fashion. As all Clique fans know, high fashion is very common in the books. Younger girls might think it is high fashion, but the outfits are definitely not. The sunglasses, bathing suits, and most outfits the girls wore were far from high fashion and did not give justice to the book. The only outfit that was decent was when Massie was in the cafeteria, and she wore a white dress with a black bow.
As for Massie's house, it was not as big as it was described. She also did not have a Range Rover but a cheap car.
I watched this movie twice to make sure it was as horrible as I thought, and it definitely was. There are only about four actors worth watching, and the only good scene in my opinion was the one in the art room.
I do not recommend this movie at all -- you are in for a big disappointment (and to think I've waited over two years to see this.)
Cliché much?
dailydiana2 December 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I have a couple of friends who love the books. I haven't read them but I think I know what my opinion would be: OK. If the movie is like the books, my guess is wrong. Wrong by far. The movie was terrible. Very predictable. New girl arrives. Leader of popular clique hates her. New girl takes the leader's place for a while, then the leader returns. In the end, the new girl and the leader are friends. Very unoriginal. Also, the whole Chris Abeley thing was really lame. The movie was horrible and I can guarantee that I won't be reading the books. I can't say I'm surprised this movie didn't make it to theaters and went straight to DVD. If there are sequels though, I'm gonna be VERY surprised.
As unrealistic as the book
crazy_Lil_angel453453323 November 2008
I held very low expectations for this movie, as the book was no where near READABLE to me. For one thing the plot is so unrelatable. How many girls watching this movie are white, "beautiful", rich, mean, and "smart". Umm, can you say NONE? No girl ,that I know of, is as mean and heartless as Massie Block and her pathetic "Sheep Committee". Obviously, the author was going for an exaggerated depiction of what "cool, rich girls who go to Private School" are like. The acting was annoying, amateur, and unbelievable, as are the characters in the book. I find it very painful to watch such a clueless "sweet" little new girl get walked over by a bunch of rude wannabes. I mean, honestly, I think you know when someone isn't your friend. The movie is fairly predictable, and fulfills the low expectation meter. So, I guess if you loved the book, you'll like the movie.
Good for the age
taysaidit20 October 2009
Personally because of the book series I think that this would be a perfect movie for a 12-17 year old girl who could relate to some of the situations. Such as being the outcast and misunderstood, etc.
However, I will admit it was a bit cliché in some ways. It wasn't the best acting ever, but it is a great film to rent on a Friday night to cure some boredom.
The characters all fit the description and it was a good length. I think, if you liked the books you will definitely like the movie. It stuck to the book fairly well, and turned out to be a pretty good family film.
However, I will admit it was a bit cliché in some ways. It wasn't the best acting ever, but it is a great film to rent on a Friday night to cure some boredom.
The characters all fit the description and it was a good length. I think, if you liked the books you will definitely like the movie. It stuck to the book fairly well, and turned out to be a pretty good family film.
Not Compelling.
criticofmovies29 January 2009
I was familiar with the "clique" books, so I was anticipating the movie.
What made me watch it most of all was the successful book to show transformation of "Gossip Girl" However, this movie is a perfect example of horrible acting, unrealistic plot, but i suppose it follows the books standards.
I do feel that the main idea gets across. The "mean girl" idea, that girls are mean and will hate on those below them. I definitely think they could have cast better actors for it. The main character does not give off the "rich bitch" vibe, and has HORRIBLE facial expressions, that make her looks more stupid than intimidating. Her friends are not intimidating by any standers and should have just shunned the main character from the beginning.
And, As rich and privileged as the girls are, do they really run around in bathing suits and high-heals when they're in middle school?
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, stick to mean girls instead.
What made me watch it most of all was the successful book to show transformation of "Gossip Girl" However, this movie is a perfect example of horrible acting, unrealistic plot, but i suppose it follows the books standards.
I do feel that the main idea gets across. The "mean girl" idea, that girls are mean and will hate on those below them. I definitely think they could have cast better actors for it. The main character does not give off the "rich bitch" vibe, and has HORRIBLE facial expressions, that make her looks more stupid than intimidating. Her friends are not intimidating by any standers and should have just shunned the main character from the beginning.
And, As rich and privileged as the girls are, do they really run around in bathing suits and high-heals when they're in middle school?
I wouldn't recommend this movie to anyone, stick to mean girls instead.
The Clique- Children Can Be So Mean ***
edwagreen18 June 2009
We all know that children can be very mean as depicted in this 2008 film.
When a family comes up from Florida to live in N.Y., they stay temporarily with a wealthy family as both the men are friends from their school days. Unfortunately, our New Yorker has a daughter by the name of Massey. She is as stuck up as they come and she begins to make life miserable for our Floridian girl named Claire.
Massey, as selfish and snobbish as they come, belongs to a clique with 3 other girls. Everyone wants to be in their group but they operate a closed agency shop.
Claire is able to finally get even with the nastiness they have shown to her by sending them messages on the internet, where the girls will grow to detest Massey and accept Claire. Clair becomes like a Massey until the latter realizes what she has done and alerted her former friends. Then it's back to square 1 for Claire.
The movie just brings up the idea of how difficult teenagers can be as they're growing up. Those hormones are sure active!
When a family comes up from Florida to live in N.Y., they stay temporarily with a wealthy family as both the men are friends from their school days. Unfortunately, our New Yorker has a daughter by the name of Massey. She is as stuck up as they come and she begins to make life miserable for our Floridian girl named Claire.
Massey, as selfish and snobbish as they come, belongs to a clique with 3 other girls. Everyone wants to be in their group but they operate a closed agency shop.
Claire is able to finally get even with the nastiness they have shown to her by sending them messages on the internet, where the girls will grow to detest Massey and accept Claire. Clair becomes like a Massey until the latter realizes what she has done and alerted her former friends. Then it's back to square 1 for Claire.
The movie just brings up the idea of how difficult teenagers can be as they're growing up. Those hormones are sure active!
Best teen movie so far
natalie-handel19 December 2010
Me and a friend just started watching this movie this morning when it came on on the TV. We weren't expecting anything good at all (even though we like these kind of movies normally despite being a bit too old for them).
We were very pleasantly surprised though. The acting wasn't anything special and the story predictable and unlike the other reviewers here we couldn't really relate but there was something very special about it. The whole movie had that special something. Even the mean clique was exciting to watch.
Also, the soundtrack was AMAZING for this kind of movie. And comments such as "Oh my god, since you weren't there the party was totally UNBLOGGABLE" was incredible.
All in all we really recommend this movie for anyone wishing to waste away a Sunday morning.
We were very pleasantly surprised though. The acting wasn't anything special and the story predictable and unlike the other reviewers here we couldn't really relate but there was something very special about it. The whole movie had that special something. Even the mean clique was exciting to watch.
Also, the soundtrack was AMAZING for this kind of movie. And comments such as "Oh my god, since you weren't there the party was totally UNBLOGGABLE" was incredible.
All in all we really recommend this movie for anyone wishing to waste away a Sunday morning.
While amateurish at first, the film does improve the further the runtime progresses
ambusched9415 December 2023
Cringy but also entertaining. I feel like a lot of the main characters were miscast. If you read this adapted YA series, then you know (such as Alicia and Dylan). The film plays out like a low budget film meant for TV and feels campy, but also satirizing school cliques and social dynamics of an all-girls private prep school. It's definitely a guilty pleasure of mine to watch because a lot of the acting is amateurish, but I think the actresses portraying Claire Lyons and Massie Block do slowly disappear in their roles (a good thing) the more the film progresses. Basically, the more the film edges toward its conclusion it increases in quality. And I can only imagine what a sequel film would've looked like with the same cast and the improvements that could've been executed plot-wise, wasted potential honestly or maybe the production team had no budget for more sequels of the novels.
"Sugar, Spice, and THE DEVIL"
Kamurai251 September 2020
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, but can recommend.
I don't mind a good romantic comedy, or a coming of age story, but this one is "girly to the max" and clearly on a budget for their actors as (clearly) a lot of the production value went into the sets, locations, wardrobe, and props.
The "we're girls so we're going to be snotty brats to each other" thing is cliche enough in itself, but this was an ongoing war of subterfuge and sociopathic emotionless loyalty based on what each person was gaining, mainly sociable interest. This was exhausting for me to watch, but a 10-14 year old girl might like it, though I doubt she'll understand the technology age (no smartphones or tablets, basically).
The story was weak, though amazingly well balanced between the characters, so I choose to believe that the script bent based on the load it was carrying and not the quality of it's writers. There is actually a lot of nuance and detail in this, even if I found little substance to it.
The casting is very interesting when you look at it, as I recognized 2 of the girls straight away, and 1 a bit later.
Vanessa Marano ("Switched at Birth") is by far the most accomplished tv actress of the bunch (she's done quite a few movies as well), but plays a bit part, which is how I guess she got so accomplished by scoring work in so many projects.
Bridgit Mendler ("Undateable") is a comedy actress that has shorts under her name, and has been in more prominent projects than the others, to include a voice in a the Miazaki movie "The Secret World of Arietty".
Elizabeth McLaughlin ("Grand Hotel") took me longer to recognize as she tends to have bit parts in tv shows, but she's got a big personality which she shows off very well in this, but she's overshadowed in the acting department.
I think Ellen Marlow not only carried this movie, but may be one of the best actors in it. Oddly enough in contrast with McLaughlin (big personality, lower skill), Marlow's meekness of personality in her characters and, unfortunate, plain, but good, look might keep her away from leading lady status on camera. Fortunately she's apparently broadway material, and hearing from those that do both, that there are reasons that people tend to relegate to one or the other.
Ultimately, it's a girly movie (he said with love) and it confuses me, but it's not bad, but it sure isn't great.
I don't mind a good romantic comedy, or a coming of age story, but this one is "girly to the max" and clearly on a budget for their actors as (clearly) a lot of the production value went into the sets, locations, wardrobe, and props.
The "we're girls so we're going to be snotty brats to each other" thing is cliche enough in itself, but this was an ongoing war of subterfuge and sociopathic emotionless loyalty based on what each person was gaining, mainly sociable interest. This was exhausting for me to watch, but a 10-14 year old girl might like it, though I doubt she'll understand the technology age (no smartphones or tablets, basically).
The story was weak, though amazingly well balanced between the characters, so I choose to believe that the script bent based on the load it was carrying and not the quality of it's writers. There is actually a lot of nuance and detail in this, even if I found little substance to it.
The casting is very interesting when you look at it, as I recognized 2 of the girls straight away, and 1 a bit later.
Vanessa Marano ("Switched at Birth") is by far the most accomplished tv actress of the bunch (she's done quite a few movies as well), but plays a bit part, which is how I guess she got so accomplished by scoring work in so many projects.
Bridgit Mendler ("Undateable") is a comedy actress that has shorts under her name, and has been in more prominent projects than the others, to include a voice in a the Miazaki movie "The Secret World of Arietty".
Elizabeth McLaughlin ("Grand Hotel") took me longer to recognize as she tends to have bit parts in tv shows, but she's got a big personality which she shows off very well in this, but she's overshadowed in the acting department.
I think Ellen Marlow not only carried this movie, but may be one of the best actors in it. Oddly enough in contrast with McLaughlin (big personality, lower skill), Marlow's meekness of personality in her characters and, unfortunate, plain, but good, look might keep her away from leading lady status on camera. Fortunately she's apparently broadway material, and hearing from those that do both, that there are reasons that people tend to relegate to one or the other.
Ultimately, it's a girly movie (he said with love) and it confuses me, but it's not bad, but it sure isn't great.
A Clique Worth Joining
Cardcaptor_Jim11 April 2009
Spoiled rich girl Massie (an excellent Elizabeth McLaughlin) gets a literal wake up call when her dad announces that their guest house will be occupied by his college buddy and his family. This family includes a daughter named Claire (Ellen Marlow), who is the same age as Massie. Massie, the head of a seventh grade clique called The Pretty Committee, does not like this newcomer at all. A rivalry between the two girls begins. Will they ever be friends?
Although many viewers of this teen movie will surely predict the outcome, it provides enough laughs and drama to please most of the young girls the film is aimed at. I personally felt for Claire, even when she stooped to sending false e-mails to Massie's friends. (Haven't we all done something awful like this that we later regretted?) My favorite member of The Pretty Committee is Alicia (Samantha Boscarino), a shopaholic who is as idiotic as she is beautiful.
The film was based on a series of novels by Lisi Harrison, which I never heard of prior to watching this movie. As with many book to film adaptations, there will always be (probably rightly) those who prefer the book to the movie. Still, to pass on this movie just because it's not like the book would be a crime. There are many movies I saw before reading the book, and after I did read it I became a fan of both versions.
The Clique is definitely worth the 87 minutes it lasts.
Although many viewers of this teen movie will surely predict the outcome, it provides enough laughs and drama to please most of the young girls the film is aimed at. I personally felt for Claire, even when she stooped to sending false e-mails to Massie's friends. (Haven't we all done something awful like this that we later regretted?) My favorite member of The Pretty Committee is Alicia (Samantha Boscarino), a shopaholic who is as idiotic as she is beautiful.
The film was based on a series of novels by Lisi Harrison, which I never heard of prior to watching this movie. As with many book to film adaptations, there will always be (probably rightly) those who prefer the book to the movie. Still, to pass on this movie just because it's not like the book would be a crime. There are many movies I saw before reading the book, and after I did read it I became a fan of both versions.
The Clique is definitely worth the 87 minutes it lasts.
A surprisingly good watch
auskeek21 April 2009
The Clique is by no means a revolutionary movie, in fact when my sister first got the DVD, I immediately avoided it thinking that it would be just like Angus and Thongs, Mean Girls, and Wildchild. A generic, run of the mill film for teenage girls who don't know any better.
Make no mistake, that is exactly what this movie is, however, it does it very well. The characters are extremely easy to identify with, the plot is engaging without being convoluted, and the young actors are extremely talented. I never found myself laughing out loud, but this is definitely a movie which leaves you smiling on the inside.
The film is excellent, and it certainly doesn't try to be what it's not. It sticks to the formula, and pulls it off extremely well. If you're going to see a teenage girl flick, make it this one. -Auskeek
Make no mistake, that is exactly what this movie is, however, it does it very well. The characters are extremely easy to identify with, the plot is engaging without being convoluted, and the young actors are extremely talented. I never found myself laughing out loud, but this is definitely a movie which leaves you smiling on the inside.
The film is excellent, and it certainly doesn't try to be what it's not. It sticks to the formula, and pulls it off extremely well. If you're going to see a teenage girl flick, make it this one. -Auskeek
If you like the books, you will like the movie
lizzygokues14 August 2020
Essentially yes, this is a pretty adorable adaptation of the original books, the acting is pretty decent and the storyline is similar to the books. Only possible complaint was moving the setting to being winter break rather than summer/fall when the books take place. The actresses play the characters well. Massie is well played and has the same ruthlessness as she does in the books. Overall a very cute teen movie that does the books justice. It will have is cheesy, dorky, cringy moments, like any teen movie adaptation but it's all in good fun.
Great Movie!
chocolatequeen82024 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I am a huge fan of the Clique series, and i got this movie the day it came out, and i was very happy the way the movie turned out to be. Sure, they changed a little details, but despite all that, it really stays true to the book. All the cast is exactly how i imagined the characters would look like, and they were all wonderful actresses/actors. And the clothes were the best part in the movie, i wanted, like, every outfit the Pretty Committee owned! Elizabeth (who played Massie Block) owned the role. And Dylan (who played Todd Lyons) was hilarious. I was really worried that the producers and writers were going to completely change the movie, but they didn't at all, they really kept true to the story, and i was really impressed by that. All in all, great movie.
So cute!
AnnaPagrati30 August 2021
Awesome Movie For Teens!
Kay20197 March 2019
This one is VERY watchable and a breath of fresh air in comparison to the typical DARK Lifetime movie. The girls are not exactly mean girls. They are snobs. The movie sends out a wonderful message about self-acceptance in the face of rejection. A refreshingly lighthearted story that does not fail to keep its audience entertained while putting a smile on your face and joy and laughter in your heart. I am in my mid 40's and I enjoy this movie EVERY time I watch it! The Clique never gets old!!! My favorite Lifetime movie of all time!!!
my step daughter and her friends
kairingler10 April 2010
this reminds me of my step-daughter and her friends,, so we have Mean Girls meets Odd Girl Out, this time around,, i bought the book for my step daughter when she was 16. i liked this because it is realistic the way the girl that doesn't fit in is treated,, i have first hand experience with having a step daughter that was that age and went through all that stuff that goes on in the movie,, like the sleepover.. the crush on the "hot boy" at school all the goofy teenager stuff. 4 girls form a "clique" and they all have designer clothes,, they treat the new girl like crap,, especially the lead girl Massie,,she is stuck up and rich and thinks she's all that. excellent movie.
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