To me, a movie like Valley Girl isn’t one that I typically like to review. That’s because for me to review something usually means that I’m analyzing a movie, picking apart what makes it good and bad. But while I do enjoy analyzing the art I consume, there are some movies that I like purely for their entertainment value, even though I recognize that they’re pretty surface-level movies with not much depth to them. Some people refer to these types of movies as “guilty pleasures,” but to me that implies that there’s an element of shame that comes in enjoying something that isn’t good, and I don’t always think that definition fits. Valley Girl falls into this category for me. I know that it’s a pretty surface-level movie, but I really enjoyed it, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.

The movie is a remake of a 1983 film of the same name, and I’ll be clear that I’ve never seen the original. I recognize that this can always play into someone’s enjoyment, because you either have a basis for comparison or you’re going into it with fresh eyes. Maybe my perspective would be different if I was familiar with the original movie, but I’m not. Regardless, this version of Valley Girl also tells the story of teenage “valley girl” (from the rich neighborhoods in California) meeting and falling for a boy from the rougher neighborhoods. The two have an instant chemistry, but there is conflict because they come from such different backgrounds and have trouble assimilating into each others worlds.

The big difference between this and the original that I know of is that this remake is actually a musical, where the original was not. Past that, I can’t tell you how it compares. But if you are familiar with the original, maybe it’s worth seeing the remake just to see a musical take on it. I think that the musical element plays a big role here too, because it ends up making it a movie that I think you’ll know ahead of time whether or not it’ll be up your alley. If you like cheesy musicals, especially if you’re also a fan of the new wave 80s aesthetic, then I think you’ll enjoy Valley Girl. On the flip side, if you normally aren’t a fan of musicals, then this probably won’t convert you.

Valley Girl is what is known as a “jukebox musical,” though, and so what this means is that all of the songs found within are popular 80s songs that everyone knows, not any original songs created for the movie. The closest comparison that came to mind for me when I was watching this was 2012’s Rock of Ages, so if you’re familiar with that then this has a similar vibe. The movie is really packed full of song and dance numbers, which I consider a positive. It bothers me in musicals when there’s a bunch of songs in the beginning and middle, but barely any throughout the middle, and luckily Valley Girl hits just the right balance that I’m looking for. And don’t get me wrong, some of the numbers are definitely better than others, but for the most part I think they’re a lot of fun.

The selling point of the movie for me personally was Jessica Rothe in the lead role. If you’re familiar with other musicals, you might remember Jessica Rothe playing a small role in 2016’s La La Land, but I think her biggest claim to fame at this point is the two Happy Death Day movies, where she plays the lead role. I think Rothe is extremely charming, and I became such a big fan of her after seeing her in the aforementioned movies. She makes for an extremely likeable lead here, and manages to portray a believable “valley girl” personality that doesn’t end up feeling annoying. I watched this movie just because I’m a fan of her, and while I definitely found other things to like about it, I just liked seeing how fun and charming she is in this.

I think that’s about all the mileage I’m going to get out of a review of Valley Girl. Like I said, this probably is a movie that’s not going to be for everyone, even for the simple fact that it’s a musical. But I think that for the people it is aimed at, it’s a really worthwhile and entertaining movie. Film snobs might criticize it for being too shallow or predictable or whatever, but no matter how many movies I’ve reviewed at this point, I’ve always tried to keep the perspective that not all movies are designed to be art; some are just meant to be entertaining and fun. Valley Girl definitely falls into the latter category, and for what it is I think it’s a really good time. If musicals, 80s aesthetics, or Jessica Rothe are things that interest you, check this one out. I had a lot of fun with it.

4/5