Three Early 2000s Films That Were Quintessential to my Adolescence
At the peak of my youth years, I had quite a few not-so-guilty pleasures that were representative of the sort of person I was evolving into. Each book, film, musician, or clothing fad would initiate an on-going definitive era of myself that I can envision clearly. I’d latch fiercely onto these things with enthusiasm, locking myself behind closed doors and disappearing for days, immersing myself fully with no apologies. As I got older, many phases came, went, and returned, but my most impressionable period was at age 16, right around when my budding interest in film began to blossom. I decided to revisit my undying admiration for good ol’ early 2000s movies, and rediscovered just how awesome they are. Here is a short list I curated of my personal favorites!
1. Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen (2004)
(dir. by Sara Sugarman, starring Lindsay Lohan and Megan Fox)
Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen takes first place. Personally, anything involving 2004 Lindsay Lohan receives a 1st place spot for me. From its oh-so ‘existential teen’ narrative, to its wardrobe of cropped baby tees, flare jeans, and funky jewellery, this film fully embodies what it looked like, and felt like, to be a misunderstood teenage girl. I mean, they even paid homage to that one particular band that we all had our infatuations with at some point. COATDQ is a musical comedy film based on a novel of the same name. Lindsay Lohan stars as Mary Steppe, an aspiring 15-year-old actress who has grown up in New York City and loves her home dearly. We follow her as she moves across “the pond” to Dellwood, New Jersey, where she finds herself deeply unhappy, as it does not resemble the bustling city life that she is used to. She befriends an unpopular peer from her school, Ella Girard (Allison Pill), who becomes her partner-in-crime. Meanwhile she makes an enemy of the undeniably cruel, and unsurprisingly popular Carla Santini (Megan Fox). Lola auditions for the school’s musical - a modernized version of Pygmalion called Eliza Rocks - and must now deal with the wrath of it-girl Carla, outside of rehearsal. Ultimately, throughout the film, Lola learns lessons about herself through friendship and family. I also learned quite a few things myself: 1) When New York calls, I will always answer; 2) Maybe microwaves are bad for society?; 3) Never give up on your dreams of being the star of a musical number.
2. New York Minute (2004)
(dir. by Dennie Gordon, starring Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen)
Coming in at a strong second is New York Minute, starring the undoubtedly adorable, stylish Olsen twins, Ashley and Mary-Kate (and, might I add, it is positively early 2000s). NYM is surely the transition from childhood to young adulthood for the Olsen twins, highlighting the film’s more mature themes and attempt to sophisticate the girls’ careers as actresses. Now, despite this film being a bomb in the box office, it will always be a success in my heart. I mean, how could one not appreciate the Olsen twins on their quest for adventure and Simple Plan in New York City? The twins portray sisters in the film, Jane Ryan (Ashley Olsen) and Roxy Ryan (Mary-Kate Olsen); they have opposing personalities and are constantly in disagreement due to their totally conflicting values. Jane is the studious overachiever that only cares for academics, whilst Roxy upholds the title as the rebel child, living by the moment. However, when Jane must travel to New York City to deliver a speech for a prestigious college scholarship spot, with Roxy by her side, (on a mission to meet the world-renowned group Simple Plan), things take a turn for the worst. The film showcases the twins as they navigate the city with its unforeseeable obstacles, including truancy officers, dogs, and pirated DVDS (that’s 2004 for you). Nevertheless, its moments of heartwarming content come in many forms, from a cute secondary love-story plot to “I <3 New York” tee shirts, and the film never ceases to put a smile on my face.
The Princess Diaries (2001)
(dir. by Garry Marshall, starring Anne Hathaway and Julia Andrews)
Although it was difficult to place The Princess Diaries at its given third spot, it still remains esteemed in my own hall-of-fame. The successful 2001 comedy film stars the lovely, sweet Anne Hathaway as the quirky princess protagonist, Mia Thermopolis, and Julia Andrews as her doting but stern, royal grandmother. TDP is also an adaptation of a book of the same name, but is widely recognized due to Hathaway’s amazing performance, (which received critical acclaim). The film follows the seemingly domestic life of Mia, a timid high school student, who resides with her mother, Helen, and spends time with her best friend, Lily Msochovitz (Heather Matarazzo), who has known her since childhood. Mia’s life flips upside down when tragedy strikes, prompting her estranged grandmother, Clarisse, who is the Queen of Genovia, (a small European kingdom), to visit her and explain that she is the only heir to the throne. Mia is overwhelmed by this information, and refuses her fate profusely, until she finally succumbs and is rushed into a world of prestige, poise, and “princess lessons”. The Princess Diaries features memorable 2000s staples, such as midi-skirts, sought-after ‘perfect’ kisses, and popular mean girls. Nonetheless, though you may come for those specifics, you will certainly stay for Hathaway’s iconic acting, and the relatable storyline. Deep down, we all have our own Mia Thermopolis yearning to shine through, even if we aren’t heir to royalty.
So, if you are looking to time travel to a simpler time - a time of flip phones, tiny purses, and the it-girls of Hollywood - take some time to watch these three films. They’re not as far off from our own teenage years as we might have thought.