Review of From Justin to Kelly (2003) by Tiana J — 18 Jul 2015

If there is a movie that I made through without changing the channel, From Justin to Kelly is that movie.

When Kelly (Clarkson) and Justin (Guarini) embark on a vacation in search of some fun in the sun with their respective groups of friends, the two meet and fall for each other at first sight. Unfortunately, a series of comedic mishaps and hijinks gets in the way of them getting together. Several song-and-dance numbers ensue.

From Justin to Kelly is one big commercial for Kelly Clarkson (who is the winner of season one of American Idol) and Justin Guarini (who is the runner-up of season one of American Idol). Sometimes that is not a terrible thing but in case of this film, it is. For them to be singers to be in a movie like this together as a whole, they must have chemistry. In the case of From Justin to Kelly,saying Clarkson and Guarini's is nonexistent is an insult to any two leads with missing chemistry with each other.

The story is really idiotic and paint-by-numbers. I have seen this done before. Our characters (and I use that word loosely) get together then they break up for some reason and then they get back together (blah blah blah). We get it! Try something new, please. Oh, I forgot! The producer and writer of Spice World directed this film. Let that sink in for a second!

The two things that should have been good is the songs and choreography. And boy, they are a letdown. The songs in From Justin to Kelly are some of the most banal songs in recent memory. They are not enjoyable to listen to. The songs are dull and unlistenable. And the choreography is the worst I have ever seen. It is so bad that the film won the Governor's Award at the Razzies.

There is one thing good about From Justin to Kelly. That is the voice of Anika Noni Rose (who later did Dreamgirls and The Princess and the Frog). And that is it. Unfortunately, her beautiful voice along with Clarkson is just wasted in a film like this.

As a notorious stinker, from the flat acting, the conventional plot, the boring songs, and you name it, From Justin to Kelly is a complete failure. It is a movie so bad that Clarkson felt contractually obligated to do the movie. After watching it, I totally believe her. It is a good thing that she went and did better things with her career. I questioned myself like" Is there any point to the film besides making for Clarkson and Guarini?" The answer to that is a no. This was an excuse for them to have their own movie after their season of American Idol was over. Don't get me wrong! There is nothing wrong that. However, if you get the writer and producer of Spice World, it can go the left really quick. And too bad it didn't work out for Clarkson and Guarini. Unless you are a teen, watch some Kelly Clarkson music videos instead or just listen to her music (which are way better). You are better off doing that.