Review of Jem and the Holograms (2015) by Michael Z — 22 Oct 2015

Those looking for the Jem of the 80's won't find her here. However, people will find a modern, youtube and social media generation version. Gone is the adult Jerica Benton, heir to Starlight music.

Say hello to an awkward teen nobody, who was too shy to post anything on the internet. The evil Erica Raymond (yes, Eric had a gender swap) "discovers" Jem. Rio is no longer a Jem roadie, but rather the SON of the evil Erica Raymond.

Taken at face value, it's a fun coming of age story with some catchy numbers (much like the cartoon). The girl-power message and fairly adult themes (love triangles, finding Bonnie's American GI father, corporate espionage, attempted murder) of the 80's has been swapped with an innocent empowerment message for all genders (and ages).

"We're all Jems" as she says. There's a great set up for a second movie featuring the Misfits... Hope that happens. I'd see it!