Julia Hart, the director, has quietly developed a Disney+ series that continues to bloom in inventive and appealing ways. With “Hollywood Stargirl,” the second film in the series, the writer-voice directors have taken shape in the same confident way as that of her teenage protagonist. Hart and co-writer Jordan Horowitz’s sequel deviates significantly from author Jerry Spinelli’s original novel “Love, Stargirl” to present its own distinct perspective on how artistic love matures and inspires. The sequel reverses viewpoint from the original, which focused on the eponymous teen’s successes through the eyes of a male protagonist, and puts more emphasis on her glitz and glam.
Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal), the sentimental songbird, is on the move again, this time from the quiet suburbs of Mica, Arizona to the noise and bustle of Los Angeles. Nonetheless, she’s had enough of feeling like a wandering stone without a home. It’s the summer before her senior year, and Ana’s mother, Judy Greer, has earned her big break as a costume designer on a studio picture. The exhausted travelers are eager to settle into their new, maybe permanent adventure in Los Feliz’s colorful community. True pleasure, on the other hand, will not come without stumbling blocks.
Mr. Mitchell (Judd Hirsch), a retired film director, and charming lad next door Evan (Elijah Richardson), an aspiring filmmaker, are among others who recognise Stargirl’s irrepressible spirit, eccentric flair, and exquisite pipes. While they have opposing reactions to her ukulele-forward cover of ‘Mama’ Cass Elliot’s “Make Your Own Kind of Music,” Evan enlists her to help him and his brother Terrell (Tyrel Jackson Williams) make a sizzle reel for their movie idea — which, of course, is loosely based on the story of “Hollywood Stargirl.” While Ana is preoccupied with her hard job schedule, Stargirl sets out on a personal goal to compose her own music and lyrics, no longer depending on the artistry of others to boost her own abilities.
VanderWaal is a captivating presence once again, with her pixie haircut, reserves of power, and charming, soft-spoken voice echoing vintage Mia Farrow. She gives more honesty and emotion to an established character this time because the material is mostly centered on her. The duo’s chemistry sells us on their young, naive love, as Richardson, a cheerful, magnetic presence, combines beautifully with her. Greer’s Ana has depth and complexity, creating a subtle feeling of parental guilt in balancing fantasies with pragmatic realities for the grownups. Thurman and Hirsch are also excellent in supporting roles that are both fierce and compassionate.
