Zoey 102

This movie is a complete waste of time to watch. I hated this movie so much that I had to write this review. I have seen many comedies that were focused on a wedding going wrong. This is the worst I've seen. I didn't laugh once during it. It makes me feel depressed that people would want to live in a world that was anything like the lifestyles of those in this movie. The only reason this film exists is, most likely, to try and make Jamie Spears relevant. Probably as a gift from her sister to try and make her something she is not. I would prefer never to see Jamie Spears in any movie or show in the future.

Zoey 102 is a bonus movie of the teen tv series Zoey 101 that had aired more than a decade ago (close to two actually).

If you haven't watched the series, you probably won't get some of the jokes, which does take some of the fun out, as the rest of the movie is boring and makes no sense.

The story is messy and handles too many subjests, and leaves them all underdeveloped and half baked. Not to mention that most of the characters had no storyline, only a character cell.

Finally, the plot is cheesy and it does feel like it was written in the early 2000's. And what was the deal with all that sci fi advanced technology gadgets that they added?

Zoey 102 brings back Zoey Brooks (Jamie Lynn Spears) and her PCA friends for a long-awaited reunion, now as adults navigating their careers and relationships. Set around a wedding, the film attempts to blend nostalgia with a fresh, modern rom-com approach. However, while it delivers some heartwarming moments for longtime fans, it struggles with weak writing and uneven execution.

Positive Aspects:

• Nostalgic Appeal: The return of familiar characters and callbacks to Zoey 101 will please longtime fans, offering a sense of comfort and familiarity.

• Reunion Chemistry: Some of the original cast members, including Sean Flynn (Chase), Erin Sanders (Quinn), and Matthew Underwood (Logan), bring fun energy to the film.

• Lighthearted Fun: The movie doesn't take itself too seriously, offering easygoing entertainment for those looking for a simple feel-good watch.

Negative Aspects:

• Weak Writing: The plot relies heavily on clichés and predictable rom-com tropes, lacking the charm and originality that made Zoey 101 so beloved.

• Missing Key Characters: Some major cast members from the original series, like Paul Butcher (Dustin) and Victoria Justice (Lola), are absent, which feels disappointing for fans.

• Mixed Acting Performances: While some actors slip back into their roles well, others (including Jamie Lynn Spears) deliver stiff and unconvincing performances.

• Forced Humor: Many of the comedic moments feel awkward or outdated, failing to land with the same wit as the original show.

Final Verdict:

Zoey 102 is a decent nostalgia trip for fans of Zoey 101, but it falls short as a standalone rom-com. While it's nice to see familiar faces back together, the lackluster writing and uneven execution make it a forgettable addition to the franchise rather than a triumphant return. It may be worth a watch for longtime fans, but expectations should be kept in check.

It's not common to find a light movie getting so polarized opinions. 50% in RT, 50% here in ImdB, 4.9/10 in Filmaffinity. I really wanted to give it more than 5/10 but I have to agree with the average, for some reasons I would like to explain.

The movie have just a remarkable 9-minute sequence, the karaoke joint. The revelation of PCA academy as being unlicensed and the "Time of our lives" duet are funny. But in the rest of this is 101-min long mess there are flaws and not very funny things. Zoey being trapped with Chase inside a full automatic car and claiming not knowing how to open the door, when all she has to do is call the owner, that is nonsense. The truth about the fake Zoey's boyfriend in the last scene is unnecessary portrayed. And those feminist references sprinkled here and there in the movie are not funny at all.

As to the cast, it was good to see Mark and Stacey characters practically unchanged, but Quinn should have preserved her black hair at least. Sad thing Lola doesn't appear even when Victoria Justice should accept any role considering the little success she's having in the business.

In summary, this movie is a product of the inexperience, as much in writing as in directing, but has some moments that hardcore Zoey fans will appreciate. But I'm not one of them.

I wanted to go into this not being a bitter hater because Jamie Lynn Spears does not deserve good publicity. But having watched this show when I was young I was intrigued anyway.

1. Too much is going on. There's a subplot about Zoey's job that really takes up to much of the run time.

I'd rather focus on the wedding.

2. For the most part, I feel like the characters have some semblance of who they once were. Like Stacey being an obsessive true crime podcaster makes sense somehow.

Quinn only had like... one moment of being a weirdo.

Zoey... she never seemed like the person who passively accepted misogyny. It's a real world thing, but would she really stay at a job that ignores her for that long? She had more gumption as a teenage girl.

3. I had a few laughs, so the jokes weren't completely horrible. Like PCA being an unaccredited school was a good tongue in cheek joke.

4. I had to grab a drink after the 30 minute mark to be honest.

5. Jamie Lynn being a horrible person to her costars and her sister makes it hard to remember I'm watching Zoey. Or that the show itself was toxic as all get out.

6. iCarly is a better example of how to actually revive a series for an adult audience.

I don't know why Nickelodeon greenlit this but Jamie Lynn needs money I guess.

Overall, if you don't care about the drama behind the scenes, that Jamie Lynn is a monster and just wanna watch your bonus episode of Zoey 101, I'd say go for it.