User reviews

I'd never really had a love for this movie. That being said revisiting it so many years later it's cuter than I remember and a little bit more funny. Molly Shannon plays the awkward and slightly annoying Mary Katherine Gallagher an odd fame obsessed youngster who just wants to be taken seriously. Shes of course constantly bullied and has her eyes on "hot" guy Will Ferrell. The movie plays out predictably and some of the laughs really work. Overall it's a fun flick that just tries a little to hard.

Coneheads and now Superstar are the only two SNL skit based movies I've ever seen. Coneheads is still the leader in the clubhouse in my book but this was still good.

I'm not an SNL fan. In fact, the last time I saw a full SNL broadcast would have to have been 20 years ago or so. If it weren't for the internet and Yahoo posting some of their clips I'd never catch any of it.

Superstar is about a very awkward and borderline mentally retarded girl that has only one ambition in life; and that's to be kissed by a boy. Because of her television and movie assisted upbringing she believes that the only way to get said kiss is by becoming a superstar. Her journey to superstardom causes her to do one highly embarrassing act after another. It becomes increasingly apparent that embarrassing is not even a part of her vocabulary.

The movie is quite funny and delivers some good lines. Molly Shannon is probably the best fit for the role of Mary Katherine, the socially underdeveloped teen. Although, Shannon passing as a teen was about as believable as Channing Tatum passing for a teen in 21 Jump Street. Be that as it may, if you like the SNL skit you'll probably love this movie.

(Flash Review)

Mary Catherine Gallagher gets her feature flick. The SNL character had just enough meat to draw out a full movie. Mary who dreams of being a successful performer gets her big shot in her high school play. Will she become a superstar? Zing! All of her SNL character joke bits of falling into stacks of chairs and sniffing her fingers after they've been smushed in her arm pits are covered in the first 20 minutes. The rest of the humor is basic. Not great but also not horrendous. This character was stretched thin enough to the point of breaking yet just held it together.

This is one of the funniest movies I've seen in a long time. There are many really great belly-laughs here. There also are some very heartwarming moments when Mary Katherine Gallagher conjures up feelings of sympathy for her plight as a "nerd" among "beautiful people." The ending was wonderful. I really enjoyed seeing Glynis Johns again. I've always enjoyed her performances very much. All in all, I think this is an all-round good, very enjoyable movie!

Considering this came from SNL, I had to think back about my favorite all time short sketch; Mr. Bill. I *loved* that stupid play-dough doll. Yet; it's hard to imagine sitting through a feature length Mr. Bill movie.

The same applies, to some degree, here. Molly Shannon is talented and has presence. Yet this movie was, overall, unmoving. The stereotypes and situations were too predictable to make for clever parody. There was no substantive main plot nor any clever sub-plot.

Either this movie attempted something funnier and more clever than was apparent and missed OR this movie was just too low brow and aimed at too juvenile an audience. I cannot say. I just know that even movies like "Bevis and Butt-Head do America" managed to be more interesting and clever.

I don't blame Shannon in this. It's the horrid writing.

Most of us are familiar with Mary Katherine Gallagher, Molly Shannon's popular Saturday Night Live character. She now joins the ranks of the many SNL sketch characters on the big screen, with disappointing results. Most of the sketches that have been made into movies suffer from a fairly simple problem: taking five minutes of sketch material and stretching it to an hour and a half. Some writers are able to develop the character and surround them with an interesting plot, but this film fails on both counts.

Superstar revolves around Mary Katherine Gallagher, a Catholic high school girl with big dreams and a serious lack of social skills. An outcast at her school, Mary dreams of getting kissed just like she sees in movies, and the only way she can envision it happening is by becoming a superstar. The object of her affection is Sky (Will Ferrell) the most popular guy in school, and the best dancer. Standing in Mary's path is Evian (Elaine Hendrix), Sky's girlfriend: blonde, bitchy, beautiful, and a great dancer. Mary's opportunity for stardom and popularity arises when her school hosts a talent competition, with the winner getting the chance to be an extra in an upcoming movie. In some comedies predictability is comforting, but in Superstar it turns into annoyance; anyone who has seen Flashdance knows the story already. The characters are fairly standard as well: Tom Green as Sky's sidekick, Helen (Emmy Laybourne) as Mary's nerdy friend, Slater (Harland Williams) as the cute mysterious guy with a Harley. Mary even has a wheelchair bound Grandmother. Will Ferrell's character Sky is the only one who offers something new.

Those familiar with SNL know how funny Ferrell is, but he is a surprisingly good actor as well. Sky is different from the normal 'Mr. Popularity' role, and the change is refreshing. Instead of being an insensitive jock, Sky is very feminine and sensitive, with hilarious results. When asked who was the most naturally funny comic on SNL, Shannon immediately said "Will" Molly Shannon wrote all the material for Superstar involving Mary Katherine Gallagher and Steve Koren (SNL, Seinfeld, and A Night at the Roxbury) created the rest of the story and the other characters. Shannon's talent shines through in the solo scenes; without having to worry about plot or other characters, her comedy is at its best. A scene with Mary talking to her own breasts is extremely funny, and shows the potential Superstar has. By the end of the movie though, Mary's character is too pathetic, and the audience ceases to care whether she gets kissed at all. The problem with Superstar is in the writing. As opposed to a good SNL spin-off, such as Wayne's World, Superstar takes on a cheesy sitcom feel as the movie drags on. By the end of the film the viewer is bombarded with Cosby show values on having dreams, being yourself, and knowing who your friends are.

Essentially, Steve Koren dilutes Shannon's edgy comedy to make it appeal to a wider audience, but in the process takes away the heart of the movie. When asked whether she wanted to do movies or television in the future, Shannon said it didn't matter because, "what's most important is working with good writers." Obviously the writing team for Superstar wasn't good enough. Kids in the Hall fans may see hope in Bruce McCulloch directing Superstar, but aside from a few dance scenes McCulloch cannot inject anything into the weak script. Shannon notes that "Bruce McCulloch is really into the robot...and would would keep adding scenes with the robot dance." It seems his addition is simply based on his membership in the Lorne Michaels SNL family.

Hopefully in the future Shannon can throw the SNL monkey off of her back and make comedies that challenge the viewers instead of simply making them drowsy.

Mary Catherine Gallagher is one of the few recurring characters on SNL who...I just don't get! OK, so she puts her fingers under her armpits and sniffs them, shows off her underwear and likes to recite monologues from made-for-TV movies. I'm still not laughing. It wasn't funny on a 10-minute sketch, and it damn sure wasn't funny for an hour and 20 minutes! Watching the trailers where Molly Shannon, who plays the character, smooches with the bark of a tree--I wasn't expecting much in the first place. Obviously. But there was nothing else to see. So I can't say I was disappointed. When I saw this in theaters, there was a group of teenagers cracking up beyond belief. At what--how the hell would I know? Glynis Johns plays Mary Catherine Gallagher's mother and actually has one funny line. Molly Shannon is definitely talented. But this character wasn't funny from the get-go, so there wasn't really anything to work with.

Hey, if you find someone lip-locking a tree to be funny...this is the movie for you!

SNL failed again. Geez, I'm surprised. The days of "Wayne's World" are long gone. So just stick to repeats of the show on SNL.

My score: 3 (out of 10)

Because we had seen all the other comedies at the DVD store, my son and I finally watched Superstar. It had been so panned by every review I had ever seen, I thought it would be a waste of time. Perhaps especially for those who have memories of Catholic schools, it is as delightful as it is silly. My twelve-year-old does not have these memories but he laughed hysterically none the less.

I do recommend this film, but I do not recommend the critics who gave it only one star. Like psychologists, film critics must understand both the genres they review, and every type of audience that will view the film. This comedy may not be for everyone, but I cannot imagine anyone taking real offense at it either.

Superstar is the not so hit movie starring Molly Shannon and co starring Will Ferrell in one of the first movies they did together. The movie is about Mary Katherine Gallagher and all she wants in life is a Hollywood kiss but she realises that to get that she needs to be like the people in the movies. The movie is funny on many bases and Will Ferrell's character just held it together beautifully. The movie is definitely a must watch for fans of Saturday Night Live or Saturday Night Live skit turned Movies and Molly Shannon/Will Ferrell shows. Overall this movie is funny the whole way through and Will Ferrell's character was excellently petried. I rate this 74%.

I saw the previews for this moive and "oh no, another skit from SNL turned into a big screen". I had a few laughs from the trailer, but it did not show the whole movie!This movie is for anyone who has been teased in their life(and who has'n?!), and for people who want to be accepted for who they really are. The movie is told though Molly Shannon eyes so it is a interesting persective. The songs are great and are the musical numbers!Will Ferrell is great in this movie and so is the actress who plays the grandma!Superstar is not too long (like Random Hearts and Three Kings) so if you want to see a quick pick me up movie(a happy movie ) go see this movie !!Superstar is quite funny and cute at the same time!!I actually enjoyed , I might see it again , if not I buy the DVD when it comes out to buy!!Great work to all the stars !!Kudos to Paramount and SNL studios!!!awesome movie !!go see it ASAP!!!

I remember watching this movie when I was working in America in the year 2000 with my cousin and absolutely pissing my pants with laughter at it.

I then totally forgot about it until I noticed it on a website for sale for like £3 and thought I would buy it and see if it was as funny as I remembered. It was - and it was funnier the second time around.

Molly Shannon is an underrated comedic actress who we should see more often and who should be given lead roles on a more regular basis as she is absolutely hilarious in Superstar.

This movie has absolutely no point and no story but is just full of class comedy moments which make me chuckle over and over again. And not only is Ms Shannon rather good in it - Will Ferrell is on top form before he made it big time. Its just a shame he didn't drag Molly with him and make her as big a star as she is.

Get her in the Frat Pack now! Oh - and this movie is well funny so I recommend it highly to anyone with a sense of humour!

When i went to buy tickets for super star I was expecting, or maybe hoping for, another funny snl take off. Recently SNL movies have been going downhill. The night at the roxbury was just simply terrible. Now this? Superstar looked good in the commercials, but then again, don't most movies?Well anyway, This movie used up all its amusing moments in the previews. Well, I'm sorry if you don't agree with me, but whatever you say, I'm right.

The Rayato has a confession to make. I'm with stupid! Yep I am. While all you high-class society puppets prefer AN IDEAL HUSBAND or some type of crap like that, you know deep down you yearn to watch DEUCE BIGALOW,AUSTIN POWERS,or WATERBOY. Yes, you know you do. I am not afraid to show my love for the stupid comedy. And if you want stupid, then SUPERSTAR is as stupid as they get (and as funny). SNL alum Molly Shannon (who I plan to marry someday) plays everybody's favorite horny Catholic schoolgirl Mary Katherine Gallagher who wants to become a "Superstar!" so she could have a chance with Sky Corrigan (Will Ferrell, brilliant!)and get the kiss she dreams about. I love basically everything in this movie, from "Supermodel Documentary Hour" to the ARMAGEDDON spoof. God bless SNL, for bringing America Eddie Murphy, Adam Sandler, Mike Myers, and the latest among the giants, Ms. Shannon herself. B+

P.S. MTV's Tom Green makes a cameo has some dumb guy and well....he's....dumb.........BRILLIANT!

The Rayato has spoken.

I saw this movie in my friend's collection and decided to take it home! just for fun!!! hey folks, this movie is no fun. it's maybe the most stupid movie ever produced. The way it's stupid is not even enchanting like the case with Napoleon Dynamite (stupid but cool). When watching it I even started to wonder how "smart" the people can be to spend money and energy on a movie like that. Yes, seriously, the world is going crazy!!! Why not spend all those resources on something else instead of a movie like that... think about it!!! However, there is something funny about this movie. I like it when she's trying to kiss the tree. That's quite unique!!! But overall, i don't recommend anyone to watch this movie. It's just a waste of time!!!

Why do they make films like this one? In recent year more and more of badly scripted, bulls*** comedies, have been released, with most of them receiving bad criticism and usually not doing much more than break even at the box office. This film had some good moments and couple of laughs, but in general it is way below average when it comes to comedy. The main character played by Molly Shannon is such a twisted young girl that no sympathy is possible for what ever happens to her. Bordering on playing a mentally challenged person, while making fun of it, just doesn't work. There is a great confusion as to what she is after, as sometimes she seems to only want to be kissed (like her last film before this one -> Never been kissed), and sometimes she is after fame and stardom. Her character is also mixed up, as she plays it sometimes as being beyond help, with endlessly doing something stupid, while at some points she seems very mature for her age (discussion at the pool w/Eric Slater). The best parts about this film where scenes with the priest and with Jesus. Those were the only funny parts of the movie. 3/10

Usually, whenever confronted with a truly horrible book/movie/TV show/whatever, I stare at it in total disbelief, my nose wrinkled in disgust. This one, I had no reaction. I just sat and stared at it. It was so bland and devoid of life, I couldn't register any emotion for it. This goes beyond the standard rant about SNL skits getting turned into movies. It was just...there. The actors didn't show any range; then again, with the cardboard they were asked to portray, what could they do? There weren't any sparks or conflict; you knew who Mary Catherine was going to be friends with, who she was going to fight with, that she was eventually going to overcome her fears and win the talent show. The ending was such a foregone conclusion, why even bother making the movie?

I must have been smoking something harsh when I agreed to a friend to see this movie. Before I really get into what I think I do have to say to anyone who voted above a 3 on this movie,,,,"WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?"

I think I can sum it up into one big thought on what I thought about this film......... "IT SUCKED!!!!!!!!!"

There was only one thing that I thought was funny about the movie other than the fact that someone thought it would make money was a line that the grandmother said near the end of the film. Maybe it was a comment she made letting me know the movie was about to end. This is why I gave it a 2 out of 10.

The only reason why I couldn't get up and leave was because I didn't drive and I think I may have dozed off and woke up near the end.

Save your money for lighter fluid to torch this horrible film.

I wish ScreenIt! would have gotten the plot concept correct for any of you who are wondering. Mary Katherine wants to be a Superstar! Not just to have guys kiss her! I mean that's part of it, but it's the acknowledgment and the glamour that she really wants! Ever since I can remember, I, too, wanted to be a Superstar! (Sometimes I still do). I laughed because I could relate to everything - I have felt like Helen on more than one occasion, made a fool of myself in front of the whole school many times over, and prayed to God for a kiss from my "Sky" and pleaded with my parents to let me become a Superstar a zillion times!!! Molly Shannon shines and the whole cast will remind you of someone you knew in high school. GO SEE IT!! It's PG-13 which I appreciated - I felt I could safely walk into a theatre and not be surprised or caught off guard with anything truly tasteless or crude. The "God" scenes are even tasteful. So, if you can lighten up a little and just enjoy some great entertainment - see it!

Mary Katherine Gallagher (Molly Shannon) is an orphan raised by her grandmother and student of a catholic school. She decides to participate in a competition of new talents, where the winner will travel to Hollywood and may have a chance to act in a movie. She is also interested in kissing Sky (Will Ferrell), the boyfriend of the selfish Evian (Elaine Hendrix). This movie is a crap. It is a boring comedy, which is not funny. Molly Shannon is not beautiful, not funny, not charismatic and too old for the role of Mary. Her smile, showing the teeth, is horrible! I hated this trash. I spend the whole film without any laugh. It really deserves a spot in IMDB Bottom 100. My vote is two.

Title (Brazil): `Superstar - Despenca Uma Estrela' (Superstar - Falls a Star')

This work brings back memories of school. Those were good days. Mary Catherine Gallagher is a misfit. In fact, I can't imagine anywhere she WILL fit in. In every school, there is a girl who marches to her own tune, outcast by all but others who, like herself, were cast out of the crowd for their idiosyncrasies.

Molly Shannon is a Goddess, as she refuses to let others re-tune her inner song, finds her way, and reaches for her star.

Some will not like this work. Some may find it difficult to watch as Mary Catherine falls and fails. Others will think the work to be stupid or unintelligent, and on the surface, that would seem to be a fair appraisal. If one cares to take the deeper look, however, this work will teach you to have faith in yourself, to look for the best in others, and to hold onto your dreams.

It rates an 8.4/10 from...

the Fiend :.

I think that the humor in this movie was awful. The part about how the parents died is extremely stupid and not well thought out. The only thing that saved this movie for me is the fact that Evian (Elaine Hendrix) was in it. Only memorable part of this move was her in her bra and panties. Will Ferrel was decently funny but overall the movie as a whole was just plain terrible. The movie was filled with cheesy lines. The single worse part was the random singing and dancing. I thought this was an even stupider version of glee. The acting was way over the top and not in a good way. I didn't find myself crying on the floor laughing.