Main Cast: Melanie Brown, Spice Girls, Emma Bunton, Melanie Chisholm, Geri Halliwell, Victoria Adams, Richard E. Grant, Alan Cumming
Release Year: 1998
Country: UK
Run Time: 92 minutes
MPAA Rating: PG
Plot
Bob Spiers (director of TV's Absolutely Fabulous) directed this feature-film debut of the five Spice Girls -- Posh Spice, Sporty Spice, Scary Spice, Ginger Spice, and Baby Spice -- as the quintet challenges the London pop scene during five days before their first live performance at the Royal Albert Hall in London. Photojournalists follow as they travel from press conferences to practice sessions to photo ops, passing London landmarks in the comfort of their cavernous Spicebus and emerging in a musical cascade of color, trendy clothes, and blinding flashbulbs. Shot in 43 days, the film features cameos by everyone from Elton John and Elvis Costello, to Stephen Fry and Bob Hoskins. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
Review
In the late '90s, the Spice Girls not only became an international pop sensation, but they decided to star in their own movie like the Beatles before them. Even though Spiceworld: The Movie lacks a coherent plot and structure, it is still an energetic and mildly amusing parody of fame, fortune, and the music industry. Since Posh and Co. don't take their celluloid fantasy seriously, the film quickly assumes a playful, tongue-in-cheek manner. The comedy works best when the group pokes fun at their popularity and takes on a self-deprecating tone. The girls are completely aware of the fact that they are not trained thespians, so they cleverly surround themselves with talent both on camera and off. In addition to the countless celebrity cameos, seasoned comedy director Bob Spiers (Absolutely Fabulous) keeps the film moving at a breakneck pace. He refers to Spiceworld: The Movie as an homage to A Hard Day's Night, but the effort is not nearly as successful. Unlike John, Ringo, George, and Paul, the Spice Girls don't have distinct personalities and it becomes hard to identify with any of them. Furthermore, the films of the Beatles featured classic and enduring songs, whereas the music of the Spice Girls has not survived in the millennium. Despite these flaws, most audiences will find something to enjoy in this harmless musical comedy that aims to please. ~ Adam Goldberg, All Movie Guide
Colin Blaymires - Art Director, David Walley - Art Director, Kim Fuller - Associate Producer, Simone Ireland - Casting, Vanessa Pereira - Casting, Priscilla Samuels - Choreography, Peter Mcaleese - Co-producer, Kate Carin - Costume Designer, Max Keene - First Assistant Director, Bob Spiers - Director, Barnaby Thompson - Second Unit Director, Andrea MacArthur - Editor, Simon Fuller - Executive Producer, Paul Newcastle - Composer (Music Score), Graham Johnston - Makeup, Grenville Horner - Production Designer, Clive Tickner - Cinematographer, Mark L. Rosen - Producer, Barnaby Thompson - Producer, Uri Fruchtman - Producer, Colin Nicolson - Sound/Sound Designer, Peter Brayham - Stunts Coordinator, Jamie Curtis - Screenwriter, Kim Fuller - Screenwriter
