Written and directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan. Running time: 95 minutes. Rated PG-13 (for language and sensuality). Opening today at local theaters.
On this Wednesday of Spring Break (Easter and Passover Week) in most of the country, studios are releasing a couple of teen-oriented product that go together with critics the way matzohs do with baked ham. The AP's David Germain begins his review of Josie and the Pussycats by remarking, Here's a bad sign for a movie: a reviewer gets in to see it for free and still wants his money back. Roger Ebert in the Chicago Sun Times calls it a would-be comedy. And Elvis Mitchell in the New York Times says that watching it is a misery. Not all of the reviews are that unfriendly. Kenneth Turan in the Los Angeles Times writes, It's clearly aimed at a Clearasil audience, but if anyone older happens to wander in, they won't be significantly worse for the experience. And some reviewers (mostly in smaller markets) are giving it a thumbs-up. Bill Dupre in the Raleigh News and Observer writes: Here's the best news of the young spring/summer movie season: Josie and the Pussycats is funny, sharp, savvy and endearing -- a rollicking sendup.