30 Days Until I’m
Famous (Cable Telefilm)
Picture: C+
Sound: C+ Extras: D Telefilm: C+
A simple, amusing, lite comedy called 30 Days Until I’m
Famous (2004) was produced by Madonna, the number one reason it is getting
any attention, but it deserves it for more than that, because it is an amusing
little project that is at least decent quality entertainment. Maggie (Camille Guaty) is sick and tired of
her life and struggles, but loves her family.
When emotionally bankrupt music talent manager Cole (Sean Patrick
Flannery) is given an ultimatum by his record company boss (Udo Kier) to find a
better talent than he just signed or lose his job, he picks Maggie on the spot
to be the next artificially-manufactured Latina pop singing sensation.
Because this process is so phony, her being of authentic
Latin ethnic origin is not enough, so a coach (Mindy Sterling from the Austin
Powers franchise) is called in to transform her. Much of the film has its obvious curve and predictability, but
there are some nice twist touches throughout that add up to make it a better
viewing than expected. Laura Angelica
Simon’s teleplay is always dignified and smart, while Gabriela Taguavini’s
directing could open up some doors for more serious, substantial subjects. If you want a fun 86 minutes, this could be
for you.
The full frame 1.33 X 1 image was shot on Fuji film and is
just fine for that, but there are some detail limits typical of such a DVD
transfer not being able to use anamorphic enhancement. Bernd Heinl was the cinematographer. The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has no serious
surround sound, but is fine for a basic telefilm. There are no extras, but the film is amusing and the price is
right.
- Nicholas Sheffo
