This speaks to the original ethos of the book to teach children about nonconformity and the importance of resisting peer pressure. He’s deliriously happy with her alternative lifestyle and imaginative ways, until he becomes afraid of being isolated by their peers. Leo in many ways fetishizes Stargirl the most. The movie does stay very true to the story of Stargirl (Grace VanderWaal) and Leo (Graham Verchere). There is no room for her to be different without the pressure to fulfill the expectations of others. It seems that all personhood is taken away from her, as she is either expected to bring magical fortune or to blend in with all of the normal students. However, no one ever takes the time to learn more about who she is and why she’s so different. Stargirl’s singing performances during football games become their good luck anthems to victory. Her school friends, including Leo, only appreciate her quirkiness and non-traditional behavior when it fits their agendas. Similarly to the book, the movie illustrates that Stargirl eventually becomes some kind of supernatural good luck charm, instead of a person. I will applaud the movie on doing a good job of depicting the commodification of Stargirl. While this film did manage to capture the whimsicality and uniqueness that Stargirl had to offer in the book, it failed to capture the deeper messages that really inspired most child readers. Arguably the most memorable and impactful scene from the book was taken out, and the tone of the story was modified.
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