Three fun, fearless, wide-eyed rockstar wanna-bees, Josie (Rachel Leigh Cook), Melody (Tara Reid) and Val (Rosario Dawson) test their lifelong, small town friendships as they embark on a journey to become teen sensations. Nearly overnight, they transform their punk garage band into a mega success with a little help from big-time manager Alan Cumming. What they fail to discover, however, is that their fame and almost unbelievable fortune has been acquired not by their own talent, but by someone within their circle of shady management.

Josie, Melody and Val were first introduced in the well-known Archie comic in 1963. So understandably, the film’s plot is a bit weak. Nevertheless, that fact is easily counter-balanced by the success the film attained in capturing the heart and soul of the original cartoon characters, who brought them to life. The result is a music-driven movie about a band, complete with refreshing new songs.

Taking the true talent of the actresses into question, it stands that the trio make for a believable display of average adrenaline-induced teenagers who ride high on the thrill of life. Cook leads the pack of felines. Her bold personality and crimson-streaked hair add to her attributes as bull-headed Josie, who has no desire to back down on her aspirations to become a rock star.

Dawson, who made her film debut in Kids (1995), follows as Val, the member of the band who is often forgotten. Previously, in her other films, such as He Got Game and Light it Up, she didn’t make much of a splash. However, in this, her first film in which she plays one of the lead stars, she shines as she shows the true personality of the weak-willed Vallerie Brown.

Reid rounds out the threesome as the airy blond, Melody. It is obvious in the film that she derives nothing but pleasure from every aspect of life. Although presently, Reid does not play any type of music in real life, she may certainly want to reconsider after such an impeccable performance as the band’s drummer. Reid triumphs as a true rock star as she portrays her character completely immersed in the music while onstage.

Similarly, other aspects of the film maintain high standings in keeping up the image of the characters. Likewise, the talent, the endless display of trends and fashion, in addition to the hair and makeup design may spark a bit of interest from a woman’s perspective.

Long, textured manes of hair, triangle tops, vibrant use of color and overwhelming animal prints continually fill the screen. The detail in creating a cutting-edge look in costume, hair and makeup deserves a round of applause.

However, the film’s level of interest must be taken into consideration. If you are looking for a film with a meaningful life lesson, this is not it. However, an average impressionable teenybopper, for example, would probably appreciate the film most. It warns against the power of media trends, especially those that almost lead to the demise of the friendships between the Pussycats. Through this trial, the film establishes the importance and the true meaning of genuine friendship.

All in all, the talent of the actresses is outstanding, and the images they create are admirable. The traditional characters from the cartoon are well represented, the music is fresh and the design is innovative. Josie and the Pussycats is a prime choice for a light-hearted, fun movie-going experience. B+