What Is the Story About?
If the first part, The Tall Girl, dealt with becoming part of the social structure for what you are, then Tall Girl 2 deals with overcoming the self-doubt, the inner fear and coming out triumph.
A stage play is placed at the centre of the proceedings, for the same, for Jodi (Ava Michelle) to take part. The movie’s basic plot is how she conquers her stage fear and anxiety.
Performances?
Ava Michelle playing Jodi was nearly flat in the first outing itself. But, the underdog aspect gave her a compelling arc. In the second outing, there is no such thing. She just goes through the motions barring a scene or two like the one related to anxiety. How one wishes there was of that for her.
Analysis
Emily Ting directs Tall Girl 2. It is a direct continuation of the first part, with almost all the principal cast reprising their roles. The movie is about overcoming self-doubts, which is a decent plot set in high school. However, the way things progress here makes one wonder if the film was necessary in the first place.
Tall Girl 2 starts with a brief recollection of The Tall Girl. Here, we first get the thought if the current movie is a pointless sequel. But, a few moments later, we understand the theme and find the attempt okay.
Unfortunately, barring the idea, nothing works for Tall Girl 2. The problem is with the lazy writing and the ideas incorporated in the script more than anything.
Almost all the issues related to teens (trust, love, jealousy, weight, forgiving, self-confidence and so on) are part of the screenplay with a message attached to it. While the good thing is that there is no sermonizing on them, but the sweet syrupy messaging too is overkill here.
The conflict created between Jodie and Dunkleman feels like an afterthought. As if they had to have an issue because the narrative has to progress beyond the first act. It is the case with every other character with importance.
The core theme of overcoming insecurities and anxiety is executed flatly without emotion. It is a relatable issue that has good potential for a compelling drama. What we get is a superficial take where the whole thing is over even before it starts. All it takes is one prompting the entire issue is gone. Not only that, but one is also ready to pass the secret to others.
Overall, Tall Girl 2 is a superficial movie that ticks all the ‘message’ boxes and tackles a relatable theme with the depth of a hair strand. It is an easily forgettable fare, alright, but it shouldn’t have existed in the first place.
Other Artists?
Sabrina Carpenter is the new addition to the cast. She plays a hyperactive girl with ease, although it sometimes goes into the over-action zone. Griffin Gluck and Luke Eisner have changed characters here. They have done decently like the rest of the actors, who frankly are all apt for their respective roles.
Music and Other Departments?
Mateo Messina’s background score is strictly functional. A Backstreet Boys single is timed well, but it feels wasted in a film like Tall Girl 2. Shane Hurlbut’s cinematography is decent. The colourful palette typical of the colleges’ stories is seen here. Melissa Kent’s editing is fine. It helps keep the pace sharp despite nothing engaging happening. The writing is ordinary and is one of the significant reasons for the below-par outing.
Highlights?
Casting
Message(s)
Basic Theme Related To Anxiety
Drawbacks?
Writing
Superficial Attempt
No Emotional Connection
Predictability
Did I Enjoy It?
No
Will You Recommend It?
No
Tall Girl 2 Movie Review by Binged Bureau