JOSIE AND THE PUSSYCATS

This playful film adaptation of the ’70s Archie comic strip strikes a sporadic chord. A Charlie’s AngelsSesque girl-power flick directed by Harry Elfont and Deborah Kaplan, it’s a sort of Behind the Music in present tense, except the satirical take leaves out the standard alcohol binges, downward spirals, and final-hour reconciliations; instead, Josie’s band make it to the tunes of conspiracy theory, subliminal messages, and farcical product placements. What? The film prances all over the place with an unnecessary teased-out subplot. Just show us the cute girls singing those fabulous songs by Kay Hanley, of Letters to Cleo.

Teen dream Rachael Leigh Cook wails with style as innocent heartthrob frontwoman Josie; she’s backed up by bassist Valerie (Rosario Dawson) and ditzy puppy-lover percussionist Melody (Tara Reid). But as these things go, we all love the villain the most, and indie-film goddess Parker Posey’s take on record-industry shrew Fiona is truly inspired. Blink for a second and you’ll miss the torrent of pop-culture cuts, boy-band jabs, and MTV disses. Then again, with closed eyes, you can focus on the best part of the film: the soundtrack.

— Nina Willdorf