The 70's and the 80's had scads of these "teen talent contest" movies. A great example was "Roller Boogie", the one where Linda Blair was determined to win the roller skating contest. It's the same with "Twirl", too. But with "Twirl" the plot has a group of teen girls competing to be the best baton twirler -- and win the trophy! The grand prizes in all teen talent contest movies always included scholarships and other prizes but the contestants only ever wanted the trophy.
"Twirl" also throws in a kitchen sink full of other drama. The parents are either borderline alcoholics, or have past relationships that come into play, or are so overly obsessed with winning they'll do anything to help get their kid the trophy. Sleep with a judge? No problem! Middle-aged parents are always just re-living their youthful glory days and living vicariously through the kids.
"Twirl" does have its share of cringe-inducing moments. Erin and Lisa hamming it up while singing along to a bad cover version of Hall and Oate's "Kiss on my List" ranks way up there. The final fade-out scene is odd and unnerving. And Charles Haid as Erin's father was much like his "Hill Street Blues" character -- scarily intense. Speaking of Charles Haid, despite a major age difference, he was involved in a quickie real-life marriage to one of the other twirlers, Deborah Richter. I wonder if they first met filming "Twirl", had a steamy affair for a few years, then decided to get hitched?
Honestly "Twirl" is actually pretty good for a what it is. Yes it was low-budget and made-for-TV, but I was never bored, there was lots of very impressive baton twirling skills on display, and even when the "inevitable moment" occurred during the finals I still gasped -- although I knew it was certainly going to happen. I particularly liked the Q & A session. Based on their reactions I think some of the actresses were not told the judges questions in advance and are giving their honest off-the-cuff answers! Either way it's pretty funny and endearing.
Erin Moran as the lead is good, but sadly, even though she is only 21 -- and playing a 17-year-old high schooler -- she looks 35. I wonder if this was around the time she started drinking and drugging. Sad. Hollywood pressure can be cruel. On the other hand, Lisa Whelchel, and her thick mane of golden hair, looks great -- voluptuous, adorable and gorgeous. I'd choose Lisa over 20-year-old Heather Locklear, who also appears in this movie as a contestant in one of her first roles. Tracy Scoggins is also in this movie but I don't think she utters one single word.
Anyway, "Twirl" is definitely worth a watch, even if just for the incredible baton twirling skills. 6-stars.
"Twirl" also throws in a kitchen sink full of other drama. The parents are either borderline alcoholics, or have past relationships that come into play, or are so overly obsessed with winning they'll do anything to help get their kid the trophy. Sleep with a judge? No problem! Middle-aged parents are always just re-living their youthful glory days and living vicariously through the kids.
"Twirl" does have its share of cringe-inducing moments. Erin and Lisa hamming it up while singing along to a bad cover version of Hall and Oate's "Kiss on my List" ranks way up there. The final fade-out scene is odd and unnerving. And Charles Haid as Erin's father was much like his "Hill Street Blues" character -- scarily intense. Speaking of Charles Haid, despite a major age difference, he was involved in a quickie real-life marriage to one of the other twirlers, Deborah Richter. I wonder if they first met filming "Twirl", had a steamy affair for a few years, then decided to get hitched?
Honestly "Twirl" is actually pretty good for a what it is. Yes it was low-budget and made-for-TV, but I was never bored, there was lots of very impressive baton twirling skills on display, and even when the "inevitable moment" occurred during the finals I still gasped -- although I knew it was certainly going to happen. I particularly liked the Q & A session. Based on their reactions I think some of the actresses were not told the judges questions in advance and are giving their honest off-the-cuff answers! Either way it's pretty funny and endearing.
Erin Moran as the lead is good, but sadly, even though she is only 21 -- and playing a 17-year-old high schooler -- she looks 35. I wonder if this was around the time she started drinking and drugging. Sad. Hollywood pressure can be cruel. On the other hand, Lisa Whelchel, and her thick mane of golden hair, looks great -- voluptuous, adorable and gorgeous. I'd choose Lisa over 20-year-old Heather Locklear, who also appears in this movie as a contestant in one of her first roles. Tracy Scoggins is also in this movie but I don't think she utters one single word.
Anyway, "Twirl" is definitely worth a watch, even if just for the incredible baton twirling skills. 6-stars.
