She's not a nerd, a jock, a brain, a rebel, or a diva. She's junior high student Lizzie McGuire--winningly embodied by Hilary Duff in the Disney Channel series that put her on the pop-culture map. Lizzie emerges as an Everygirl for the 'tween set, struggling to navigate her way through this "difficult point of my life." Lizzie McGuire boasts clever writing, natural performances, and a mix of visual styles--including an animated alter ego for Lizzie--that gives the show a look and tone that is every bit as engagingly off-center as Lizzie herself. Most of the 22 first-season episodes (2001-02) in this "majorly fabulous" four-disc set reinforce the requisite life lessons: Be responsible, and be true to yourself and your friends. In "I've Got Rhythmic," a conflicted Lizzie discovers she is a natural at a sport she hates. Other episodes tackle coming-of-age milestones, including being left in charge of a sibling ("Misadventures in Babysitting"), shopping for a first bra ("Between a Rock and a Bra Place"), and trying to sneak into an R-rated movie ("Rated Aargh!"). "Picture Day" hilariously captures one of school's most humiliating rituals, while "Rumors" is a more 'tween-appropriate take on Mean Girls culture, as Lizzie tries to find the courage to admit to a cheerleader nemesis that she was the one who wrote a catty email about her. Lizzie McGuire also scores points with its respectful portrayal of parents and authority figures (they may, at times, seem clueless and alien, but they are not the enemy). Duff has moved on to feature films and a recording career (she does not participate in the cast commentaries), but Lizzie's travails are anything but so yesterday, and those who grew up with this series, as well as newcomers, will be dizzy for Miss Lizzie. In addition to commentaries on three episodes, DVD extras include a trio of featurettes. Highly recommended. (D. Liebenson)
Lizzie McGuire Box Set, Volume 1
Walt Disney, 4 discs, 497 min., not rated, DVD: $49.99 Volume 20, Issue 1
Lizzie McGuire Box Set, Volume 1
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