“Hellcats” [REVIEW]

Thanks to our new friends at the CW Network, MissTisdale.net is proud to be the first Ashley Tisdale-centric fan site to receive the “Hellcats” DVD pilot for the freshly new picked up series starring Aly Michalka (Bandslam and one half of the pop duo 78Violet) and Ashley Tisdale (of High School Musical and Guilty Pleasure fame)!

Set in the deep South of Memphis, Tennessee- Lancer University boasts academics, lively culture, historical landmarks, and an undefeated spirit squad- the Lancer University Hellcats. Famous Tennessean fixtures like hidden jazz night-spots, cobble-stone sidewalks, and of course slow-cooked Soul Foods riddle the backdrops of the show.

Local townie Marti Perkins is the first character introduced. With her wild, curly blonde locks and mesh fingerless gloves, right offhand viewers know they’re dealing with a bona-fide badass. Quick street smarts and looks to boot establish a headstrong main character. Her thick, yet non-Southern tinged accent provides the voice-over during the show’s opening sequence. Marti comes from a complicated background, one entailing a flighty, yet damaged mother (played by Gail O’Grady). Upon receiving notice of a potentially crippling overdue tuition bill, Marti kicks it into over-drive to figure out how to stay in school…and fast!

To capture the excitement in its beginning moments, Hellcats at times films like a music video with its quick screen pans, bold lighting, and adrenaline pumping tunes. Songs like Hey, Soul Sister by Train, Ghost Town by Shiny Toy Guns, 1901 by Phoenix, Pump It by Black Eyed Peas, We Are Golden by Mika, and much more provide the head-bopping soundtrack to the pilot.

Tisdale wows as wide-eyed optimist Savannah Monroe.

…and then there’s Ashley Tisdale portraying the optimistic, sweet as finger-lickin’ good Memphis barbeque- cheer captain Savannah Monroe. Her presence onscreen is contagious and commands the attention of an audience. At first glance Savannah is the kind of girl others automatically envy. It’s hard not to with her taut figure and enviable girl-next-door visage. The plucky brunette packs one powerhouse of a performance with an unexpected mix of just the right amount of sugar and spice. The sugar- abundant in various girly floral frocks, buoyant chocolate locks, and a kind demeanor add to the overall charm of her character. Pre-judgments about cheerleaders’ aside, Savannah is the best friend every girl wants. Willing to listen and more than eager to help- she possesses an unwavering sense of loyalty and faithfulness where it matters most in a friendship. But get on her bad side? WATCH OUT. Savannah Monroe can turn the Southern belle off and lace up the boxing gloves when needed. It’s that fierce allegiance to what’s close to her heart that brings about a pleasantly surprising bold frame of mind. She may be small, but she’s not backing down- especially when it comes to her squad.

She’s a mama hen type figure, lending inspiration to her teammates in the form of team bonding activities and the first to welcome Marti to her new home at Cheer Town (a towering mansion-like structure that boasts ivory columns and houses the entire co-ed team). Rocking her trusty “Cheer” gold plated necklace, one can’t help but be drawn to Savannah. Tisdale’s performance as Savannah is a departure from the caffeine-laced, pink-clad theater diva Sharpay Evans she depicted in 3 (now 4, with the now infamous character spawning her own spin-off DCOM effort, Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventures) High School Musical films. Gone are the lighter locks, sparkles, and prima donna demands. Present is a softer, more overtly likable character. The 24-year old actress/singer lives up to her “triple-threat” nickname showcasing growing acting chops, killer dance moves, and an ability to change the tone of an entire scene with the simple raising of one perfectly sculpted eyebrow.

Savannah challenges Marti.

Savannah goes above and beyond for the sake of the team. Cheerleading is her livelihood and she’s quick to remind those around her that her focus is two-fold; academics and bringing home a regional cheer title. A tender, quieter moment between Savannah and Marti showcases the potential for a life-long friendship. There’s an ease in on-screen chemistry between the two that sparks interest in seeing more dual screen time from the sometimes bickering duo.

Girl-talk.

[MissTisdale.net Tidbit: Authentic never-before-seen personal photos of a younger Ashley adorn Savannah’s dorm room amongst the blue and gold collegiate memorabilia!]

The subtitles in the Hellcats pilot indicating staple campus locales seems reminiscent of season 1 of HBO’s popular Sex and the City series wherein characters were frequently introduced via text along the bottom of the screen. It’s yet to be seen if this aspect is utilized simply for the pilot and/or early episodes, or if it will continue on as the show progresses.

Directed by Alla Arkush- a tv director with an expansive career featuring turns for such popular shows like Dawson’s Creek, Ally McBeal, and most recently NBC’s Heroes effortlessly captures the lush greenery of the South. The camera literally emits an almost unreal glow from co-stars Ashley Tisdale and Aly Michalka. Sometimes one might find themselves pondering the beauty regimen and specific facial wash of the girls when we’re meant to be following dialogue.

The supporting cast is solid. The stunning Heather Hemmens depicts a convincingly believable catty co-captain. Her antics rapidly become more and more dishonorable in just the initial first episode. With time, it’s likely she will soon find herself in the line of fire against head cheerleader Savannah. Do we smell a Cheer-Off?

Marti and Dan share a moment.

Matt Barr takes on the role of Marti’s childhood friend Dan Patch. Right away we see that the lingering glances and smiles exchanged between Marti and fellow teammate Lewis Flynn (Robbie Jones) is already laying down the foundation for a classic love-triangle. Robbie’s sauve banter and knee-knocking winks are a direct contrast to Dan’s comedic side-kick jig. Marti’s got some decisions to make in the near future when Dan’s growing affections will no doubt confront their friendship.

Here’s to the beginning of one wild upcoming ride for the Hellcats squad.

Fans won’t want to miss out! Get ready to laugh, be wowed (there are some extremely talented stunts and choreography seen in the routine and try-out sequences), and of course… fear the cheer!

Rating: A-/B+ for fast-talking yet informed co-eds that give hope that not all youth today uses “and, like…” every other word. The show will hinge upon co-stars Ashley Tisdale and Aly Michalka’s chemistry and the triangles established amongst supporting cast. Hellcats did their homework- intricate stunts and tumbling looks NCA certified. Less Bring It On (although the film does make a cameo in the pilot!), more She’s The Man in comedic delivery, cinematography, and plot execution.

Hellcats debuts Wednesdays at 9/8C this Fall on the CW
[All screen caps & photos are used c/o the CW and extended teaser trailer. Review by: Audrey for MissTisdale.net]
GO BIG BLUE!