The film tries to camouflage its mediocrity behind an edgy MTV style aesthetic, which only works if you're in sixth grade. the film doesn't even manage to capture a remotely compelling portrait of struggling actors in LA before accelerating into a ridiculous turn of "let's make our friend famous".
Steve Strait isn't bad, could be promising in future projects, and Pell James is decently likable but bless her heart she's not yet strong enough to carry a film. As far as Ashlee Simpson goes, she's really not the worst actress on the planet or even in the movie, but that's the most positive thing about her i could think of to say. When she's not visibly trying to be arty and deep her acting talents stand above Jessica Alba & Paris Hilton, yet still decidedly below a cadaver on CSI. Watching her jam is especially hilarious. I don't think her voice sounds bad, but she's transparently trying so hard to be rock that I was surprised the extras didn't start booing her pretentious efforts. It's one of those movies that fails because you're not watching characters, you're watching unconvincing people who seem to think they're acting. Honorable mentions: Shannyn Sossamon is amusing as a dim supermodel, and Carrie Fisher is great because she looks like she can't wait to get away from all these boring prats and home to a very dry martini. And a warning to all: the lack of excitement makes the movie feel an hour longer than it is.
So if you're like me and you love to make fun of bad movies aimed at the WB crowd, or if you're one of THOSE who actually thinks "one tree hill" is a good show, then Undiscovered is a decent rental. if not, don't waste the 90 minutes of your life.
