Virtually every girl who was within the ages of six and 14 in 2003 has seen “The Lizzie McGuire Movie” at least once. Despite the movie being twelve years old, I still watch it every now and then because, let’s face it, this movie is cinematic gold. Here are some of the funniest, most jaw-dropping, and quintessential moments of TLMM:
Most cringey: Lizzie’s middle school graduation.
No one can forget the utter emotional trauma of Lizzie’s graduation day tumble. From Kate Sanders’ friend comparing Lizzie’s speech to “watching an animal die on the Discovery Channel” to Lizzie’s plea that “Margaret Chan would want me to have some water right now,” the graduation is a complete disaster. And the curtain fall being broadcast on CNN and “Good Morning America"? Humiliating.
Most hilarious: Miss Ungermeyer’s introduction.
Who can deny the epic woman-power of Miss Ungermeyer? Though she’s obviously uptight and neurotic, she’s also one of the funniest characters in the movie. But I have to admit, I had no idea what a “sneaky little brownnoser with a hidden agenda” was in 2003.
Best montage: The flight.
You know the one I’m talking about. The one where Lizzie and Gordo are probably the cutest best friends ever to exist. Every time I see Gordo notice Lizzie sleeping on his shoulder and then snuggle up with her, I squeal with the joy of a 7-year-old watching it for the first time.
Goofiest: An Italian lady giving Lizzie some “cool cheese.”
Which would you take, the enormous cheese or the cute, Italian pop star?
Most touching: Kate “keeping it quiet”.
It’s always endearing when the villain finally does something kind for her enemy, and Kate Sanders is no exception. When Kate could easily tell Miss Ungermeyer about Lizzie’s escapades, she chooses to keep Lizzie’s secret and bury the hatchet instead. It’s a perfect resolution to their years-long feud and a hearkening back to the days when the two girls were best friends.
Wittiest Banter: Gordo and Ethan’s “slow curve”.
The difference between Gordo’s and Ethan’s IQs is probably astronomical, so when the two are forced to share a room together, everything they say is nothing short of hysterical. From Ethan’s explanations of “the sting” and “the approach” to Gordo remarking, “I can actually feel my brain turning into goo,” Lizzie’s favorite guys keep you laughing through the whole movie.
Most tragic: Gordo getting sent home.
Despite the whimsical fantasy-life that Lizzie is living with Paolo, you can’t help rooting for Gordo, the guy who’s always had her back (and has obviously had a crush on her for years). So when Gordo lies to protect Lizzie’s secret and Miss Ungermeyer sends him home, the whole movie takes a dismal turn. Plus, Lizzie is clueless; “Why would he do that for me?” she asks. BECAUSE HE’S IN LOVE WITH YOU, YOU IDIOT!
Most feminist: Lizzie and Isabella exposing Paolo at the IMVAs.
No one can deny that Paolo is perhaps the biggest jerk in all of Rome. So when Isabella gets Paolo’s mic turned down and shows everyone that he can’t sing, he finally stops manipulating her in order to make himself successful. Isabella and Lizzie both get what they deserve: the spotlight.
Most anticipated: The kiss.
For me, along with every other tween who watched every episode of “Lizzie McGuire,” the Lizzie/Gordo kiss was AMAZING. Watching the movie again, I realized that the kiss only lasts a few seconds, but for 7-year-old me, it was huge. This meant that Gordo and Lizzie could be together in high school… FINALLY.
Most iconic: “What Dreams Are Made Of".
From the first “Hey, now,” every 2000s girl knows what’s coming next. From the fantastic outfit to the over-enthusiastic backup dancers, from ripping off the skirt to waving at her dancing friends and family, this song is the perfect ending to the “Lizzie McGuire” franchise. I love this song—the epic key change and the horrible auto tune— and will sing it passionately until the day I die. As should everyone. Because, really, who doesn’t love belting out, “This is what dreeeeeeeams are made of!”?
