K-12 (2019)
1h 32m | PG-13
Cry Baby, a strong and sensitive girl, is sent off to a disturbing sleepaway school that’s hidden underneath a grandiose façade. Luckily, she has a sweet and unapologetic best friend who sticks up for her when she gets bullied by the other students whose brains are under control by the Principal and his wicked staff. With the help of the magical friends they meet along the way, as well as an Angelic Spirit Guide, they are able to gain the strength they need to fight off the school’s belligerent patriarchal conditioning.
Director: Melanie Martinez
Studio: Atlantic Records
Genre: Music, Fantasy
Video: 720p
Cast
Melanie Martinez
as Cry Baby
Elita Harkov
as Angelita
Megan Gage
as Celeste
Maggie Budzyna
as Kelly
Zión Moreno
as Fleur
Marsalis Wilson
as Ben
Reviews
This should probably not have been marketed as if it was a "movie". It's an extended series of disparate Melanie Martinez music videos with a wafer-thin membrane of overarching connective tissue. If you are a fan of her music, then, obviously, you should probably watch _K-12_, not even just to "support her" but because her music is what makes up 90% of the runtime. Personally though, I don't care for it, which I figured meant the best option I was left with was to basically ignore all that, and just judge _K-12_ on the narrative. Which is not great. Bad, even, I think I could argue. I know that that's not the point, it's not an actual story, it's a music presentation. But to watch this **as a movie** it doesn't work. I even watched _K-12_ with somebody who specifically does like Melanie Martinez's music, and even she was yelling at the screen's nonsense. The pastel colour scheme/lolita fashion thing is also not my speed, but I appreciate the dedication to it. _Final rating:★★ - Had some things that appeal to me, but a poor finished product._