Undiscovered (Special Edition)

Forging love out of the cutthroat entertainment industry is the theme of this MTV-style feature film starring Ashlee Simpson in a supporting role. Pell James plays aspiring actress Brier Tucket who falls for fledgling songwriter Luke Falcon (Steven Strait) in a fleeting moment of New York subway chaos. Fate reunites them in Los Angeles where their friendship deepens as they struggle to establish careers in an industry known for fraud, favors, and elusive fame. Simpson steps up to the microphone for a couple of breathy ballads, yet her acting is wholly forgettable as the one-dimensional Clea. More noteworthy are the standout performances by Kip Pardue, as Luke's wacky brother Euan; and Carrie Fisher, who adds panache as Brier's acerbic agent. Originally titled "Wannabe," the movie was renamed Undiscovered to spotlight Simpson’s song of the same name--and the film's soundtrack is decent--yet no amount of music will prop up the story's overall flimsiness despite the intentions of veteran music video director Meiert Avis. Rated PG-13 for sexual and drug content and partial nudity