Spiceworld The Movie (DVD 2004)

By October 1997, the 'Spice Girls extravaganza' was all too familiar. In the space of a year they had become a global phenomenon. In Britain alone they had sold over 7,000,000 singles and over 1,250,000 of those sales came from 'Wannabe', which was also number one in like a million countries. It truthfully was a "Spice World"! When it came to the announcement of the follow-up to "Spice", most critics were sceptical. Surely "Spiceworld" could be nothing more than a tedious repeat of "Spice". Who could have predicted that they would be utterly mistaken?!!
Following their immense success, there was now a heightened sense of flamboyance! All the traits of the first album were now even more 'in yer face'! The opening track 'Spice Up Your Life' was worthy of its predecessor 'Wannabe', with a heavier beat and bass. The melodic figure that is heard at the beginning is overtly catchy, making for instant memorable-ity. The girls sing in unison as they invite the 'people of the world' on a journey of music and dances from around the globe, Disco is at the forefront however, and songs such as 'Kung-Fu Fighting' and 'Dancing Queen' are cited in the lyric. Following screams of 'rheeeeeeeeba', 'Hi, Ci, Ya, hold tight!', the song is over and before one can catch one's breath the great pop tune 'Stop' by Watkins/Wilson has commenced. 'Never Give Up On the Good Times' actually sound like a cover of a genuine late 70s disco hit (by Gloria Gaynor or such like), even though it is an original. The penultimate track 'Viva Forever' has to be one of the best pop tracks ever conceived, and Stannard/Rowe really should be in the song-writer's Hall of Fame based on this song alone. The melody of the chorus is first-rate, and probably the best that the group sang. The Spanish guitar might pay homage to Madonna (i.e., 'La Isla Bonita'), but its presence highlights the fact that the song is about a secret holiday romance (for there are otherwise no other obvious references to Spanish music). At first, the song seems to be about a wonderful relationship in its early stages However, the last verse hints towards something quite different i.e., forbidden love. Certainly, the low-register solo singing for the final repeat of the chorus suggests something bleaker than might have been first transparent. Finally, in 'Lady is a Vamp' Spice Girls cite legends such as Elvis, Bob Marley, etc., before added themselves to the list............. and why not?

Although there was an attempt to resurrect the concept a few years later with 'Forever', most would agree that this was where the Spice tour really ended. But what a ride it was!!!!

i bought this movie, purely and simply because i had seen it once, and loved it, so i wanted it in my collection. it is just a wonderful reminder of the joy and pleasure that the spice girls gave in the 90s. it has an already well loved format, in the same vein as the beatles-a hard day's night, and abba the movie, and this just enhances the whole jolly good romp. a cast of pretty classy support star add ons, and delightful cameos by the girls themselves. it is a winner! if you are having a grey day, then this is the movie to shake it off. it's bright and breezy with a sprinkling of good old spice girls glamour and self depricating humour.

My kids love it but if you are over 14 it will grate your teeth !!!!!!!!
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ok its not oscar material but it is funny, tongue in cheek, empowering and most importantly entertaining! the worlds most famous girls having a laugh, complete with cameos from elton, geldoff, jonathan ross, richard e grant and loads more it really is worth a look. if not for the acting for a good old spice sing a long!love it guaranteed to cheer you up!