The Challenge (2003)

I found it in the bargain bin at Walmart and thought my twins might like it. They do but it sure wouldn't be my first choice. I will say that the scenery is beautiful, although some of it looks like Hawaii rather than Mexico. Which brings to mind the "totems" that the teams compete for. They are clearly Hawaiian/Polynesian tikis. Why they didn't use some sort of Mexican statue is a mystery to me. I guess this is a small point but since the movie attempts to be so PC, it seems like a big mistake. Bottom line - If you have pre-teen girls. It'll probably be hit with them. Otherwise, look for something else.

Every minute of this movie was sheer pain. I would never have watched it voluntarily, but as it happens, I had to translate it for Swedish TV. I'm not very familiar with the Olsen twins's previous work, but I have an idea of what it's generally about. The "twin card" seems to be played a lot. By this I mean that the plot always seems to involve different aspects/problems etc of being twins. "The Challenge" is not an exception. If you're interested in a more detailed commentary about the plot, look elsewhere. I don't intend to delve into that here. The reasons for my intense dislike of it are many. It's not "1-out-of-10-awful" like any other movie I've seen. This one disgusts me with its perkiness, politically correctness and morality. I guess it goes without saying that the story, acting, directing, script etc is disastrous. Enough said! In closing: stay away from it. It was a nightmare to translate (not because of linguistic difficulties...), it's torture to just watch it. And with that, I rest my case.

This is really a must-see MK&A movie! Their true personalities come out a bit in it (especially Mary-Kate's) and it really makes me want to cry (in certain parts) because it gets so sentimental and I'm such a huge fan of theirs! I give this movie my highest possible rating because I loved it as much as any of MK&A's (totally awesome) movies! They are such great actresses (and such terrific human-beings) and all of those "truths" about them just pop-out at you in this movie! I love the setting (the ocean & desert in Baja Mexico) and the plot is great too (except that I didn't really care to see MK&A eating those horrible things in that one part of the film -- aha)! I hope that if you haven't seen it already that you will soon! MK&A deserve our support! They really and truly do! Sincerely, Rick Morris

This movie is amazing! As always, there are love interests and jet skis, but there's something really different about this one. It actually has substance and a plot! The very end really made it for me. This surprise ending was truly inspired, the best these twins have done yet! Keep it up girls!