Setting aside the star-studded lineage of the cast, the latest Archie's movie presents a fresh ensemble of actors who, despite their impressive background, strive to establish themselves. Overlooking the predominantly 90s-kid Archie fanbase, the film appears to have underestimated the importance of authenticity, resulting in a narrative that feels contrived and forced.
While the cast manages to deliver an okay performance, there's a lingering expectation for them to excel given their rich family history in acting and exposure to the industry. Suhana, in particular, exhibits moments of acceptable acting, but her rigid body posture reminiscent of the Kardashian style proves distracting and unnatural. It's imperative for her to shed this stiffness and embrace more fluid movements to enhance her on-screen presence. Her expressions are quite predictable throughout as well.
Regrettably, the movie fails to foster deep connections between the audience and the characters, leaving viewers emotionally detached. Post-viewing, the film swiftly fades from memory, with the entire set feeling unnaturally artificial. As a devoted Archie Comics reader for 28 years, this disconnect is disheartening and leaves a sense of disappointment lingering. The movie, despite its potential, falls short of capturing the essence and magic that has endeared Archie to fans for decades.