Undiscovered

Music

Pell James	Brier Tucket
Kip Pardue	Euan Falcon
Ashlee Simpson	Clea
Shannyn Sossamon	Josie
Steven Strait	Luke Falcon
Carrie Fisher	Carrie
Fisher Stevens	Garrett Schweck
Peter Weller	Wick Treadway
Stephen Moyer	Mick Benson
Perrey Reeves	Michelle

Director	Meiert Avis
Producer	Michael Burns; Marco Mehlitz; Gary Lucchesi; Michael Ohoven; Eberhard Kayser
Writer	John Galt
Cinematography	Danny Hiele
Musician	David Baerwald

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. --Lynn Gibson