‘Degrassi’ does parody

PUBLISHED by Boston Metro

Degrassi: The Next Generation” has said hello and goodbye to many young personalities over its eight, gripping seasons, but old favorites are returning for a full-length movie that takes a different approach to the issues: parody.



This comic angle comes courtesy of longtime “Degrassi” devotees Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, who you probably know better as Jay and Silent Bob.

In “Degrassi Goes Hollywood,” Lauren Collins reprises the early years of bossy head cheerleader Paige Michalchuk. This time, the Canadian crew takes over Los Angeles, and Paige’s demands escalate after she lands a starring role in a new film.

“I still think, even though there is the gloss and glamour to the whole element, it’s about the characters this time around, rather than the issues,” says Collins.

Adamo Ruggiero, who plays Marco Del Rossi, notes that the theme of the movie is presented differently than in the show, which has explored such weighty topics as rape, drugs and coming out of the closet. But he says the film is still true to the show’s mission by portraying Paige’s classic struggle for success while commenting on the Hollywood culture of “ridiculous” teen stars.

In true Degrassi fashion, there isn’t a Hollywood ending for “Hollywood.” An incident with Marco and Paige, for instance, questions whether the two actors are truly done with Degrassi. “Maybe Paige’s story isn’t over,” she says.

For Ruggiero, leaving his character will be difficult; Marco’s coming out helped him with his own. “Marco is my inspiration. He was a manual for everything before it happened,” he says.

For now, they say they are moving on, although Marco will make some appearances in Season 9.

“The movie was a blast. We could just enjoy one last hurrah, and we appreciated it more because it was gone.”