The Lizzie McGuire Movie 2003

As Lizzie McGuire (Haliee Steinfeld) readies for her junior-high graduation, she’s surrounded by memories of her closest friends, David “Gordo” Gordon and Miranda Sanchez. However, their friend Miranda has opted out of the ceremony, instead choosing to embark on a trip to Mexico City to visit her relatives. As Lizzie prepares to walk across the stage with Gordo by her side, she’s suddenly beset by misfortune - literally tripping onstage and bringing the curtain down on her fellow graduates. This unfortunate incident sparks ridicule from her younger brother Matt and former best friend Kate Sanders.

After the graduation ceremony, Lizzie and her classmates embark on a trip to Rome, chaperoned by their strict future high school principal, Angela Ungermeyer (Nia Vardalos). Their peers have opted for a more mundane destination - a water park. To everyone’s dismay, Lizzie finds herself paired with Kate in the same hotel room. The two former friends are forced to confront their complicated past as they navigate Rome together.

As their class visits the Trevi Fountain, Lizzie is unexpectedly approached by Italian pop sensation Paolo Valisari (Giovanni Morassutti), who mistakes her for his singing partner, Isabella Parigi. He implores Lizzie to meet him at the fountain the next day, claiming he’s in a bind and needs her help. Lizzie feigns illness to slip away unnoticed.

Paolo reveals that he and Isabella are booked to perform at the International Music Video Awards, but she’s abandoned Italy after their partnership breakdown. He begs Lizzie to pose as his singing partner, warning her that if they cancel, they’ll be fined. Initially hesitant, Lizzie eventually agrees and begins to immerse herself in the experience, even finding herself falling for Paolo.

As Lizzie continues to fake illness to prepare for the ceremony, Kate surprisingly figures out her secret and decides to help her former friend instead of betraying her confidence. Meanwhile, Ms. Ungermeyer grows increasingly suspicious, leading Gordo (Adam Lamberg) to take the blame and ultimately find himself sent back home as punishment. Lizzie is left reeling when she learns from Kate that Gordo sacrificed his own freedom to protect her.

As Matt’s thoughts drift back to his beloved Lizzie, he becomes entangled in a web of intrigue when he stumbles upon Italian gossip sites featuring a stunning Isabella, none other than Lizzie’s doppelganger. Initially, Matt convinces his parents that he misses Lizzie, prompting them to book flights to Rome, where they would uncover the truth about Lizzie’s extracurricular activities. At the airport, Gordo crosses paths with the genuine article, Isabella, who is left reeling after discovering someone has been masquerading as her. The two form an unlikely alliance, realizing that Paolo has a sinister plan to have a nervous Lizzie unwittingly perform live at the ceremony, cleverly substituting her for Isabella, which would irreparably damage the latter’s reputation and leave Lizzie red-faced.

Meanwhile, Gordo’s roommate Ethan Craft spills the beans about Lizzie’s presence at the International Music Video Awards, prompting Lizzie’s family and classmates to converge on the ceremony. Backstage, Gordo and Isabella stumble upon Lizzie preparing for her big moment and warn her of Paolo’s Machiavellian scheme. Initially skeptical, Lizzie eventually comes around after Isabella’s persuasive arguments. Ms. Ungermeyer, ever the force to be reckoned with, uses her considerable charm to muscle her way into the ceremony, accompanied by Lizzie’s family and classmates.

As the performance unfolds, Gordo and Isabella expose Paolo as a lip-syncing impostor, shattering his carefully constructed facade. His manager Sergei is left looking on in dismay as his client’s reputation crumbles. Isabella takes center stage, introducing Lizzie to the crowd, and the two talented individuals join forces for an electrifying rendition of “What Dreams Are Made Of”. As Isabella exits the stage, Lizzie takes the reins, showcasing a newfound confidence that leaves everyone in awe.

Later, the group reconvenes at the hotel’s after-party, where Ms. Ungermeyer rescinds Gordo’s punishment and flirts shamelessly with Sergei. Although Lizzie’s parents inform her that she’ll be grounded for the remainder of the summer, they can’t help but be proud of their daughter’s pluck. As the night wears on, Lizzie and Gordo slip away to the rooftop, where they make a solemn promise to never let their bond falter. With a tender kiss, they rejoin the party, already plotting their next move.

As the film draws to a close with fireworks spelling out “The End”, an animated Lizzie appears, paying homage to Tinker Bell in a wink to the audience.