🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Sean McNamara
- Genre: Drama, Music, Romance
- Release year: 2004
- Runtime (length): 1h 47min
- IMDb rating: 5.8/10 (29k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A small-town girl lies to her overprotective dad to go to music camp, where she deals with grief, a British boy, and auto-tuned vocals, all while trying to find her voice, which apparently was lost in the car accident…or maybe it was never really there to begin with.
🍿 Raise Your Voice: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Small Town Dreams
Terri Fletcher, a talented young singer from a small town, dreams of attending a prestigious music academy in Los Angeles. She shares a close bond with her brother, Paul, who supports her aspirations. Their strict, overprotective father, Simon, disapproves of her musical ambitions, preferring she stay close to home and work at the family diner.

Tragedy Strikes
Against their father’s wishes, Terri and Paul sneak out to attend a concert. On the way home, a drunk driver causes a car accident, tragically killing Paul and leaving Terri devastated. Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Terri loses her passion for singing and questions her future.

A Second Chance
Unbeknownst to Terri, Paul had secretly submitted a DVD of her singing to the performing arts academy before his death. Terri receives an acceptance letter, presenting her with an opportunity to pursue her dreams. Despite her father’s continued disapproval, Terri’s mother and aunt conspire to send her to the academy under the guise of visiting her aunt.

Finding Her Voice
At the academy, Terri faces challenges adapting to a new environment and overcoming her stage fright, which stems from the trauma of the car accident. She makes friends with fellow students, including Denise, a talented violinist, and Kiwi, an eccentric drummer. She also develops a romantic relationship with Jay, a charming British singer-songwriter.

Confronting the Past
Terri learns that it was Paul who submitted her application to the academy, further intensifying her feelings of guilt and loss. With the support of her friends and teachers, Terri begins to heal and rediscover her passion for music. She confronts her father, asserting her independence and determination to pursue her dreams.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Teresa ‘Terri’ Fletcher (Hilary Duff): A talented small-town singer who secretly attends a performing arts academy in Los Angeles after a personal tragedy.
- Simon Fletcher (David Keith): Terri’s overprotective and strict father who initially disapproves of her musical aspirations.
- Jay Corgan (Oliver James): A British student at the performing arts academy who becomes Terri’s love interest and supports her musical journey.
- Aunt Nina (Rebecca De Mornay): Terri’s supportive aunt who helps her get to the academy against her father’s wishes.
- Denise Gilmore (Dana Davis): Terri’s roommate and friend at the academy, a talented violinist who is also competing for the scholarship.
- Mr. Torvald (John Corbett): A progressive and supportive music teacher at the academy who mentors Terri.
- Paul Fletcher (Jason Ritter): Terri’s supportive brother, whose death inspires her to pursue her dreams.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Terri Fletcher: “Dad, this place is the scariest, hardest, best thing that has ever happened to me.” – Terri expresses her complex feelings about the performing arts academy to her father.
- Mr. Torvald: “Artists feel things differently than other people.” – Mr. Torvald explains how artists interpret and express emotions in unique ways.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $15,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $10,411,980
- Worldwide Gross: $14,867,514
💥 Raise Your Voice Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched ‘Raise Your Voice’ because I was a huge Hilary Duff fan back in the day. I remember crying when her brother died in the movie – I was so sad for her character, and I wanted her to make it. It’s a feel-good movie that reminds you to follow your dreams. I have to say that it made me want to apply to music school to find hot British boys. It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s definitely a fun, nostalgic watch.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of Hilary Duff”
- “Teenage dramas”
- “Music-themed movies”
- “Stories about overcoming adversity”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Death of a sibling”
- “Car accident”
- “Mild language”
- “Brief sensuality”
Professional Reviews
- Variety: “While ‘Raise Your Voice’ aims for an inspirational tone, it falls flat due to a predictable plot and uneven performances. Duff is charming, but the script doesn’t give her much to work with. The musical numbers lack energy and originality, making the film feel like a generic teen drama.
- The Hollywood Reporter: “Hilary Duff’s ‘Raise Your Voice’ is a by-the-numbers teen movie that offers little beyond the standard tropes. While Duff is likable, the film lacks depth and originality. The musical sequences are poorly staged and the supporting cast is unremarkable. Ultimately, ‘Raise Your Voice’ is a forgettable entry in the teen movie genre.
Audience Reactions
Hilary Duff’s emotional performance resonated with viewers, particularly her portrayal of grief and resilience.: Many found the movie heartwarming and inspiring, despite its predictable plot.
Fans appreciated the diverse cast of characters at the performing arts academy, highlighting the friendships and supportive relationships.: Viewers praised the film for its positive message about following your dreams and overcoming adversity.
Overall Consensus: ‘Raise Your Voice’ is a typical teen movie that inspires its viewers to pursue their dreams, though its quality is questionable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Evan Rachel Wood and Jonathan Jackson were originally cast as Terri and Jay, but dropped out due to production changes.”
- “The story’s setting was changed from New York City to Los Angeles during production.”
- “Hilary Duff’s character sings parts of the Hallelujah Chorus in the movie.”
🖥️ How to Watch Raise Your Voice?
Currently, “Raise Your Voice” is available for rent or purchase on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Raise Your Voice, you might like these similar films:
- Fame (1980): Both movies center around students at a performing arts school pursuing their dreams.
- A Cinderella Story (2004): Another Hilary Duff movie about a teenager overcoming obstacles to pursue her dreams.
- Camp Rock (2008): Disney Channel movie about a teenager attending a music camp and finding her voice.
🛒 Raise Your Voice Related Products
- Raise Your Voice [DVD]: The official DVD release of ‘Raise Your Voice’, featuring bonus content such as behind-the-scenes footage and cast interviews. Relive Terri’s journey of self-discovery.
- Hilary Duff: Most Wanted [CD]: This compilation album features some of Hilary Duff’s greatest hits, including tracks from ‘Raise Your Voice’. Experience the music that defined a generation.
- Performing Arts Academy T-Shirt: Show your love for the performing arts with this unique T-shirt inspired by the movie. Designed with the academy logo.
- Personalized Custom Name Music Notes Wall Decal Raise Your Voice: Personalized Vinyl Wall Decal Art Decor Stickers Music Notes, perfect for any music lover!
🎧 Soundtrack
Raise Your Voice features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Someone’s Watching Over Me” – performed by Hilary Duff
- “Jericho” – performed by Hilary Duff
- “Metamorphosis” – performed by Hilary Duff
- “Walking on Sunshine” – performed by Katrina & The Waves
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Raise Your Voice was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of a performing arts academy. Some scenes were also shot in Flagstaff, Arizona, depicting Terri’s small-town life.
No, Raise Your Voice is a fictional story. However, it explores universal themes of grief, self-discovery, and pursuing one’s dreams, which resonate with many viewers’ experiences.
Hilary Duff does sing in Raise Your Voice, although some vocal enhancements and backing vocals were used. Reviews vary on the quality of her singing performance, with some praising her effort and others criticizing her vocal abilities compared to professional singers.
Raise Your Voice is rated PG for thematic elements, mild language, and brief sensuality.
🔥 Bonus Content
Can Hilary Duff sing in Raise Your Voice? #2000s #hilaryduff #moviereview #nostalgia #90s
Ever wondered if Hilary Duff was *actually* singing in ‘Raise Your Voice’? This video dives into it, and honestly, I’m kind of surprised by the verdict! You HAVE to check this out and tell me if you agree.
Raise Your Voice – 2 Three Days Grace posters in Teri’s dorm (HD, CC)
Did you ever notice the Two/Three Days Grace posters in Teri’s dorm in ‘Raise Your Voice’?! I totally missed that! Check it out, it’s a pretty cool detail they put in.
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