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Degrassi Goes Hollywood

Degrassi Goes Hollywood 2009

Directed by

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith

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Degrassi Goes Hollywood Plot Summary

Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Degrassi Goes Hollywood (2009). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.


Jason Mewes is the writer-director of Mewesical High, a light-to-midscale musical project that centers on his high school romance with his girlfriend Trixie. With the help of Kevin Smith, Mewes organizes auditions for Trixie’s role at the university of Manny and Emma, setting the stage for a comedy-drama about ambition, friendship, and the pull of fame. Manny Santos Cassie Steele comes to life as a hopeful performer, but her first audition tape turns out disappointing and she does not receive a callback. Undeterred, Manny Santos Cassie Steele takes the nudge to heart—encouraged by Kevin Smith—to try again, and she signs on for a cross-country road trip to Los Angeles with members of the Stüdz band: Sav Bhandari Raymond Ablack, Peter Stone Jamie Johnston, and Danny Van Zandt Dalmar Abuzeid, all guided by Jay Mike Lobel, who has borrowed a Degrassi school bus for the journey.

Mia Jones Nina Dobrev rides along to spend time with her boyfriend Peter Jamie Johnston, while Manny battles insecurities about her acting and singing after an abusive relationship with her professor Mick Paul Amos. The road trip becomes more than a simple audition trek; it turns into a test of nerve, loyalty, and the dream of landing a lead role in Mewesical High.

Back in Los Angeles, Paige Michalchuk Lauren Collins works as a lowly assistant for reality-show diva Hailey Montel Mary Ashton. Paige is quickly drawn into the glitz of Hollywood when Mewesical High’s executive producer Robbie Dan Levy approaches her with the possibility of a lead role, and she’s rewarded with a luxurious limousine and a sprawling mansion. Paige vows not to inherit Hailey’s vain attitude, but she soon invites Ellie Nash Stacey Farber and Marco Del Rossi Adamo Ruggiero from Toronto to celebrate the opportunity, while Ellie tries to keep a lid on the personal news of her father’s return from military duty in Afghanistan.

Filming in LA does not go smoothly. Paige frequently clashes with Mewes over Trixie’s characterization, and Mewes contemplates firing Paige, though Robbie demands that she stay on. In an effort to acclimate to Hollywood’s pace, Paige seeks Hailey’s advice, only to have Hailey push her to improvise and push her boundaries, which alienates Marco and earns Paige a reputation as a diva within the scene. Frustrated and exhausted, Mewes eventually fires Paige, creating a ripple effect that reinvigorates Manny Cassie Steele as she learns of Paige’s open position, while the gang’s bus is stolen and later broken down, threatening the production’s momentum.

Robbie Dan Levy bluffing to save Paige’s job, threatens Mewes, but the moment arrives when Mewes himself quits, throwing the musical into jeopardy and forcing everyone to reassess their commitments and futures. Ellie’s arc deepens as Marco [Adamo Ruggiero] encourages her to reconnect with her family, and she travels to LA to spend time with a rehabilitated Craig Manning Jake Epstein, who’s touring with Fall Out Boy. Ellie’s journey takes a sharp turn when she discovers Craig’s girlfriend Yvette Tenika Davis waiting at his apartment, prompting heartbreak and a downward spiral that sees her drown her sorrows in Venice Beach before Marco and Craig intervene. They help her return home to Canada, where she finds stability again, and she even shares a kiss with Craig before saying goodbye.

As Paige’s Hollywood plan begins to crumble, she becomes a social pariah who can no longer count on offers, prompting a desperate bid to salvage fame through a provocative photo op with Hailey. Marco confronts Paige about her choices, and a confrontation turns painful as Paige slaps him and leaves the mansion in disappointment. Just when Manny and her friends finally reach LA, a call from Mewes reveals the project’s cancellation, leaving the troupe to navigate an abrupt shift in their dreams.

The LA premiere night becomes a turning point: Paige stumbles on the red carpet, breaks her leg, and the humiliation culminates in a bitter moment of reckoning. Yet the show must go on, and Manny Santos Cassie Steele and Jay Hogart Mike Lobel end up performing outside Mewes’s window, a last-ditch arrangement that guarantees them a place in the musical. In the end, Paige falls back into a supporting role as Mewes’s assistant, Ellie Nash Stacey Farber reunites with her father, and Manny Santos Cassie Steele and Jay Hogart Mike Lobel pledge to stay together through the completion of filming, leaving the audience with a sense of resilience and camaraderie that underpins the movie’s hopeful finish.

Degrassi Goes Hollywood Timeline

Follow the complete movie timeline of Degrassi Goes Hollywood (2009) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.


Auditions for Trixie's role and Manny's initial setback

Mewes, with Kevin Smith, opens auditions for Trixie's role at the University of Manny and Emma. Manny submits an audition tape that proves underwhelming, and she does not receive a callback. The setback reinforces her insecurity in acting, which is colored by her abusive relationship with Professor Mick. The scene sets Manny on a path toward rebuilding her confidence.

University of Manny and Emma

Road trip to Los Angeles to chase a second chance

Manny, encouraged by Kevin Smith to try again, joins a road trip to Los Angeles with the Stüdz band—Sav, Peter, and Danny—led by Jay on a borrowed Degrassi school bus. Mia rides along to spend time with Peter during the journey. The trip tests Manny's nerves as she battles self-doubt while the group barrels toward their big break.

On the road to Los Angeles

Paige enters Hollywood via Hailey Montel and Robbie's scheme

In Los Angeles, Paige works as a lowly assistant for reality show diva Hailey Montel. Hailey assigns Paige a string of menial tasks, while Robbie, the executive producer, lures her with a lead role in Mewesical High and a glamorous life—limousine and mansion included. Paige invites Ellie and Marco from Toronto to celebrate the potential break, and Ellie agrees to go to LA while her father returns from a military tour in Afghanistan.

Los Angeles

Filming tensions rise between Paige and Mewes

Filming is not going well with Paige in the cast, and she frequently clashes with Mewes over Trixie's character. Mewes wants to fire Paige, but Robbie insists she stay to preserve the production. The creative friction signals deeper trouble for the project.

Los Angeles (on set)

Hailey's pushback turns Paige into a Hollywood diva

Paige seeks Hailey's guidance to navigate the Hollywood scene, but Hailey pushes her to improvise and assert herself. The aggressive approach alienates Marco and earns Paige a growing reputation as a diva in Hollywood. Frustrated by the fallout, Mewes ultimately fires her from the project.

Hollywood

Paige's vacancy and the bus setback

Manny learns that Paige's position is open, but their bus is stolen and later breaks down, delaying their arrival in LA. The setback heightens Manny's urgency to catch up and join the production, while the rest of the group forges ahead. The delay underscores the group's precarious path to success.

On the road to Los Angeles

Robbie's bluff and Mewes quits

Robbie bluffs to keep Paige's job, threatening to fire Mewes if she is cut loose. The tactic backfires when Mewes quits the project, putting the musical in jeopardy and leaving the team scrambling. The move shifts the balance of power in the production.

Los Angeles

Ellie seeks family and romance, then Venice Beach crisis

Marco encourages Ellie to reach out to her family; she travels to reconnect with a rehabilitated Craig, who is touring with Fall Out Boy, and they spend a romantic day together. When Ellie discovers Craig's girlfriend Yvette waiting at his apartment, she becomes heartbroken and sinks into heavy drinking, nearly drowning at Venice Beach. Marco and Craig rescue her and urge her to visit her family in Canada, and Ellie shares a kiss with Craig before saying goodbye.

Venice Beach, California

Paige's Hollywood pariah phase and a doomed photo op

Paige has become a Hollywood pariah, losing offers and social capital. Desperate to maintain her fame, she partners with Hailey to stage a salacious photo op. The plan cements her reputation as a fallen star trying to claw back relevance.

Hollywood

Confrontation and departure from the mansion

Marco confronts Paige about her self-respect and choices. Paige retaliates with a slap, and Marco leaves the mansion in disappointment. The rift marks a turning point in the group dynamic.

Hollywood mansion

Manny arrives in LA and a risky premiere moment

Just as Manny and her friends arrive in LA, Mewes calls to report the movie's cancellation. They attend a local movie premiere where Paige hesitates about the photo op, but Manny recognizes her, causing Paige to trip and break her leg on the red carpet. Paige then arranges for Stüdz and Manny to perform outside Mewes' window, securing a last-minute spot in the musical.

Los Angeles, local movie premiere

Wrap-up: new roles, reunions, and promises

With the project back on track, Paige becomes Mewes' assistant. Ellie tears up reuniting with her father, and Manny and Jay pledge to stay together after filming concludes. The group emerges with new bonds and a renewed commitment to finish what they started.

Los Angeles

Degrassi Goes Hollywood Characters

Explore all characters from Degrassi Goes Hollywood (2009). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.


Manny Santos (Cassie Steele)

An aspiring actress and singer from Toronto who wrestles with insecurity stemming from an abusive relationship with her professor. She travels to Los Angeles to audition for Trixie in Mewesical High, seeking validation and a breakthrough. With Jay’s encouragement, she regains confidence and stays focused on her craft despite chaos around her.

🎭 Drama 🎬 Acting 💪 Resilience 🎯 Ambition

Paige Michalchuk (Lauren Collins)

Initially Hailey Montel’s assistant in LA, Paige is eager for fame and tends to push boundaries with diva-like behavior. She clashes with production, is fired by Mewes, and later schemes to stay in the spotlight. Her actions set off a domino effect that tests friendships and professional loyalties.

🎭 Drama 💼 Career 💫 Ambition 🤝 Friendship

Mia Jones (Nina Dobrev)

Mia accompanies the group to LA to spend time with her boyfriend Peter, navigating the glitz of Hollywood while staying grounded in her relationships. She provides emotional support and acts as a stabilizing presence amid the chaos of auditions and fame culture.

💖 Romance 🎬 Film industry 🎭 Drama 🤝 Friendship

Sav Bhandari (Raymond Ablack)

A loyal member of Stüdz, Sav offers practical support and steadiness during the LA audition arc. He helps Manny stay focused and stands by friends through the chaos of the Hollywood road trip. His reliability anchors the group when tensions rise.

🎶 Music 🤝 Friendship 💪 Loyalty

Danny Van Zandt (Dalmar Abuzeid)

Band member of Stüdz who participates in the road trip and contributes to the dynamic energy of the group. He adds to the camaraderie and helps navigate the unpredictable journey, including the bus mishaps that threaten the production.

🎵 Music 🤝 Friendship 🧭 Adventure

Ellie Nash (Stacey Farber)

Ellie travels from Toronto to LA with her friends, dealing with her father’s return from Afghanistan and a spiral of heartbreak. She experiences a downward emotional arc, drinking and nearly drowning, before finding support to reconnect with her family.

💔 Heartbreak 🎭 Drama 🌟 Growth

Marco Del Rossi (Adamo Ruggiero)

A Toronto ally who encourages Ellie to reach out to her family and act with resilience. He offers practical support and tries to bridge tensions between friends, often serving as a voice of reason amid Hollywood chaos.

🤝 Friendship 🎭 Drama 🧭 Guidance

Robbie (Dan Levy)

The executive producer of Mewesical High, Robbie exerts pressure to keep Paige and the project afloat. He uses strategic threats to maintain the production’s status quo, highlighting the power dynamics behind a televised musical.

💼 Power 🎬 Production 🗣️ Negotiation

Hailey Montel (Mary Ashton)

A reality-show diva who owns a glamorous LA lifestyle, Hailey pushes Paige toward improvisation and spectacle. She serves as a catalyst for Paige’s stratagems and the broader exploration of fame’s temptations.

🎭 Drama 💫 Fame 🐾 Celebrity Lifestyle

Peter Stone (Jamie Johnston)

A member of the group’s circle who is Mia’s boyfriend and part of the LA scene. His presence intersects with Ellie’s romantic storyline and the broader themes of ambition, loyalty, and the complexities of relationships in the spotlight.

🎸 Music 💑 Romance 🤝 Friendship

Jay Hogart (Mike Lobel)

Leads the Degrassi road trip and guides the group through the Los Angeles chaos. He plays a pivotal role in supporting Manny’s confidence and keeping the crew cohesive when the production faces setbacks.

🚐 Road Trip 🛡️ Loyalty 🤝 Friendship

Jason Mewes (Mewes)

The writer/director of Mewesical High, Jason Mewes navigates the pressure of delivering a hit musical while managing egos and production turmoil. His departure from the project becomes a turning point that tests the group’s commitment to their craft.

🎬 Filmmaking 🧭 Integrity 💥 Crisis

Degrassi Goes Hollywood Settings

Learn where and when Degrassi Goes Hollywood (2009) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.


Time period

Present day

The story unfolds in a contemporary setting, mirroring today’s reality-TV buzz, pop-culture fever, and modern music production. Technology and media influence how auditions unfold and how fame is pursued. The timeline reflects a current-day entrepreneurial push within the entertainment industry.

Location

Los Angeles, Venice Beach, Toronto

The action hops between Toronto and Los Angeles, with Venice Beach providing a sun-soaked backdrop for key moments in Hollywood. LA marks the glamorous yet harsh environment of show business, where auditions, photo calls, and celebrity culture drive the plot. Toronto serves as the hometown springboard, framing the journey as a cross-border pursuit of dreams.

🎬 Film Industry 🌆 City Life 🗺️ West Coast 🇨🇦 Canada

Degrassi Goes Hollywood Themes

Discover the main themes in Degrassi Goes Hollywood (2009). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.


Fame vs Reality

The journey to Mewesical High exposes the glittery allure of Hollywood alongside its reality-checks. Characters chase callbacks, photo ops, and stage moments, often compromising authenticity. The tension between ambition and genuine craft drives decisions and relationships.

🎭

Art vs Ego

Behind the scenes, production politics reveal how ego and vanity shape choices, from diva-like behavior to pressure-filled decisions. Robbie’s manipulation and Mewes’ mounting frustration test loyalty and integrity. Manny’s insecurity, rooted in an abusive relationship, informs how she seeks validation through performance.

💪

Resilience

Characters rebound from setbacks—Ellie overcomes heartbreak and near-desperation, Manny regains confidence with support from Jay, and Paige faces consequences before a possible redemption. Growth comes from friendship, perseverance, and choosing self-respect over quick fame. The narrative emphasizes inner strength over surface success.

🛣️

Road Trip

The cross-country journey binds a diverse group, turning travel into a catalyst for change and conflict. The bus, the theft, and the improvised production create a crucible where loyalties are tested. The trip ultimately reinforces community and mutual support in the pursuit of a shared dream.

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Degrassi Goes Hollywood Spoiler-Free Summary

Discover the spoiler-free summary of Degrassi Goes Hollywood (2009). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.


In the bright‑light frenzy of Los Angeles, a tight‑knit group of friends from Degrassi embarks on a cross‑country road trip that promises a taste of Hollywood glitter. Their journey is less about a destination than the magnetic pull of new beginnings, where the streets of LA hum with the promise of auditions, creative projects, and the chance to turn adolescent dreams into adult realities.

Jason Mewes helms a quirky musical venture, backed by the legendary Kevin Smith, while Manny Santos arrives with bubbling ambition and a desire to prove herself on stage. Alongside her travel companions—Sav Bhandari, Peter Stone, Danny Van Zandt, and the ever‑resourceful Jay Hogart—the troupe shares cramped bus rides, playlist debates, and a collective hope that the West Coast will reward their talent. Meanwhile, Mia Jones hops aboard to spend time with her boyfriend, adding a touch of romance to the adventure.

On the other side of the city, Paige Michalchuk navigates the cut‑throat world of celebrity assistance, working for the flamboyant reality‑show star Hailey Montel and drawing the eye of executive producer Robbie. Ellie Nash wrestles with family news and the lure of LA’s music scene, where her friend Marco Del Rossi encourages her to reconnect with loved ones. Craig Manning drifts through the narrative as a touring musician, offering a glimpse of the city’s vibrant artistic pulse.

The film balances the neon‑kissed optimism of Hollywood with the grounded camaraderie of the Degrassi gang. Its tone blends light‑hearted comedy with earnest drama, inviting viewers to wonder how far far‑reaching aspirations will carry them and what the road itself will teach about friendship, identity, and the allure of the spotlight.

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