Monte Carlo: A Trip Worth Taking

ROYAL OAK (WWJ) – Monte Carlo, the movie out this weekend featuring Disney star Selena Gomez, is an absolute treat. It alternates between being smart, funny and sentimental, and features some breathtaking scenery.

Much of the story takes place in Monaco's ultra glamorous Hotel de Paris. The first time the hotel is seen is when the three leading ladies –Grace (portrayed by Selena Gomez), Katie Cassidy as Emma and Leighton Meester as Meg – duck into the building to escape the rain.

It's in the hotel's restroom where Emma and Meg first encounter Grace's lookalike, the spoiled British socialite Cordelia Winthrop Scott. When Cordelia decides to "blow off" an important charity fundraiser and leave town, Emma convinces Grace to impersonate Cordelia. One thing leads to another and the three girls find themselves "livin' large" in Monte Carlo.

While watching Monte Carlo, I was reminded of Julia Roberts' star-making 1990 film "Pretty Woman." Both movies feature beautiful clothes, a luxurious hotel, spectacular scenery and a "fairytale" story line. Not to mention that Pretty Woman also featured the handsome Richard Gere as Roberts' co-star and Monte Carlo features three very handsome men for each of the leading ladies.

Anyone who loves fairytales, beautiful clothes and traveling – especially to exotic places – is sure to love Monte Carlo. Selena Gomez does a wonderful job juggling three roles: those of Cordelia, Grace and Grace pretending to be Cordelia. Gomez is joined by two accomplished and well-loved co-stars: Leighton Meester of the hit TV show "Gossip Girl," and Katie Cassidy, who garnered attention on "Melrose Place" and the hit remake of "Nightmare on Elm Street."

Monte Carlo also stars Cory Monteith (Glee) as Owen, Emma's boyfriend. Andie MacDowell stars as Grace's mother and Brett Cullen is Grace's soon-to-be stepfather.

Monte Carlo is a 20th Century Fox film. Visit the official website here.

Selena Gomez Meets and Greets Metro Detroit Fans in Livonia

On Monday, June 27th, Selena Gomez paid a visit to Laurel Park Place in Livonia as part of her 10-city mall tour. Fans were treated to a "Monte Carlo Experience," where they were given an opportunity to "live the dream," enjoy royal makeovers and participate in a live Q&A with Gomez. Thousands of fans turned out to see Gomez in person.

Before her arrival at Laurel Park Place, Gomez also answered questions about Monte Carlo, her life and career from several local journalists, including yours truly.

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