A Cinderella Story: Starstruck (2021)

Finley lives with her (evil) aunt and two (obnoxious) cousins, but in the farm house her father built. The aunt says the house and farm is hers now that her brother (Finley's father) died and she intends to sell it, very much against Finley's desires to keep it. The aunt and cousins, who think they are "better" than others, treat Finley with disdain and make her do a ridiculous amount of household and farm chores, as well as make her cook and wait on them. Finley is also not permitted to sleep in the house, only the cold barn. Despite her situation, Finley maintains a positive attitude and is cheerful.
When it is revealed that a production company is coming to their town, the aunt and female cousin are excited about going to open auditions and are sure they will get acting roles (they don't). The arrogant male cousin says he will become a manager (he doesn't). Finley really wants to audition, but is told she has chores to do. Finley asks permission to go if she gets up early and finishes all her chores. The aunt reluctantly agrees, but surprises Finley in the morning with a long list of extra chores she must finish. Determined to audition and get a role, Finley works very hard and manages to get to the audition.
Finley's audition - singing, playing the banjo, and dancing (country-style) - is viewed favorably. When she is almost finished, her miniature pig Jon Ham (that she brought along because the butcher shop was closed) breaks free and destroys everything in his path. Finley tries to tackle him a couple times but misses; she eventually tackles him and lands in a mud puddle. She is told to leave and never come back. During this time, superstar Jackson got to interact with Finley and really liked her, but did not know where she lived or if he'd ever see her again.
Still determined to get an acting role in the movie, Finley disguises herself as a male "cowboy" named Finn. Finn's audition goes incredibly well, Finn is given a role and even outperforms the star. Finn and Jackson become good friends while working on the movie. Jackson, however, can't get the "cowgirl" out of his mind and tries to find her. He doesn't have to look far. The farm originally leased to film was no longer available and the production crew needed a fast solution/substitute. Finley's dad's farm is offered and accepted. Finley and Finn will be in the same location during filming, making them [Finley and alias] have to change clothes often without getting caught and hide around corners when necessary until she can safely switch back.
Jackson eventually finds out that Finn is Finley and he continues to woo her. Finley still has to deal with the production company (who told her to never come back) and what will happen when everyone becomes aware of Finn's true identity.
Though the most recent "Cinderella Story", Starstruck comes across as old-fashioned with little appeal (it tries to be funny but isn't) and in search of an audience. Teens and pre-teens alike may be turned off by the farm setting and "country" aspect; there's not much they can relate to in the movie. Perhaps middle-aged and older people into nostalgia wouldn't mind most of it, but the romantic interest between the two stars is shallow. They are supposed to be young (perhaps around 18-years-old), but the actors playing the roles do not look young enough (because they aren't). This would probably take away any appeal it might otherwise have had among younger teens (and even pre-teens).
Cinderella stories contain the "evil aunt" or other mean relative, so viewers have a good idea of what to expect. What I least liked about the movie was the aunt and her two adult children constantly saying things to Finley that amounted to bullying. There's already too much real bullying going on in society between "peers." supplementing it with bullying from relatives - the ones living in the same home - is not entertaining or humorous. This is a movie that didn't need to be made and doesn't need to be seen. Close to a "1", but I rated it a "2."

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