Just like the majority of my obsessions and hyper-fixations, my intense, unending, and all-consuming love for the live-action Josie and the Pussycats movie started when I was just a little girl. When I was around five years old, I found myself up to my ears in an obsession with the Archie Comics series. So imagine my intense surprise and excitement when I found out that they were making a film adaption based on some of my favorite side characters from those comic books I cherished.

The second that film came out on VHS, I convinced my parents to let me watch it and they watched in both horror and relief as all of the grown-up jokes simply went directly over my head while I was transfixed by the colorful costumes and upbeat songs. Though the movie watching extravaganza has drastically changed as I’ve gotten older, the film has remained one of my favorite films for the past fifteen or so years.

Though the critics, the box office, and mainstream audiences didn’t appreciate the movie, it will always have a special place in my heart, as well as the hearts of Archie fans and music nerds everywhere. So, without further ado, I thought I would share my love for this satirical and comic book-inspired cult classic by whipping up this article which focuses on 20 things that you might not have known about the greatest comic book trio of all time.

20 Here Today, Six Feet Under Tomorrow

Can you truly make a film about the music industry without including as many details and references to famous bands, musicians, and artists, as possible? In an early scene, Wyatt approaches the pilot of DuJour’s private jet and says “take the Chevy to the levee.” This code alerts the pilot that it’s time to ditch the band and find new talent. This phrase is actually a lyric from the Don McLean song, “American Pie.” This song focuses on the tragic plane crash which took the lives of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and J.P. Richardson. Since the film heavily focuses on the tragedies that plague those in the limelight and attempts to use conspiracy theories to explain why these events occur, the reference to this song seems incredibly apropos.

19 Josie And The Wholesome Reputation

Though this film is filled with grown-up jokes and references that went over the heads of children everywhere, the comics which it was based on were very concerned about its effect on their squeaky clean reputation. Though the comics often included salacious jokes and references, they made a point to keep things as clean as possible. Toe the line without ever actually crossing it.

So, when they were in talks about creating a live-action film adaptation of the beloved feline-inspired musical trio, Archie Comics was cool with the writers taking as many liberties as they felt needed… on one condition. In order for Archie Comics to give the film studio the rights to creating this comic book adaptation, there had to be a scene which depicted the girls brushing their teeth. They did not explain why and I’m not sure that I want to know why.

18 This One Time At Band Camp...

If you’re making a film about musicians, then the actors are going to need to know how to play. I mean, there is only so much that you can fake. So, before filming began, Rosario, Rachel, and Tara were to attend weeks and weeks of what the crew liked to call “band camp” in order to learn how to look like they knew what they were doing. Tara protested the training at first due to the famous line about ‘band camp’ that was featured in the first American Pie film (which Tara also starred in). Though it is to be noted, that the girls did not perform on the soundtrack as their instruments were played by studio musicians and Josie’s voice (though amazing on its own) was dubbed by Kay Hanley (this was due to the fact that Kay brought more star power than Rachel).

17 Teenage Girls Run The World

When making the film Josie and the Pussycats, Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont decided to target their film towards teenage girls. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Deborah explained that she felt that this demographic was not only often ignored but also often “talked down to” in a sense. Meaning that films directed for young girls were often dumbed down to be easily consumed.

They wanted to address and target this demographic in an intelligent way that would prove that teen girls would pay to see more subtle, satirical, and politically focused films while also keeping it light and fun. They wanted to make sure that the film pointed out the more sinister sides of the industry while also creating a fun, light, and silly film. Props to them because that is simultaneously an admirable and a seemingly impossible task.

16 The Real McCoy

Like many characters from the Archie Comics universe, the character of Josie McCoy was based on a real-life person. Archie Comics artist Dan DeCarlo based the character of Josie McCoy on his real-life wife, Josie Durmont. For a bit of background info, the couple originally met in Belgium and at the time, the real-life Josie did not speak a word of English. So the couple communicated with each other through drawings that represented their thoughts and emotions. This unorthodox communication technique helped the couple fall quickly and permanently in love. The design for the character was inspired by a cat outfit Josie once wore to a party which was held on a cruise ship as well as a hairstyle she had gotten to surprise her husband with. The real Josie passed away in 2012 but will live on forever in the comic books and film adaptations.

15 Dance To The Melody Of Your Own Drums

Let’s be honest, the role of Melody Valentine was made for Tara Reid. At the height of her career, Tara made a name for herself as the go-to girl for the bubbly, rose-colored, blonde with a heart of gold. But don’t be fooled, ditzy Melody is not. The comic book version of the character often finds herself as the behind of the joke. However, the film reworked Melody as a childlike, innocent, and sing-songy character.

And she honestly made me smile, without fail, every single time I have watched this film (and that number had probably reached the quadruple digits by now). Maybe it speaks to who I am as a person, but I love how the film depicts Melody as this kind-hearted, whimsical, childlike character who sees the world through rose-colored lenses but can also totally hold her own when facing off with an enemy. It was a brilliant way to update a classic character for modern audiences.

14 She's A Good Woman, Valerie Brown

Valerie Brown is a relative jack of all trades. In the comic books, she is portrayed as being a whizz at science and auto mechanical pursuits. However, in the film, those mechanic skills are given to Josie and Valerie is portrayed as a deeply emotional girl with a passion for saving the world (any way that she can). Other traits that are carried forward from the comic book are Valerie’s quick temper, her lack of concern with romantic pursuits or her appearance, and her strength. Dozens of actresses were considered the role, including Destiny Child’s Beyonce as well as the American Singer Aaliyah, but the part eventually went to Rosario Dawson. In a Reddit AMA, Rosario revealed that she had to perm her hair for the role and that she absolutely hated it due, in part, to it making her seem so much larger than her co-stars.

13 Screen Pleasing And Audience Teasing

It turns out that the character of Melody is only ever depicted as wearing a full shirt in the films during the flashback sequences for the opening music video montage for “Three Small Words.” The rest of the time, Melody is seen in tops which can only be described as fancy drapery.

The wardrobe department stated that they wanted it to look as though the only thing holding Melody’s top in place were several easily pulled strings. This theme is present in the comics as well as several storylines revolve around Melody’s enchanting beauty. In one storyline, female fans refuse to attend the bands shows with their boyfriends due to the fact that their significant others spend the entire time ogling Melody. So the girls ask Alan M to hold Melody’s sheet music so that the girls can have something for themselves. And in the end, everyone is satisfied with their respective piece of eye-candy.

12 The Town Where it All Began

You know what, I do not care if this fact is not official because I am declaring it so. At 2:06 am in my bedroom while watching Full House reruns, I declare that my hometown of Vancouver is officially the real world version of the town of Riverdale. Why am I making such a declaration? This is due to the fact that both the 2001 live-action Josie and the Pussycats film and the more recent Riverdale adaptation were filmed in this glorious city.

I mean, what is cooler than watching your favorite movie/television show and seeing your favorite characters interacting with places that you hold so near and dear to your heart. From Josie and Alan M flirting in the Vancouver Aquarium (a.k.a. this writer's happy place) to seeing Jason Blossom disappear at the very place where I made mouth to teeter totter handlebar contact as a small child. So there. It’s official. Vancouver is now Riverdale and no one can convince me otherwise.

11 Mass Consumerism

Okay, so this fact has gotten the film a lot of flack over the years and I am here to set things straight. The insane amount of product placement that appears throughout the film was ironic and intended to mock the ways in which pop culture at the time used celebrities to convince teens to buy products.

Over 73 products and logos were featured throughout the film. And they did not receive a single dime for any of those appearances because they were only there to prove a point. Critics tore the film to shreds and claimed that the product placement made them look hypocritical when juxtaposed with their satire of mass consumption without realizing that the products were part of that satire. But that’s the problem with satire: if it’s done well enough then people will often confuse it with the real thing rather than a mockery of the trend.

10 Think On Your Toes

One of the greatest scenes in the entire film was the scene which took place in DuJour’s private jet. I loved watching them bicker and tear each other apart. Since the actors who made up the band each have extensive backgrounds in comedy, they were given the ability to improvise the majority of the scene. The directors provided them with specific marks that needed to be hit, but other than that, they were given free reign over the scene. And it honestly turned out great. The scene felt incredibly natural- which is also impressive considering how early in production the scene was shot. Usually, it takes a while for actors to warm up to each other and find their groove, especially when improving, but these boys had such natural chemistry that their quick-witted repartee flowed freely between them with ease.

9 Not The Critics Choice

Every single time the “subliminal message” that reads “Josie and the Pussycats is the best movie ever” pops up on the screen, I find myself reflecting on how much I truly do love this film. After seeing it for the first (and billionth) time, I found myself convinced that this was the greatest film that had ever existed and could not comprehend the idea of anyone disliking a single aspect of it.

However, the internet is unfortunately filled with people who just did not like (or rather, did not get) the film and that honestly breaks my heart. However, imagine my surprise when I found out that I was not the only diehard Pussycat fan out there. It turns out the film has amassed somewhat of a cult following over the past few years and has become a modern-day classic in its own right. And now the “best movie ever” is finally getting the recognition it truly deserves.

8 Climbing The Charts

Okay, this is honestly probably one of the cooler facts on this list. Remember that scene in the film where the girls’ hit single is rapidly climbing the charts, so as a bit of a visual metaphor, the girls literally climb the charts and dance their way to the top? Well, it turns out that the girls truly were climbing those Billboard charts. Rather than doing a blue/green screen effect, the crew actually built a practical set which the girls climbed and danced on throughout the montage. You know, I love CGI and think that it is an art in and of itself; however, there is just something about practical effects that feels magical to me. Knowing that the crew built an actual set which the actors can physically interact with is just so cool, in my opinion.

7 Flavor Of The Week

When I was young, the only thing I cared about was learning a cool fact about my favorite movie which I could share with my parents every single time that I forced them to watch the film with me. Now, I don't mean to come off as pretentious or as though I feel superior to anyone in any way; however, it honestly surprises me that some people had no idea that the film was meant to be satirical considering the fact that the film's main boyband name was literally a joke.

That joke was intended to mock the fleeting nature of fame in a trend-driven world. For those of you who don’t know, DuJour means “of the day.” This is referencing the disposable nature of corporately owned and produced pop stars; the second you are “out,” your career is over.

6 Last Second Plot Change

Apparently, the original plan for the film was entirely different than the final product. Like most films, dozens of rewrites occur before the film ever begins production but there are few movies that pulled a 180 like Josie And The Pussycats. In fact, an earlier idea for the film included the girls going to space. However, the creators of the film decided to ground the plot in reality.

Deborah Kaplan and Harry Elfont found themselves moved by the rise and fall of garage and grunge bands of the 90s, who emphasized individuality and a sense of anarchy. And how the media suddenly shifted entirely and mass produced and perfectly (and overly) produced product pushing pop icons suddenly took over. And I have to say that I am so glad they made that change. I genuinely believe that the film’s whole “like what you like and don’t worry about what others think” angle truly shaped the person I grew up to be.

5 What's In A Name?

Though I have been referring to the girls by the names which were used for the characters in the live action 2001 film adaptation, it is important to note that the names belonging to the members of this feline-inspired musical trio changed several times throughout their years in the spotlight. Each and every one of the three girls was addressed by several different surnames throughout the years in which the trio appeared in several one-shots from the Archie Comics series (as well as the nineteen years in which the girls had their own spinoff comic series). However, in the film, the girls were credited as Josie McCoy, Melody Valentine, and Valerie Brown. Though it is important to note that Valerie’s name was the most consistent of the three.

4 What Fourth Wall?

If there is one thing that is universal with all moviegoers, it is a love of those beautiful and brief moments where the fourth wall is shattered to pieces and it feels like there is a little inside joke being shared between the characters and the audience. I mean, the only thing better than that is when they drop the title of the film seamlessly in casual dialogue. That is the kind of thing that sends chills of excitement up my spine.

In the film Josie and the Pussycats, there is a brief moment in which that wall is broken and I live for it every time I rewatch the film. When someone questions the reason as to why Alexandra Cabot has made her way onto the Pussycats' private jet, she simply replies that she is there because she was in the comic book. When the matter is pressed further, she pretends that nothing was said at all.

3 A Second Chance

We all know that the 2001 live-action Josie and the Pussycats film was based on the characters who appeared in the Archie Comics series. But let’s take a second to delve a bit deeper into the film's original source material. Josie, Melody, and Valerie first appeared as characters in an issue of Archie Comics in 1963. After that first appearance, the girls maintained their own spin-off series in nineteen personalized issues that lasted until 1982 (which was picked up again for nine issues through 2016 and 2017). Although the fact that their personalized comic book series ended in 1982 does not mean that we went 30 or so years without Pussycat content. No, the girls appeared in several one-shot storylines that existed within regular issues of the Archie Comics for decades.

2 A Moment On Broadway

Last December, one of the greatest things in the history of humanity happened… and I missed it. Several prominent actors took time off from their Broadway careers to perform songs from the Josie and the Pussycats soundtrack. According to the press release, the show featured American Idiot’s Krystina Alabado, Kinky Boots’ Lauren Chapman, and several performers from Spring Awakening. The ensemble performed “3 Small Words,” “Spin Around,” and “Pretend to Be Nice,” as well as some hit DuJour classics. Now that sounds like a night to remember if there ever was one.

I remember, when I was in middle school, I tried to sing “Spin Around” for the talent show, but I ended up performing (and believe me, it was a performance) “Journey from the Past” from Anastasia instead as the school did want to approve a song they were so unfamiliar with. If I ever become a famous singer, I will have to open my first stadium tour with “Spin Around.” If I can afford the rights...

1 A Marketing Nightmare

Unfortunately, no one knew how to market this movie. And I honestly think that that contributed to the critics' negative reception of it. I mean, you have this movie that is targeted towards teen girls that also criticizes the very culture that is usually marketed to them. So advertisers had to figure out how to convince teens to see a film that mocked the very culture that every other advertisement was trying to convince them to take part in.

The film has a strong “like what you like and don’t let marketing manipulate you” theme. So, how can you convince someone to see a film that is entirely against that concept? In the end, they decided to market the film as a girl power, romantic, teen comedy and that caused some of the more satirical elements to fall unnoticed. But, luckily, modern audiences are revisiting the film and falling back in love with its nuances and critiques (which have only become more relevant as time has gone on).