Originally telecast by Disney Channel as a "sneak preview" (in an offbeat 7:40 p.m. time slot), this debut episode of
Lizzie McGuire finds the eponymous heroine (
Hilary Duff) trying -- and failing -- to make the Hillridge Middle School cheerleading squad. In an e-mail chat with her pal Miranda (Lalaine), Lizzie jealously suggests that her main rival, Kate (Ashlie Brillault), made the squad because she "enhances" her bra size. Unfortunately, Lizzie fails to press the "delete" button and her catty e-mail is posted throughout the Internet -- resulting in an angry confrontation between Kate and Lizzie, and a surprising act of self-sacrifice from Miranda. Meanwhile, Lizzie's parents (
Robert Carradine, Hallie Todd) are the only ones present when their son Matt's (
Jake Thomas) pet lizard dies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide