It's a sure sign that the movie is a dog when no critics are permitted to see it before it's available to the public. That was the case with "From Justin to Kelly," starring Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, favorites from TV's "American Idol."

And, yes, it is a dog. Guarini dubbed it "Grease on the Beach," which is correct. The problem is "Grease" was released in 1978. Movies and their audiences have changed in the passing years. But you would never know it from this musical.

It's spring-break time in Miami Beach. Kelly's two friends, Kaya and Alexa, need transportation for the frolic, and she is their salvation. Looking around the Texas bar where she sings and waits tables, loyal Kelly decides she'll go, even though boozing and bedding aren't her thing.

From Pennsylvania come Guarini and his buddies, Brandon, a slick operator, and Eddie, a nerd. Brandon plans to stage contests and parties to pay their way. Eddie just wants to meet in the flesh the woman with whom he's been corresponding for a year on the Internet.

It all unravels as expected with Kelly and Justin doing the love-at-first-sight thing, only to have Alexa, who is ultra-jealous of Justin's attentions to her friend, keep them apart time after time. Kaya's function is to bond with Carlos, a waiter whose affections she repays by getting him fired.

Despite success at his schemes, Brandon keeps getting busted by the cop on beach patrol, who happens to be a woman. Eddie keeps missing his date and manages to get a sunburn that makes his skin look like one of Reese Witherspoon's outfits in "Legally Blonde."

Ho hum.

Are there no redeeming qualities? Yes. First, Clarkson's look. Not the typical blonde beauty. Just a cute face beneath a dull hairdo. She could never be Olivia Newton-John as Sandy in "Grease." More like the sassy Rizzo, played by Stockard Channing in the earlier movie musical.

Second, the energetic dancing choreographed by Travis Payne.

One other bonus. After watching the non-chemistry of Luke Wilson and Kate Hudson in "Alex & Emma," it's a relief to see these two leads genuinely enjoying each other's company when they are not spatting. They may not be actors yet, but they are more animated than Wilson and Hudson.