A Time to Remember

Synopsis

After a highly successful U.S. run, pop sensation JESSIE RHODES (17) ends his 'My Crazy Life Tour' at Madison Square Garden in New York and takes the final legs of the tour out of the country to Ontario, Toronto, Paris, and London. Constantly mobbed by fans, Jessie feels the pressure of being the world's biggest pop star and dreams of living a regular life as a typical teenager in high school.

Lying alone in his hotel suite after wrapping up the tour in London, Jessie decides to finish his senior year in high school, which starts in three weeks. He wakes his uncle and manager, BARRY ADAMS (39), and informs him of his decision. Barry is caught off guard and explains to Jessie that he's the biggest pop star in the world and individuals in his position don't return to high school. Jessie tells him it's about creating memories, and he wants to be around people his age. Barry reluctantly gives Jessie a nod of approval. Lastly, Jessie tells him that he wants to join the football team, which throws him for a loop.

Barry calls the owner of the record label NORMAN WRIGHT (52) and tells him about Jessie's decision to return to school in Oceanside, California, for his senior year, causing Norman to almost melt down. Norman tries to dissuade him, but his mind is made up. Meanwhile, his ex-girlfriend and famous model, MORGAN MAGANO (19), tries to win him back.

Jessie meets with his dad, PHILLIP RHODES (46), a powerful attorney, his mom, SAMANTHA RHODES (43), and younger sister, SARAH RHODES (11), informing them of his decision. They are in disbelief because Jessie is the reason they moved from Oceanside to Los Angeles so that he could pursue his music career. Samantha is worried about the decision to play football, hearing about all the cases of C.T.E. Phillip, an ex-high school football player at Granville, agrees that Jessie should pursue his dream. Going against his mother's and Norman's wishes, Jessie enrolls at Granville High in Oceanside.

The school is buzzing about the arrival of the superstar. The girls all want to get to know Jessie, and some of the guys are envious, especially members of the football team. PRINCIPAL SHEILA WHITAKER (44) makes prize student EMMA LORRAINE FLOWERS (17) cute and witty an offer to tutor Jessie in science and math, informing her she can achieve the 4.0 she deserves and make some extra cash if she agrees. Feeling celebrities are pompous and entitled, Emma agrees to tutor Jessie because her family needs money after the death of her father, who fell from an oil rig in the Pacific Ocean.

LUKE COLLINS (17), the son of ex-NFL quarterback Mitch Collins, Granville's star quarterback. He and his friends have their doubts about Jessie joining the team. Jessie befriends school nerd KIPERTON WAGENBRENNER (17), who is troubled by a bully. Jessie's English teacher, LAURA KEMP (37), is an old classmate and undercover fan of Barry when he used to play in the rock band Chaotic Voice. After realizing that Laura has transformed from a caterpillar into a beautiful butterfly, Barry's initial hesitation about returning to Oceanside changes to excitement.

A visibly bothered Norman visits Barry, fearing his cash cow will quit music for good. He demands Jessie leave school in three months so that he can start on his new album and preproduction on a studio movie he has signed on in the leading role. Always the opportunist, Norman has an epiphany and hires documentary filmmaker Victor Moreno to follow Jessie and create a documentary about his high school journey, which he will use for marketing his new album and upcoming studio movie. Norman gives football coach CALVIN SWEENEY (45) a hundred thousand dollar check for the football program to put Jessie on the team but not to play him because he might get injured.

Jessie demonstrates his skills during tryouts and successfully makes the team. However, his excitement quickly turns to frustration, believing Luke is intentionally sabotaging him by throwing inaccurate passes. Coach Sweeney feels that Jessie isn't ready to play due to his lack of experience, which results in him missing the first three games. Coach Sweeney tears up the check after seeing a competitive drive and determination in Jessie. He informs him he'll play in the upcoming game. Principal Whitaker sees Jessie falling behind in Algebra and tells him he won't see the field unless he passes an Algebra exam. Jessie, having ditched Emma for more time on the practice field, apologizes to her and begs for help to pass his algebra test. She eventually gives in and helps him study for the exam. He passes the test and helps the team win by scoring touchdowns.

Jessie and Emma's friendship evolves into something deeper after they share a kiss. Jessie and Kip finally deal with his bully, embarrassing him in front of the students. Emma and her mom find out that the company her father worked for isn't paying out the insurance claim after determining his death as a suicide. Considering the financial burden, Connie tells Emma they are losing the house and have to relocate to Nevada. A disappointed Emma tells Principal Whitaker that she and her family are leaving Oceanside.

Morgan and her friend and assistant, DEEBIE MCGLINCHEY (19), show up in Oceanside after seeing photos of Jessie and Emma circulated by Victor. Jessie fumbles the ball after playing at a high level, costing the team a perfect season. Jessie feels he made the wrong decision after Luke and the rest of the team turn on him. Emma confronts the team, pointing out they have all made mistakes while playing and Jessie has been a great player and teammate all season. Emma cheers up Jessie by helping him plan his upcoming birthday party on Halloween. Norman threatens to replace Jessie in the Hollywood movie with a new up-and-coming pop star if he doesn't give up the high school charade.

Jessie throws the party, and the football team makes amends with him, saying it's the greatest party they've attended. Morgan and Debbie crash the party. Morgan gifts Jessie a Ferrari for his birthday and calls out Emma and her family's monetary issues. Upset and humiliated by Morgan, Emma leaves the party.

Feeling his career is in jeopardy, Jessie decides to leave high school after the football season ends, but not before starting the foundation for needy families he promised a year prior. The football season ends, and he visits Emma one last time, telling her that his dad discovered that her father's employers are known not to play by the rules. He hands her a letter addressed to her mom. Her mom opens it and reads that they will receive an insurance payout of $5,628,252.32. They shed tears of joy, realizing they don't have to leave Oceanside.

Jessie and Barry enter the airport and approach a private jet where Norman and Morgan are waiting. Just as Jessie is about to board the plane to Los Angeles, he has a change of heart. He stands up to Norman, tells him he will return when ready, and heads back to Emma. Morgan is furious about Jessie's decision. Meanwhile, Barry is ecstatic about spending more time with Laura. Emma is surprised to see Jessie. He tells her he will finish the school year and join the basketball team. They share a loving embrace, and he helps her family unpack.