Disney Channel defined my childhood viewing. Watching it was part of my formative years, where I would get back from school and put it straight on. Either you were a Disney kid or a Nickelodeon Kid. I was in the Disney camp, but I did watch a few Nickelodeons shows like ICarly and Victorious.
Which one were you?
The Disney Channel took over TV for teens and pre-teens for a generation and the tv shows that they made have become a template for the genre. They were of their time and just brilliant, however, they also made some great tv movies too.
Here are some of my favourite Disney Channel movies
LET IT SHINE (2012)
This is such an under the radar film. The plot follows a shy and talented rapper who lets his friend take the credit for a song submission he has written, for a competition to perform it with a teen pop star who the shy boy secretly likes. To make matters worse, the two boys new the pop star before she was famous, which adds to the fun.
As the song becomes a hit, he grows resentful of his friend for receiving praise and attention that rightfully belongs to him. The rap battle is brilliant, and they have some iconic lines as well. The young cast is good, and the acting feels natural. This musical is of its time, but it hasn’t dated. If you haven’t seen this, give it a watch.
WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE: THE MOVIE (2009)
Wizards of Waverly place is one of my favourite tv shows from when I was little. It was an elite show and a massive hit for the channel and the movie manages to stay on the same high level. The storyline makes you go through all the emotions. Selena Gomez, David Henrie and Jake Austin are all brilliant actors and that the whole family are back together for a magical adventure. The new characters had a good vibe too and added to the clever plot that built on the success of the tv show. It is such a shame that the recent reboot of Wizards of Waverly Place fails to hit the mark.
THE CHEETAH GIRLS (2003-2008)
Raven Symone was a great actress back in the day and this franchise was great. Each movie improved, starting with a group of girls winning a music competition as a band and then graduating to them taking trips to India and Spain. The girls in the group complemented each well even though it has since transpired that not all of them got on in real life. I also liked that it had quite a diverse group of girls, from all different backgrounds so that everyone could have their favourite. The movie series didn’t feel forced and didn’t take itself too seriously, it was just great fun.
LEMONADE MOUTH (2011)
Bridget Mendler was another actress that was very natural and full of charm. Good luck Charlie was one of my favourite tv shows and in this film, she moved away from “Charlie,” to broaden her horizons. Her acting shines, in this tale of the formation of a Rock and Roll band to win a competition.
Bridget has since left acting and has become a science entrepreneur with a doctorate degree.
Back to the movie, it has a good plot and some of the actresses who appeared in it have become famous, such as Naomi Scott, who was in the live action film of Aladdin. The music was good and catchy, and they all had pretty good singing voices.
RADIO REBEL
I used to watch this movie on repeat. Debby Ryan played a shy high schooler who had secret. She was in fact, a famous DJ called Radio Rebel, who inspires others who lack confidence to find a voice for themselves. Much of the plot is no-one knows who this DJ is, and everyone speculates and investigates in trying to find out. The concept was great and as much as it got a 5.7 rating on IMDB I would give it a 6.5. Most importantly for a movie that relies on hidden identity, no character is annoying, and the set ups are not too ridiculous.
So, there you are. Writing this I have just realised that 4 out of 5 of my favourites have a musical theme! Not only that, but they also all revolve around winning competitions, which makes me think as a child I must have dreamt of being in a band!