meowthew Reviews

Pixel Perfect (2004 TV Movie)

Actually very good!

[8/10 · 16 January 2004]

This was a surprisingly good Disney Channel movie, despite the highly implausible storyline. For once, the characters actually have some depth and deal with serious relational issues. This is also the first Disney Channel movie in several years where the main characters are older than middle-school age (Roscoe actually drives!), which may be part of the reason for the unusual depth of the material.

Credit goes to Ricky Ullman for his excellent performance as Roscoe, a kid with serious fantasy/reality distinguishing problems. The character could have come across as either disturbingly weird or just plain silly, but Ullman approaches the role with a realness and sincerity that you just don't see a lot of in this sort of production.

The movie's depictions of being inside the Internet and the human brain are imaginative, inspired, and really rather thought-provoking. The visual-effects experience of director Mark Dippe really comes through very well in this.

The songs throughout the movie are fun and frothy, but don't be fooled -- there's a serious, emotional, raw undercurrent to the entire film that really sets it apart from most Disney Channel fare. A very good movie indeed.

The Lizzie McGuire Movie (2003)

The Lizzie McGuire Movie is mindless, shallow fluff

[10/10 · 3 May 2003]

And I LOVE it! Having followed the Lizzie McGuire series almost from day one, I was anxious to see how well it would translate onto the big screen. I was not dissapointed one bit.

Hilary Duff is her typically adorable self throughout the entire movie. She truly is the new Annette or Hayley Mills of this generation. Walt Disney would be proud.

The incredible chemistry Lizzie and Gordo have on the show is magnified to an even greater extent in the movie, and Adam Lamberg really shines in his entirely underrated performance as Gordo. The film's treatment and development of Lizzie and Gordo's relationship is perfect for those of us who have been following it for the past few years, and begs for further attention in a sequel (you just know there'll be one).

Alex Borstein nearly steals the show with her hilarious performance as Ms. Ungermeyer; it would definitely be good to see her character appear in future "Lizzie" properties. What little time was given to Robert Carradine and Hallie Todd as Lizzie's parents was excellent, as usual. Jake Thomas and Carly Schroeder as Matt and Melina were hilarious together, as well. Give those two kids their own show. They're great! It was also nice to see the movie bring a little more "depth" and presence to the roles of Kate and Ethan, two characters who have always deserved a little more attention than they have received.

Of course the plot is predictable and shallow, but it works, and works well. And thankfully the wry wit and subtle humor of the show is brought out in force in the movie. The acting may not be the greatest, but that's part of the appeal. These are seemingly normal, everyday kids that don't take themselves too seriously, and it's fun to watch.

The lively songs and poppy soundtrack fit the fun, breezy atmosphere of the movie quite well, and if part of a movie's duty is to serve as the launching point of a teen queen's bubblegum pop career, this is the way to do it.

Like the series, The Lizzie McGuire Movie is just good, wholesome, innocent fun that's clever enough to be entertaining for kids and (some) adults. Now more than ever, that's a great thing to see.

Tuck Everlasting (2002)

Excellent film

[9/10 · 26 April 2003]

It's refreshing to see a film like this come from Disney.

Having read the book before seeing the movie, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the movie follows the book very closely, completely capturing the story's essence. In fact, the characters and locations were portrayed in the movie almost exactly as I had envisioned them from reading the book.

Like the book, the film is successful in tackling the weighty issues of life, death and immortality in a way that is not pointed or overbearing, and is completely appropriate for children and adults.

The film is very calm in its pacing -- perhaps intending to mirror the unrushed lifestyle of the Tuck family -- but it never becomes too slow or dull.

Gorgeous photography of lush, vibrant scenery is shown throughout the movie. Combined with a beautiful Celtic and Folk-inspired score, it lends the film a soothing, ethereal quality that I don't see enough in movies.

The actors are excellent, each portraying their character flawlessly, while giving convincing performances with emotion and intelligence.

This is everything a family movie should be. It isn't a mindless, half-hearted effort that panders down to the audience. It's a well-crafted, thought-provoking film that children and adults can enjoy together. A true gem!

Josie and the Pussycats (2001)

A delightful film

[10/10 · 17 March 2002]

Yeah, it's shallow, stupid and uninspired, but Josie and the Pussycats ROCKS! The watered-down satire on the music industry is great, and of course the music is pretty dang good for what it is. Oscar-worthy it's not, but it's still a great movie for an hour-and-a-half of easy laughs. Destined to become a cult classic!

The Grand Opening of Walt Disney World (1971 TV Movie)

Groovy, Baby!

[10/10 · 28 May 2001]

This is the Disney theme park special to top all Disney theme park specials. Yeah, it's unbelievably corny, but it's solid gold in my book.

The song and dance numbers are second to none in coolness, especially the "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" number down Main Street, USA and the "There's More" sequence (Just who were those talented kids, and what ever happened to them?). And the "Today is Mine" number that Glen Campbell starts the show with is awe-inspiring, to say the least.

Despite the largely overcast skies throughout the show, you know sunny days are ahead at Walt Disney World when you watch this rarely-shown classic.