Disney Original movies aren’t exactly that. Films like “High School Musical,” “The Cheetah Girls” or “Camp Rock” all have good looking kids who get into bad spots, learn a lesson and ultimately triumph. They aren’t brain surgery.
So, watching the latest Disney Original film “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” one would think they are in line for more of the same. And you are. The film follows the exact same formula as stated above. However, because it’s based on a preexisting Disney show and isn’t the start of a story, the film can expands and enhances its universe in really fun ways. Yes, parents, you too will enjoy “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie.” But your kids are very likely to watch it over and over. And over. And over and over again.
(The film itself was the most watched cable show of 2009, so there’s proof right there.)
For those who aren’t quite Disney savvy, “Wizards of Waverly Place” is a show in with the Russo family owns a sandwich shop on Waverly Place in New York City. And they also happen to be wizards, capable of magic and all sorts of cool things. The three kids, Alex (Selena Gomez), older brother Justin (David Henrie), and younger brother Max (Jake T. Austin), are all still wizards thanks to their father, David DeLuise. He, however, isn’t anymore because he gave up his powers to marry a mortal woman, played by Maria Canals Barrera. You see, in the wizard world of “Waverly Place,” unlike “Harry Potter,” each family can have only one wizard and eventually the three kids are going to have to battle to see who takes their rightful place as the family’s one full wizard.
That little tidbit doesn’t come up too much on the actual show: it’s more kids doing magic, going to school, eating and getting in trouble like most of the Disney shows. However, it becomes a very important part of the film.
And while the show generally takes place on just a few sets (the shop, school, Alex’s room, etc) the movie VASTLY expands that with a full slate of computer enhanced visual effects, location shooting in exotic locations and an adventure not-so-subtly inspired by Indiana Jones.
In short, the film is about a family vacation on which Alex casts a spell that makes it as if her parents had never met. To reverse the spell, and there by not negate her own existence (think “Back to the Future”) she and her brother must find a mythic stone with the power to grant one wish.
At first, this sets up the cliched idea of “what would kids do without parents to guide them?” However, that sentiment quickly turns sour and the kids beg and plead for their parents’ guidance.
Eventually, Alex and her older brother Justin must battle to find out who will be the family’s one true wizard. That, and the brother and sister relationship that develops because of it, are the moments that “Wizard of Waverly Place: The Movie” really stands out. Much like “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” the film finally shows viewers something the show has been teasing for a long time. And it’s pretty darn awesome. Unfortunately, the show has to continue in the same way it has in the past after the movie so – once again like “Hannah” – the major revelation isn’t as major as it should be.
Even so, “Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie” gives every viewer something to truly enjoy. The kids will love the trademark “Wizards” attitude, coupled with all new locations and huge new special effects. Parents will enjoy the responsibility and importance of family taught by the film. And everyone will enjoy where this story, albeit it predictable, takes them.
“Wizards of Waverly Place” airs Fridays at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel. The film reairs Sept. 7 at 8 p.m. and will surely be out on DVD by the end of the year.
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