The new movie-length tween fantasy 16 Wishes delivers what Disney does best: a sweet, slightly cheesy, age-appropriate story with a heartwarming message.
The Disney and Family Channel production stars Debby Ryan (right) as Abby Jensen, an almost 16-year-old girl whose secret birthday wishes come true after an encounter with a mysterious woman. Abby gets the attention of her crush, played by Jean-Luc Bilodeau , and revenge on her lifelong nemesis, but eventually it all goes terribly wrong and Abby must race to put things right.
In true Disney fashion, the story spins out predictably to reveal the “be careful what you wish for” moral of the story. While the plot line is not a new one, the story is good, the actors do a good job, and it ends up being a great TV movie for girls 8-15.
16 Wishes premiered on Disney Channel last night and will encore this evening, tomorrow, and throughout the month (check your Disney Channel listings).
