The 100th Disney Channel Original Movie was released this last June! I have been writing about all of them for the past eight articles. But there are no longer only 100 DCOMs. Disney Channel released their 101st movie on Friday, October 7th. This series will be still written as if there were only 100. In case you need a refresher, here are my other articles:
Introductory article: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/disney-channel-nostalgia-reminiscing-takes-time
Category list descriptions: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/how-much-do-each-of-the-100-disney-channel-original-movies-have-in-common
DCOM Number 1-10: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-first-10-are-always-the-easiest-to-get-through
DCOM Number 11-20: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/when-life-gives-you-100-disney-channel-original-movies-watch-10-more
DCOM Number 21-30: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-first-30-disney-channel-original-movies-down-70-more-to-go
DCOM Number 31-40: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/when-there-are-still-60-disney-channel-original-movies-left
DCOM Number 41-50: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/feels-good-to-be-through-half-of-the-100-disney-channel-original-movies
DCOM Number 51-60: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/almost-through-the-100-disney-channel-original-movies
Okay, 60 down. The rest will be a breeze!
Onward to the next 10 DCOMs!
61. “High School Musical” (2006)
Second-nature sports: basketball, cheerleading
Soundtrack
Sequels: 69. “High School Musical 2” (2007)
Released in theaters: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
Spinoff: 84. “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure” (2011)
A Breaking of the Status Quo
Being one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movies ever to grace the screen of television, “High School Musical” has stolen the hearts of practically every single girl tween, along with some boys. Everyone knew that Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez were meant to be after their first duet. The East High Wildcats will dominate in basketball. And the Sharpay Show will henceforth be withdrawn from the Drama Department. It was the “Start of Something New.” They’re “Breaking Free” from the “Stick to the Status Quo” idea. In the end, Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay, Ryan, Chad, and Taylor find that “We’re All in This Together.” Zac Efron became an automatic breakout star, while Vanessa Hudgens started recording her own albums. “The Suite Life of Zach and Cody” first had Ashley Tisdale in the role of Maddie Fitzpatrick. This is Lucas Grabeel’s third DCOM. Corbin Bleu looks much younger as the nerdy Austin in “Catch That Kid,” which came out in 2004. This can be considered Monique Coleman’s breakout role. Fun fact, Drew Seeley played the part of Troy’s singing voice. Would there really be any question that this DCOM makes it into my Top 10. Look at that, no question mark. I guess not! Go ahead and break from the status quo. It is okay! Besides, you’ll eventually find what you’ve been looking, if you only “Get’cha Head in the Game.” Then, you will “Bop to the Top.” (It is so easy to use song titles in order to get an idea across.)
62. “Cow Belles” (2006)
Fiction
When the spoiled Callum sisters mess up one too many times, their dad puts them to work at the family-owned dairy. The girls have a difficult time trying to fit into this new environment. But when problem after problem starts to take place, it is up to the girls to save their dad’s business and the employees’ jobs. Sisters Aly and AJ star as Taylor and Courtney Callum. This was AJ’s only DCOM and Aly’s last DCOM. For all the “Castle” fans out there, the absolutely despicable Senator William H. Bracken makes an appearance as the girls’ father. No offense to the actor Jack Coleman of course. It was a pretty good movie. Take time to see how the family business runs smoothly. People’s livelihoods rely on this factor. The people behind the wealth have lives as well; don’t be too quick to make harsh judgments.
63. “Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior” (2006)
Not in the real world: Chinese descendant with powers
Disney Channel artist: Brenda Song
All Wendy Wu wants is to be Homecoming Queen, but her plans are interrupted when Shen, a Buddhist monk, tells her that she is the only one able to defeat a great evil. Wendy must embrace her lineage as the next Yin Warrior in order to save the world. This is Brenda Song’s fourth DCOM. Shin Koyamada played Shen and became a regular for the “Disney Channel Games” and Disney Channel Japan. I always loved watching this DCOM. Brenda Song really knows how to kick some butt! Sorry, but not sorry. If you are the only one able to save the world from evil, your civil duty always comes before homecoming, no matter if you won a crown.
64. “Read It and Weep” (2006)
Fiction
Based on a book: “How My Private Personal Journal Became a Bestseller” (2005) by Julia DeVillers
Sisters Kay Panabaker and Danielle Panabaker join forces as Jamie Bartlett and Isabella “IS” respectively. When Jamie accidentally submits her personal journal as a writing assignment, her private notes become a bestselling book. The book’s main character, IS, turns out to be Jamie’s alter ego. IS wants to be the star, so Jamie starts taking her friends for granted and lets the fame go to her head. It eventually all comes crashing down on her. For Kay and Danielle Panabaker, this was one of their last Disney Channel roles. This was Jason Dolley’s first DCOM. I love this movie. I like to write, so that should pretty much explain it. No matter what you write, whether private or public, be respectful and kind to those you’re writing about. If not, people will most likely not care too much for you.
65. “The Cheetah Girls 2” (2006)
Musical
Based on a book: “The Cheetah Girls” (1999-2006) by Deborah Gregory
Soundtrack
Sequel to: 46. “The Cheetah Girls” (2003)
Sequel: 73. “The Cheetah Girls: One World” (2008)
When the Cheetahs enter into a music festival in Barcelona, Spain, the girls soon realize that they will be up against some major competition. As the allure of Barcelona starts to take over, Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, and Aqua, must come together in order to succeed as the group they were meant to be: The Cheetah Girls. While the four Cheetahs reprise their roles, Belinda Peregrín plays Marisol Durán. Belinda would continue in her success as a famous Latin pop singer and songwriter. Sadly, this is Raven-Symoné’s last DCOM appearance. A movie is always better when it is filmed in a beautiful European city. So the sequel makes the cut. Stick together with your friends, even if an incredible opportunity for yourself comes up. But also support your friends in their individual endeavors.
66. “Return to Halloweentown” (2006)
Not in the real world: creatures of Halloween in alternate dimension
Sequel to: 4. “Halloweentown” (1998)
33. “Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenge” (2001)
53. “Halloweentown High” (2004)
When Marnie and her brother Dylan go off to college in Halloweentown, they find that no one is allowed to use magic. Ethan Dalloway also attends Witch University. In one of her classes, Marnie discovers a box that was owned by a witch named Splendora, who just happens to be her grandmother. Of course, there is a powerful magic inside of the box, and it is up to Marnie to make sure that no one will ever harness that power. Sara Paxton replaces Kimberley J. Brown as Marnie Piper/Cromwell, while Judith Hoag, Joey Zimmerman, and Debbie Reynolds all return as Marnie’s family members. Lucas Grabeel reprises his role as Ethan Dalloway. In all honesty, I was really disappointed that Kimberly J. Brown did not return as Marnie. She was there from the very beginning. Halloweentown just wasn’t the same. Sara Paxton did a pretty good job, though. A long-lost family power should always be under protection but never used.
67. “Jump In!” (2007)
Sports: Double Dutch, boxing
Soundtrack
Disney Channel artist: Corbin Bleu, Keke Palmer
A Breaking of the Status Quo
Izzy Daniels finds a love for Double Dutch when he takes his sister to see a competition. He joins Mary Thomas and her teammates in her to compete in the city finals. But Izzy’s friends think it is weird, and his dad wants him to be a star boxer. Izzy must decide what he wants and not base his decisions off the desires and expectations of others. Corbin Bleu’s single “Push It to the Limit” appeared in his second DCOM. This was Keke Palmer’s only DCOM appearance. She would become the star of Nickelodeon’s “True Jackson, VP” a year later. I absolutely love this movie. Girls can box and guys can do Double Dutch. It’s not that ridiculous of an idea. Do what you love, even if others will laugh. Your dad may be disappointed at first. But after they see you doing what you love, they can’t deny the joy on your face.
68. “Johnny Kapahala: Back on Board” (2007)
Sports: dirt boarding, surfing
Sequel to: 9. “Johnny Tsunami” (1999)
Johnny Kapahala is back! He returns to Hawaii, where his grandfather is getting married. Johnny learns that his soon-to-be uncle is actually a kid, and Chris has some anger issues. Johnny learns how to dirt board in order to get through to him. But as with all things, Johnny eventually has to compete against the leader of dirt boarding crew called the Dirt Devils. When does a sport movie ever not end in a competition? Brandon Baker returns as Johnny Kapahala. Didn’t realize it till now, but he was also the lead in the direct-to-video “The Jungle Book: Mowgli’s Story.” Jonathan McDaniel replaces Lee Thompson Young as Sam Sterling. A couple of months before “Wizards of Waverly Place” premiered, Jake T. Austin made his first appearance on Disney Channel. This was Rose Mclver’s second and last DCOM role. I find this to be another really good sport movie. Keep supporting the new people that come into your life. They will eventually turn around and support you as well.
69. “High School Musical 2” (2007)
Musical
Second-nature sports: basketball, baseball, golf
Soundtrack
Sequel to: 61. “High School Musical” (2006)
Sequel released in theaters: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” (2008)
Spinoff: 84. “Sharpay’s Fabulous Adventure” (2011)
A Breaking of the Status Quo
Just over a year after the success of “High School Musical,” the full main and supporting cast returns for the stellar sequel. After school is out for the summer, the East High Wildcats start working at a country club called Lava Springs. But their sweet summer vacation starts to be very unpleasant with Sharpay Evans practically running the entire show. In order not to lose his friends and girlfriend, Troy must once again be the one to turn things around. They eventually find that they really must be “All for One.” Being his last DCOM, Zac Efron would become a phenomenon in the movie world. Vanessa Hudgens starred in “Beastly” and “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.” She gave a breathtaking performance just recently in “Grease: Live” as Betty Rizzo. Ashley Tisdale continued in starring roles and had a successful music career. Lucas Grabeel has a main role as Toby Kennish in “Switched at Birth.” Corbin Bleu had various roles in the TV world. Monique Coleman has been a spokesperson for youth. Many of the actors and actresses from the first film reprised their role, including Bart Johnson as Coach Jack Bolton, Leslie Wing Pomeroy as Lucille Bolton, Alyson Reed as Ms. Darbus, Olesya Rulin as Kelsi Nielsen, Chris Warren Jr. as Zeke Baylor, Ryne Sanborn as Jason Cross, and Kaycee Stroh as Martha Cox. Tanya Chrisholm plays one of The Sharpettes; she also plays Kelly Wainright in Nickelodeon’s “Big Time Rush.” Fun fact, “Good Luck Charlie” star Shane Harper is a Wildcats background dancer. Another fun fact, Miley Cyrus makes a cameo appearance in the “All for One” dance sequence. I’m not sure what DCOM is my absolute favorite, but “High School Musical 2” is definitely a candidate. I remember watching the premiere with my friends at a sleepover. We were all very excited. The cast was hosting the event and everything! One of my favorite songs will always be “You Are the Music in Me.” If I were ever to be serenaded by a song, this would be one of my top picks them. Only you can decide what you see when you look in the mirror. Sometimes you will have to change if you can’t recognize yourself.
70. “Twitches Too” (2007)
Not in the real world: magic, witches, magicians
Based on a book: “T*Witches” (2001-2004) by H. B. Gilmour and Randi Reisfeld
Sequel to: “60. Twitches (2005)”
Tia and Tamera Mowry reprise their roles as the twin sisters who recently found each other and saved their land of Coventry. Not long after, trouble is afoot once again. Alex and Camryn believe their father Aron is alive but lost in the Shadowlands. The Twitches inevitably must resolve their differences in order to bring everlasting peace to the kingdom. This is Tia and Tamera Mowry’s second and last DCOM. All of the cast but Jennifer Robertson reprise their role. Leslie Seiler replaced her in the role of Illeana. Jayne Eastwood plays Mrs. Norseng; she also played Mrs. White in “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” and its 2016 sequel. Be weary of the powers that try to sway you. They may just be evil. But there may also be good. Your choices will have the most impact of what comes through to the end.
These 10 movies included some DCOMs that broke and continued to break the viewership of a Disney Channel Original Movie premiere. Three pairs of sisters were featured as well as five sequels. Number 61-70 holds some of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movies. Just look at the list. It’s pretty obvious.
(I apologize for the extreme lateness of this article. My personal life and college life needed attending to first before I came back to my DCOM series.)
