There are now 100 Disney Channel Original Movies! The 100th aired this last summer in June. I have already reviewed the first 10 of the DCOMs: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/the-first-10-are-always-the-easiest-to-get-through. If you have not yet read the introduction to this series, here is the link: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/disney-channel-nostalgia-reminiscing-takes-time. Also, here is the article listing the various groups each movie falls into along with what each one addresses: https://www.theodysseyonline.com/how-much-do-each-of-the-100-disney-channel-original-movies-have-in-common. These next 10 movies fit in all types of categories. They all offer something different to the DCOM universe!
Now, onto the second set of 10!
11. “Don’t Look Under the Bed” (1999)
Not in the real world: boogeyman
When incidents start happening in a small town, everyone wants to blame one girl. Non-coincidentally, Frances is the only person, besides children, to see an imaginary friend. To be honest, this movie really freaked me out. Well, it was the first DCOM to be given a TV-PG rating for frightening content. But all the same, it had a really good message. Don’t grow up too fast because there are things you need to learn when you are young in order to blossom as an adult. Also, if you happen to mature too early, your imaginary friend will turn into the boogey man and terrorize your town.
12. “Horse Sense” (1999)
Fiction
Animals in it: dog, horses, wild horses, cattle, bull
Sequel: 31. “Jumping Ship” (2001)
When a L.A. college rich kid is sent to his aunt’s ranch, his younger cousin teaches him that there is more to life than fancy pants and a spoiled girlfriend. This was a pretty good movie. I was just really annoyed by the older main character, until he showed some decency toward his cousin. Joey Lawrence, from “Melissa and Joey,” plays the wealthy cousin. In this DCOM, we see that you need to pay attention to other people, and not just yourself. Your family may actually thank you one day.
13. “Up, Up, and Away” (2000)
Not in the real world: superheroes
A Breaking of the Status Quo
Growing up in a family of superheroes puts a lot of pressure on the kid who hasn’t gotten his powers yet. But when Scott reaches his 14th birthday, he fakes super strength and flight in order to fit into the hero crowd. Soon, though, he finds out that this may not have been the best idea. One of my favorite things is superheroes, so when Spiderman and Superman were mentioned in the movie, I started fangirling. “Up, Up, and Away” also ushered in the new millennium for Disney Channel. Overall, even if you don’t have superpowers, you can still save the day.
14. “The Color of Friendship” (2000)
Realistic Fiction/Non-fiction: 1977 apartheid in South Africa, Senator Ron Dellums
A Breaking of the Status Quo
Set during the time of apartheid South Africa, Mahree, a white South African, wants to study in America. But her expectations are hindered when she is placed with a senator’s family whose color of skin makes her question everything she has known. Meanwhile, Piper—the daughter of the black American family—must also examine her previous assumptions. I absolutely loved this movie. When I saw it for the first time, my thought was that this was very progressive for a Disney Channel Original Movie. As I have watched all the other movies, I still hold this belief. (Just a quick side note: the actress who plays Piper’s mom is the character Captain Gates on “Castle.”) Instead of hating those who have different beliefs, we all need to help others understand the truth from the principles they grew up with. Friends can be any color of skin.
15. “Alley Cats Strike” (2000)
Sports: bowling
Second-nature sports: basketball
When bowling becomes the last sport that will win The Mighty Apple for the city of West Appleton, four unlikely teenagers train the school superstar to win the trophy. But they all find out that one person cannot be counted on for the win. This was a pretty good movie. I liked the theme of school spirit. Help your school out if it needs you, and if everyone relies on you to win everything, don’t worry, other people can do it too. It doesn’t have to be all about you.
16. “Rip Girls” (2000)
Fiction
Second-nature sports: surfing
While visiting Hawaii, 13-year-old Sydney Miller learns about her past and finds a passion for surfing, but her dad wants to keep her away from everything relating to her mother. This is another DCOM that I had never seen but really enjoyed. Before her other films, Camilla Belle played Sydney in this DCOM. Overall, we see that your friends may want you to do one thing, your mom and dad the other, but ultimately the decisions lies with you.
17. “Miracle in Lane 2” (2000)
Sports: soapbox racing
Based on a true story: Justin Yoder (born 1986), All American Soapbox Derby, disabled from spina bifida
A Breaking of the Status Quo
Frankie Muniz, from “Malcolm in the Middle” and “Agent Cody Bank,” plays the main character in this DCOM based off of Justin Yoder’s triumph. He was the first disabled child to compete in the All American Soapbox Derby. He became an inspiration to children everywhere. I love this movie because it shows children that they are not made completely incapacitated by their disabilities. It may be difficult to find ways to compete, but it will be worth it. If you have a disability and want to do something, see for yourself if you can do it or not. You may just be able to prove all the doubters wrong.
18. “Stepsister from Planet Weird” (2000)
Not in the real world: aliens
Based on a Book: "Stepsister from Planet Weird" (1996) by Francess Lantz
When Megan meets her mom’s new boyfriend, Cosmo, and his daughter, Ariel, she starts to question the normalness of this new family. She soon finds out that her judgments of them being very strange are true. This was another movie I thought was very weird. Of course, “weird” is in the title. It did have an interesting plot, though. Give those who seem quite odd a chance, they may just become your new family.
19. “Ready to Run” (2000)
Animals: horses
Sports: horse racing
Not in the real world: human communicates with horses
Corrie Ortiz works at a racing stable, but it is not until she gets her own horse when she discovers her true gift. She wants to become a jockey, but her mom refuses to let her compete. Nevertheless, she finds a way to do what she loves. Your mom may not want you to do something because it is too dangerous. You should listen, but sometimes the dangerous things are what you were born to do.
20. “Quints” (2000)
Fiction
Fourteen-year-old Jamie is tired of her parents always talking about her future, but when five new editions are added to the household, Jamie becomes the least of the family’s worries. I find this DCOM to be very cute. There are five babies in it, so of course it is going to be adorable. Kimberly J. Brown also plays Marnie in the Halloweentown movies. Another fun fact, well-known comedic actor Don Knotts makes a cameo appearance as the governor. Overall, in this movie we find that with five new babies in the house, sometimes the older brother or sister is the only one who can truly understand the younger siblings.
Number 11-20 of the Disney Channel Original Movies down. 80 more movies to go. Little by little, we will get there!
