Disney Channel's Dadnapped Not That Bad

Disney released their newest original TV movie, Dadnapped, on Presidents' Day. The movie came out the same day as Nickelodeon's Spectacular! and did much better in ratings. The movie features many Disney Channel regulars including three from Hannah Montana (Moises Arias, Jason Earles, and Emily Osment), two from Wizards of Waverly Place (David Henrie and Jennifer Stone), and one of Suite Life on Deck (Phill Lewis). Jennifer Stone only does a voice; she is never on screen.

Melissa (Osment) always has to deal with the fact that her father (George Newbern) is a successful author. Throughout the movie, she compares herself to the fictional star of his book, Trip Zoome (Jonathan Keltz). One of the major themes of the movie is her learning to become more heroic like Trip.

Melissa's father, Neal, plans to take her on a camping trip, but insists on stopping at a convention promoting his new book. The convention is run by Merv (Earles). As a joke, three boys kidnap Neal: Andre (Arias), Sheldon (Denzel Whitaker), and Wheeze (Henrie). But then, Neal and Melissa get kidnapped for real.

Of course, there are limitations, because it's a Disney movie. For example, there is obviously some cheesiness and you won't enjoy the movie unless you can look pass that. This could be the plot for a really good scary movie, but it's not scary, because it's a Disney movie.

The reason I watch Disney is because they seem to find good actors. Yeah, the plot and script can sometimes get really lame, but the acting's usually pretty good. Emily had a really good scene with George Newbern where she was in near tears. I thought the best acting was David Henrie though. Compared to who he plays on Wizards of Waverly Place, it's dramatically different. He was actually the major reason I wanted to see the movie. I don't think I would have watched it without him. I wouldn't say he's one of my favorite actors, but he's definitely a good actor. The acting as a whole was strong and the cast definitely had chemistry. 

I didn't like the music. Emily Osment sang two songs and I didn't like either of them. I haven't heard many of her songs, but I like her song "I Don't Think About It."

I'd probably give the movie a B. I'd like it a lot more if I was younger. Now, it's entertaining, but it's probably not something I want to watch again.

Article Author: Maddy Pumilia

Maddy (Formerly CallmeMaddy) is a sophomore at Cal State Northridge. Her major is Journalism. She has a twin and loves the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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