‘Radio Rebel’ is the latest in a long line of made for television movies produced by the perennial leader in family entrainment, The Walt Disney studios. These films have been a mainstay of their programming since baby boomers sat in front of the TV after dinner. Back then more Disney’s films made it to the local theaters but the fundamental elements have remained the same over all these years. These TV flicks are currently a staple of the popular Disney cable station as a showcase for their unending stream of young talent they are constantly grooming for stardom. There is typically some didactic content infused in the youthful entertainment but only seldom is it sufficiently overt to intrude upon the targeted demographics’ enjoyment. In part it is attributed to Disney refraining from tackling the life threatening issue had on. They have learned the art of gentle persuasion instead. For example they don’t typically shoe a teen age girl with an eating disorder but they do include plenty of scenes with the young leading lady snacking on fruits and veggies or consuming a nicely balanced meal. ‘Radio Rebel’ is a fine example of these tenants Disney has established for their movies fine tuned over the decades. In this case the central themes revolve around the persistent problem mostly associated with high school but follows through your life, popularity. The protagonist in this film, Tara Adams (Debby Ryan), is painfully shy. Although she is friendly enough and certainly pretty and smart she has attained the grade of senior year without allowing herself to open up to others. She is the kind of kid in class who keeps her eyes cast downward to avoid hallway conversation or being called upon to speak in front of the class. While not the most earth shattering issue the modern teenage faces it is prevalent enough to hold the attention of the kids in the audience. It is also a timeless theme so undoubtedly many of the parent watch can also identify with the situation. The main point to remember with considering this film is it is family oriented and there is nothing in the content any parent need be concerned over. This is not to say the film is boring, it isn’t. Most likely the plot will be very familiar to the grownups but the teens and tweens in the audience will over look that and focus on the talented cast.

Tara is arguably the shiest senior in Lincoln Bay High School. In public Tara would rather not be seen, heard or noticed in any fashion but those changes when she is safely ensconced behind her closed bedroom door she host a podcast that has become popular among her fellow students. She hosts the online show under the nom de voyage of Radio Rebel effectively cloaking her identity of outgoing alter ego. Broadcasting does seem to be the family business; her stepfather, Rob (Martin Cummins) managers SLAM, Seattle’s number one teen oriented radio stations. The inspirational message Tara provides has resulted in a fiercely loyal followers among the student body. When Rod is introduced to the pod casts by a station DJ, Cami Q (Mercedes de la Zerda) he decides to let his step daughter take an open time slot at the radio station. Hat program explodes in popularity expanding on the attention she had from the pod casts making everyone at school curious as to the identity of Radio Rebel. Every story requires a villain of sorts and the go to antagonist in high school based movies is traditionally the principle. The head administrator for Lincoln Bay High is Moreno (Nancy Robertson), a suitable staunch authority figure. When Tara engages in the requisite high school act of rebellion, the cafeteria dance party the principal over reacts again in the traditional fashion; she cancels the senior prom. I attended an all male high school so dancing in the lunch room and obsession with prom is somewhat foreign to the scope of my personal experience but I have seen this plot device utilized in nearly every high school flick ever made. The ultimatum given is the real Radio Rebel must declare their secret identity. The response us the station throws an anti-prom and Radio Rebel is voted Queen in absentia. If Tara comes forward to claim her crown not only will it mean immediate suspension but it will place here in the one place she has always diligently avoid; the center of attention. What occurs next is homage to one of the most famous moments in film and obviously intended more towards the adults; the ‘Spartacus declaration’. One by one every student there steps forward proclaiming they are Radio Rebel.

While the film is cobbled together with a number of extremely familiar scenes the mélange rises to the challenge and works. Mostly this is attributed to the sheer exuberance of the cast and a strong sense of directorial style by actor turn director, Peter Howitt. His resume encompasses TV science fiction, ‘Defying Gravity’, to silly comedy, ‘Johnny English’ and straight drama, ‘Sliding Doors’. Usually Disney uses a home grown director but by going to someone with such versatility they ensure a film parents and kids can enjoy together. In contrast Ms Ryan is the product of Disney’s revival of the studio system that dominated the golden age of Hollywood. Ryan has been carefully groomed by Disney rising through the preset stages of her career she developed a character on the popular tween sitcom, ‘The Suite Life on Deck’\, Leading to guests shots on other hit shows. She now has her own sitcom, ‘Jesse’ which permits her an opportunity to hone skills in comedy, music and dance. The thing about this classic method of creating stars, it works remarkable well. Ryan is funny, personable and poised making for a very enjoyable film. The film is easy going, light hearted fun that may be predictable but still delivers wholesome fun for family movie night.