my commentary

A well paced Christmas dcom. I think because we know the Groundhog's Day of it all, it was definitely easier to write for a seasoned audience. I don't really have a problem with her galavanting all around town without supervision because meh. I liked A Christmas Carol, thought that was clever. I was disappointed she didn't at least try to get her fam to join her on excursions. Also disappointing was that they didn't really talk about how Louis's life is changing too, but I guess that's to avoid extra plot lines. I love Tall Santa. I didn't need the magic at the end, though. Unnecessary. Overall very cute Christmas dcom.

OG Gilbert was my fave, though. I love that dude and the fact that he was in more than one scene was so nice! Not just a cameo!

Such a weird movie. Sometimes less is more.

It was good? Idk. It was the same movie as the original. So it was great, but I knew almost every detail of what was about to happen. I'm glad they're giving a new generation a chance to appreciate the story, I suppose.

"You're legally allowed to do whatever you want when you're being chased by a mob. It's in the constitution." - best line ever

Overall, two thumbs up. Love it!

Bonus points: cute mother daughter moments, FREAKING OLESYA RULIN IS IN THIS DCOM TOO!!!!, actually a high stakes dilemma, and an ending all wrapped up nicely with a pretty bow!

What a welcome sequel! Such a breath of fresh air all of these characters are and revisiting them after so long feels so right. This was a nice perspective for a Johnny Tsunami sequel. The change in story made it not feel played out and it was all very natural. Sucks that they recast Sam. I would have liked to see our original guy again before he passed. This was a good role for Jake T. Austin, too. He’s done very well on Disney and its great seeing him pre-Wizards. I love when Disney Channel takes us (or pretends to take us) to Hawaii! All the action and greenery is great. The style really feels good when they shoot, even though it’s all somewhat dated. I LOVED the Jonas Brothers and Plain White T’s songs back to back in the movie. Really classic ‘07 vibes. Fun watch!

I like this movie a lot, but it’s too much. Part of me hates it all but another part of me lives for this. The fashion is so amusing, Alyson Stoner is a gem, and the Tess shoulder action is hilarious! Really just the whole cast is fantastic. Demi Lovato’s million dollar smile is adorable and I’ll sing all these songs until the end of time, no doubt. Nick and Kevin are hilarious and Joe’s hair is fluffy and enjoyable but oy. Shane and Mitchie suck. The songs are awesome I just can’t watch the actual scenes at this stupid camp. Where it isn’t funny it is so tough to sit through. Mitchie just stop. 

I like what they did with the pirates and how Joey’s character grew but not too much, I liked that we got a cute more grown up Andrew and his character, and I liked the way they went in a different direction with Matthew’s character. Also filming on location must have been awesome. I usually buy into Disney magic, but the fact that none of these men had shadow or stubble really irked me. Other than that, a solid watch. I bought into the fantasy and reality of it all. A fun sequel, overall. 

Andrew Lawrence was the perfect actor for this role, no doubt. (Also that Matthew Lawrence cameo is hilarious every time.) I like a good Lawrence bros movie any day. The movie changes very slowly, then all at once towards the end, which always throws me, but I love the ending. Very smart writing as far as the ebbs and flows of the plot lines. Its cute family fun. Much respect. 

I guess it was nice? I didn’t read the books but I had high hopes going into this one. I don’t know, I think maybe this one just didn't sit right with me for a few reasons. 

LOL this is such a fun cast (and quite Disney Channel ‘03, if I may say so)! Lalaine was very Lalaine in this and Spencer Breslin is a gift to this world. I didn't remember that there was a montage, nor did I remember that it was with A.J. Trauth walking down the street to Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles. Jeez, what a hoot! I liked Tim Reid’s character, which is nice because his casting can often go either way. Good stuff, very 2003, we approve. 

I wish they made more DCOMs that didn’t seem so explicitly Disney Channel. I realize this is early Disney Channel but this views like a generic kid-friendly TV Movie and I love it. Also who doesn't love a young adult Kirk Cameron? James Avery is also a welcome sight in this cutie pie of a DCOM. What is really great about this is that it isn't a talking dog movie, so you don’t have to get past something like that. This is funny, and though it isn't my favorite, it is an enjoyable watch. 

As for the movie itself, the premise is pretty great. It’s cute and fun, it makes sense, and it has the typical crummy dad trope like so many DCOMs before it. It doesn't quite deliver all that it could've been, and that isn't just because of one reason or another. It was weak, didn't work, and the cast couldn't quite make up for the movie’s “just okay” delivery. Oh, well. 

Okay so this is pre Sky High (2005) and I really do love the entire plot. It is very cute the way they worked in every little bit and it was even funny at times. The cast was so cute and the movie is very 2000. However, this is not an easy watch. Painful at times. It didn't age poorly but certainly not the coolest film on the block. Cringe-worthy, to be honest. 

Definitely one of the greats. ‘Nuff said.