We can all admit that nothing was better than hearing this every night at 8 p.m. on Disney Channel when we were younger:
We’d run like mad to the television, eager to see what brilliant movie would be showing that night. Among these movies are some that were hidden gems many have forgotten by now, but were classics from the first time they hit the screen. It’s time to take a trip down memory lane, and have another encounter with seven Disney Channel Original Movies that you may have forgotten.
Let’s blade, brah.
1. "Right On Track"
Today marks the 13th anniversary of the movie that had us all out of our seats. How could we forget a young Brie Larson and Beverley Mitchell beating the odds and excelling in a male-based sport? The movie was based on the true story of drag racer sisters Courtney (Larson) and Erica (Mitchell) Enders and their quest to hold the NHRA Junior Dragster national title.
2. "Brink"
Who didn’t love seeing Erik Von Detten on their screen shredding like no other? The heartthrob played Andy “Brink” Brinker in this 1998 classic. Along with his in-line skating crew, “Soul-Skaters,” Brinker must overcome his rivalry team, “The X-Bladz.” When he faces the leader of the enemy team, Val, played by Sam Horrigan, he wins the cash reward for his team, but remembers that it’s not about the money; it’s about the love to skate.
3. "Don’t Look Under The Bed"
Okay. Let’s all confess. None of us got sleep the night we watched this spooky 1999 original. This movie took us on a journey through the odd yet fascinating friendship of Frances McCausland (Erin Chambers) and her imaginary friend, Larry Houdini (Eric “Ty” Hodges). Once Darwin, Frances’ younger brother stopped believing in his imaginary friend, who also happened to be Larry, we see Larry turn into the Boogeyman. I wonder what Boogey Goo was actually made of?
Fun Fact: This was the first Disney Original Movie to be rated TV-PG because it was so creepy!
4. "Rip Girls"
A young Camilla Belle showed off her surfing skills in this radical film. 13-year-old Syndey Miller (Belle) traveled to an island in Hawaii where she learned more about her family history, and also took up a new hobby of photography. I wonder if her and Johnny Tsunami would have been the perfect match.
5. "Mom’s Got A Date With A Vampire"
Released in October of 2000, this spooky movie took a turn on the usual romantic Disney movie theme. When Lynette Hanson (Caroline Rhea), grounds her eldest two children Adam (Matt O’Leary), Chelsea (Laura Vandervoort), the teens are stuck at home to watch their younger brother Taylor (Myles Jeffrey). Once they’re able to get their mom out of the house with her mysterious date, Dmitri, played by Charles Shaughnessy, they try everything in their power to save their mother from this secret evil vampire.
Can we take a second and admit that Dmitri was low-key attractive?
6. "Tru Confessions"
This movie struck a cord in our young hearts in a way that never had before. After entering a documentary contest, Tru Walker (Clara Bryant) decides to let her autistic twin brother Eddie, played by Shia Labeouf, be the topic. Along her journey of filming, Tru experiences firsthand accounts of how people are cruel to individuals with disabilities.
Fun Fact: This movie was made based on a book written by Janet Tashjian.
7. "Gotta Kick It Up"
movie starred actresses America Ferrera and Camille Guaty.
These movies will forever have a small place in our hearts no matter what. They taught us small lessons, and helped us realize who we truly were through corny jokes, boogey goo, and even surfing.
So remember…
“Si, se puede, si se puede, SI SE PUEDE!”
