Since 1997, Disney Channel Original Movies have given tweenagers hours of heartfelt hype. Even if the protagonists are less than 100% relatable (how many homecoming warriors do you know?), kids can easily imagine themselves "soaring, flying," discovering their secret leprechaun heritage, or rocking the wonky hairstyles of "Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century." But do they notice that many of these films' heroes navigate the exact same struggle? The one, the only high school dilemma...
Pursuing more than one interest!
1) Eddie's Million Dollar Cook-Off (2003)
Eddie plays baseball to please his father, but his passion is cooking. In this movie, Eddie can't balance his interests at all. He ends up having to choose between his sport and his stove.
2) Go Figure (2005)
Katelin earns her spot at the boarding school where her figure skating instructor coaches by making the ice hockey team. Yeah, she's kind of a big deal. But she does have one problem... you guessed it! Managing her time between figure skating, the hockey team, and homework becomes an issue. In the end, she chooses to prioritize the team over her own career... But she still ends up getting a spot on the US Olympic figure skating team?? Wow, impressive work, Katelin. You have bested the legendary beast Pursuing More Than One Interest.
3) The High School Musical Trilogy (2006, 2007, 2008)
How can you date a smart girl, sing in musical theater, AND maintain your status as Most Baller Baller at your high school?! Troy Bolton doesn't think it's possible at first. And Gabriella gets wrecked enough to sing a desperately emotional song at the 4/5ths mark of every movie after attempting to balance Troy's hot mess with music as well as her academic interests. There are three whole movies and the problem is the same each time. These characters are very talented people, but they fall apart every time their schedules conflict. In the words of Ms. Darbus, "That was... Very disturbing. Go see a counselor."
4) Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior (2006)
The title says it all. Homecoming. Warrior. Homecoming. Warrior? Homecoming or warrior? Homecoming AND warrior?? Homecoming... Warrior...
5) Jump In! (2007)
Izzy is a boxer who finds out that he also loves Double Dutch! Don't even lie. Don't even go there; don't tell me that you doubted for a second that a character played by Corbin Bleu couldn't capably work things out with a dash of swagger. Corbin Bleu isn't relatable. He is divine.
6) Den Brother (2010)
Most teenage guys don't become Girl Scout--or, I'm sorry, Bumble Bee-- leaders. Alex isn't "most guys." He is a hockey player, too, and he... You could actually finish this sentence in your sleep. He struggles to balance his schedule.
7) Teen Beach 2 (2015)
While the sequel does carry over many of Teen Beach's themes, such as the way gender roles have progressed in recent American history, it incorporates the schedule-borne relational angst that characterizes High School Musical. When the protagonists go back to school in the autumn, their relationship suffers because *GASP!* they are in different classes! Mack wants to explore the college application process while Brady wants to explore the surf! Don't worry, they get through it. And so will you, I hope.
The moral of Disney Channel Original Movies:
You CAN be interested in more than one thing. But BEWARE! The path to a balanced life is stressful and fraught with emo breakdowns. If you're Eddie, you're better off realizing that you should focus on cooking. But if you're Troy Bolton, dude. You're good. You're a freaking boss. Go do all the activities. Godspeed.
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Credit where credit is due: Amanda Siembal came up with the theory behind this article. She's the best.
