If I didn't knew "Jump In" was a Disney Channel movie, I would guessed it was a TV movie from another channel. This urban-oriented flick is a rare DC flick with a more mature feel and tone and it genuinely feels like a TV movie from a more mature channel. While it's still a light-hearted film, "Jump In" is the least cheesy Disney Channel flick I've seen. It seems as the executives of Disney woke up and decided to made a DC flick aimed for a older teen group, although kids and tween's can still safely enjoy the film.
And to be honest, it's good to see a DC film which isn't overwhelmingly sugar coated. Anyhow, "Jump In" is still a cute and lighthearted movie. It's nice and refreshing to see a urban film with almost an entirely Afro-American cast (which is something they should tried out for "The Princess and the Frog") from Disney Channel. While the story and moral is quite traditional, the film delivers a valuable message to the viewers and comes off with a quite decent drama, insuring the story's mature tone.
Although none of the acting is Oscar-worthy, the cast are a good fit for their roles; Keke Palmer is adorable and likable as Mary, David Rievers is a good TV-dad, Kylee Russell is a cute little sister for Izzy without outshining the other cast, while Patrick Johnson Jr is credible as Izzy's hostile nemesis Rodney. Those who watches "Hannah Montana" will recognize "Amber" (Shanica Knowles) as Mary's friend Shauna and Shanica delivers a decent performance. And Izzy's two friends Chuck (Masin Elsadig) and L'ilEarl (Micah Williams) are amusing.
It's no strange that Disney wanted Corbin Bleu to Starr in his own film. He's got lots of star potential; charisma, looks, presence and sex appeal. But is he really a good actor? Well, to be fair on him; although he's far from an Al Pacino or an Robert De Niro (just to take some examples), he does a decent performance as Izzy.
If there's anything to complain on "Jump In", it must be the overall presence of the "villain" Rodney, which also was a problem in "Camp Rock". Although the villains in DC have back-stories which makes the viewers sympathize more for them, their back-stories doesn't get solved and they still have to surrender to the protagonist. Those solutions feels too slight and out of order.
Otherwise, "Jump In" may not be innovative or a masterpiece, but still a entertaining and cute film to recommend and to enjoy. It has pacing, boxing, lot of impressive double dutch movements, a little romance and catchy, urban music.
And to be honest, it's good to see a DC film which isn't overwhelmingly sugar coated. Anyhow, "Jump In" is still a cute and lighthearted movie. It's nice and refreshing to see a urban film with almost an entirely Afro-American cast (which is something they should tried out for "The Princess and the Frog") from Disney Channel. While the story and moral is quite traditional, the film delivers a valuable message to the viewers and comes off with a quite decent drama, insuring the story's mature tone.
Although none of the acting is Oscar-worthy, the cast are a good fit for their roles; Keke Palmer is adorable and likable as Mary, David Rievers is a good TV-dad, Kylee Russell is a cute little sister for Izzy without outshining the other cast, while Patrick Johnson Jr is credible as Izzy's hostile nemesis Rodney. Those who watches "Hannah Montana" will recognize "Amber" (Shanica Knowles) as Mary's friend Shauna and Shanica delivers a decent performance. And Izzy's two friends Chuck (Masin Elsadig) and L'ilEarl (Micah Williams) are amusing.
It's no strange that Disney wanted Corbin Bleu to Starr in his own film. He's got lots of star potential; charisma, looks, presence and sex appeal. But is he really a good actor? Well, to be fair on him; although he's far from an Al Pacino or an Robert De Niro (just to take some examples), he does a decent performance as Izzy.
If there's anything to complain on "Jump In", it must be the overall presence of the "villain" Rodney, which also was a problem in "Camp Rock". Although the villains in DC have back-stories which makes the viewers sympathize more for them, their back-stories doesn't get solved and they still have to surrender to the protagonist. Those solutions feels too slight and out of order.
Otherwise, "Jump In" may not be innovative or a masterpiece, but still a entertaining and cute film to recommend and to enjoy. It has pacing, boxing, lot of impressive double dutch movements, a little romance and catchy, urban music.