The beginning of the spring 2022 semester was met with repeated inclement weather and frigid temperatures. As a result, my friends and I found ourselves often relegated to the indoors. With a mini projector and a yearning for our younger years, we decided to watch a number of Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) to pass the time this spring. From best to worst, I have ranked the five DCOMs I tackled in my dorm room.  

‘Lemonade Mouth’

“Lemonade Mouth” is a 2011 musical drama that premiered on Disney Channel. The film stars Bridgit Mendler, Adam Hicks, Hayley Kiyoko, Naomi Scott and Blake Michael — five teenagers who find themselves in an after-school detention session with a zealous and earnest music teacher (Tisha Campbell). 

After the five misfits pick up instruments and naturally groove to a beat, their detention supervisor encourages them to enter the “Rising Star” music competition. What ensues is an inspiring and heartwarming film with themes of integrity, empathy, standing up for oneself and the resoluteness of the human spirit. 

The film’s music perfectly complements the messaging and emotions of the movie — “Somebody,” “Determinate” and “She’s So Gone” serve as standouts on the soundtrack and perfect karaoke picks. 

But perhaps my favorite aspect of “Lemonade Mouth” is the lack of movie villains. Instead, the film highlights how social pressures and high school hierarchies are the actual enemy, stifling self-expression and creating a system that rewards conformity. 

My only caveat of the film is that each character is grappling with internal or familial strife, except for Mo, whose main hardship is her Indian parents, a plot point that reduces an interesting character to dissatisfaction regarding her ethnicity. 

‘Princess Protection Program’

Whether it be the scenery of the European country or the extravagant costumes donned by the two leads, Disney may have temporarily lost Kenny Ortega’s directing, but at least it upgraded the budget! 

This 2009 DCOM ranks so high because of the beautiful and tender display of friendship that budding Disney darlings Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato present, as well as the dramatically high stakes.

This 2009 DCOM ranks so high because of the beautiful and tender display of friendship that budding Disney darlings Selena Gomez and Demi Lovato present, as well as the dramatically high stakes. 

It’s hard to not be enthralled by the thriller-esque moments of Princess Rosalinda María Montoya Fioré (Lovato) racing through the castle to escape the clutches of a dictator before being whisked away to safety by Joe Mason (Tom Verica) and seeking refuge in his swampy Louisiana home. Mason’s daughter, Carter (Gomez), is originally hesitant and resentful toward Rosie, whose etiquette and mannerisms fail to disguise the princess as a normal American girl, but the two ultimately form an unlikely and uplifting friendship. The stellar soundtrack — especially “Two Worlds Collide” — also makes for a memorable watch. 

‘The Cheetah Girls 2’

“The Cheetah Girls 2” invented expatriatism to Spain. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if travel to Spain experienced an uptick following the film’s release. 

I haven’t watched the first Cheetah Girls film, nor have I watched the third because what is the Cheetah Girls without Galleria (Raven Simone)? I’ve only watched the second one because my roommates have spoken tirelessly about the movie’s faultlessness. 

The movie also paints a holistic picture of its villain, Lola Durán, affording her empathy and grace and once again underscoring Disney’s sociological understanding that faults inequalities in the system as opposed to individuals striving to remain above the tide.

For the most part, I agree with their assessment. The cinematography, which consisted of sweeping shots of Barcelona streets, was enthralling; the choreography (shoutout to “Dance With Me”) was swift and adept; the costumes — a relic of their time that still maintain their spunk — were a treat; and the plot is engaging and delightful. Galleria single-handedly buoys the film — her initiative, ambition, desire to see her friends succeed and raw talent are a marvel to watch on the big screen. 

The movie also paints a holistic picture of its villain, Lola Durán, affording her empathy and grace and once again underscoring Disney’s sociological understanding that faults inequalities in the system as opposed to individuals striving to remain above the tide. Overall, the 2006 DCOM is a riveting and invigorating watch. 

‘Let It Shine’

I would have ranked “Let It Shine” far higher were it not for the palpable lack of chemistry between the two romantic leads, for which I don’t blame either actors. If I were 15 years old and was obligated to feign romance with a stranger I’ve never spoken to before for a DCOM, I too would have been stiff. 

Despite this shortcoming, the 2012 musical DCOM has all the elements of a stellar film: solid script, diverse casting and catchy soundtrack (a staple of most DCOMS). This film is a contemporary iteration of Edmond Rostand’s 1897 play Cyrano de Bergerac. It stars Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones and Trevor Jackson in lead roles and follows a reserved yet gifted rapper whose lyrics are delivered to his romantic pursuit by his best friend. 

Jones’ vocal abilities are effortless, paving the way for songs like “Good to Be Home” and “Let It Shine.”

Jones’ vocal abilities are effortless, paving the way for songs like “Good to Be Home” and “Let It Shine.” Williams pales in comparison to her talent and charm, aptly performing the role of a gawky teenager. 

The film is also impressive for its undercurrent of political and cultural references, with mentions of “video vixens.” 

‘Geek Charming’

Trigger warning: This section contains discussions of domestic violence and abusive relationships. 

“Geek Charming” (2012) is a fantastic film, mostly because Sarah Hyland has an enviable screen presence. I would feel far more favorable to “Geek Charming” were it not for the real-world relationship between the two leads sullying the onscreen chemistry for me. Hyland and Matt Prokop began dating four years after meeting in 2010. In 2014, Hyland obtained a temporary restraining order against Prokop for verbal and physical abuse. In September of 2014, the restraining order became permanent. The reality of their relationship makes it difficult to appreciate the normal and healthy dynamic depicted in the film. 

Hyland’s acting prowess is palpable through the screen, executing an endearing and disarming performance.

“Geek Charming” follows the popular Dylan Schoenfield (Hyland) and nerdy Josh Rosen (Matt Prokop), two juniors at Woodlands Academy who are on opposite fringes of the popularity spectrum. To repay Josh for stepping into a small water fountain to retrieve her purse, Dylan agrees to be the subject of Josh’s documentary exploring high school popularity. 

Hyland’s acting prowess is palpable through the screen, executing an endearing and disarming performance. The movie is also a visual delight, thanks to Dylan’s eccentric wardrobe and gorgeous mid-century modern home. Unfortunately, troubling allegations against Prokop and his unlikable onscreen persona taint the film.