That was the question I starting asking myself shortly into the running of the movie. Well of course we have! Still, I enjoyed the movie and think most people who are DCOM fans would like it too.
This movie follows the very successful Disney Channel Original Movie formula. The characters are as predictable as the ending. But seriously, this is a DCOM and the hero will always prevail at the end.
One thing Disney seems to have is a never ending group of fine young actors that they are constantly testing to find their "next big star". I really like a lot of the current crop including Dove Cameron and Luke Benward (although my current favorite is Olivia Holt who could have played the role if they didn't have her in multiple shows already). Dove Cameron reminds me a little of Reese Witherspoon in the Legally Blonde movies (which isn't a bad thing) and Luke Benward has that slightly edgy charm. Sadly there wasn't really that much chemistry between the stars; it was more like they were tolerating each other on screen.
The story had potential to be better, but there was minimal character development. Since you knew how it was going to end, you didn't really get to feel what the characters were going through. Even at the final showdown everything was totally predictable. But so what? It is a DCOM.
In spite of the shortcomings I genuinely enjoyed the movie. The action scenes are very well filmed and the scenery in Utah was beautiful. The stunt team was outstanding for sure. The movie doesn't get bogged down anywhere and the story keeps moving. Yes, the ending is cliché but did you honestly expect different?
I'm sure the timing of this movie had something to do with the Olympics since snowboarding doesn't get a lot of mainstream coverage except in Olympic years.
Set the DVR and enjoy a fast paced breezy movie that doesn't require much thought.
This movie follows the very successful Disney Channel Original Movie formula. The characters are as predictable as the ending. But seriously, this is a DCOM and the hero will always prevail at the end.
One thing Disney seems to have is a never ending group of fine young actors that they are constantly testing to find their "next big star". I really like a lot of the current crop including Dove Cameron and Luke Benward (although my current favorite is Olivia Holt who could have played the role if they didn't have her in multiple shows already). Dove Cameron reminds me a little of Reese Witherspoon in the Legally Blonde movies (which isn't a bad thing) and Luke Benward has that slightly edgy charm. Sadly there wasn't really that much chemistry between the stars; it was more like they were tolerating each other on screen.
The story had potential to be better, but there was minimal character development. Since you knew how it was going to end, you didn't really get to feel what the characters were going through. Even at the final showdown everything was totally predictable. But so what? It is a DCOM.
In spite of the shortcomings I genuinely enjoyed the movie. The action scenes are very well filmed and the scenery in Utah was beautiful. The stunt team was outstanding for sure. The movie doesn't get bogged down anywhere and the story keeps moving. Yes, the ending is cliché but did you honestly expect different?
I'm sure the timing of this movie had something to do with the Olympics since snowboarding doesn't get a lot of mainstream coverage except in Olympic years.
Set the DVR and enjoy a fast paced breezy movie that doesn't require much thought.