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How magical would it be if you could use Wizards of Waverly Place the Movie to help you out in school? With school either already here or right around the corner, those of us still taking our education will soon have to get back into the groove of things, and just as the journey back to school comes around, so does the Hero’s Journey. The classic story outline makes some students happy and stumps others, but no matter if you think it’s fun or just plain confusing, I’ve put a little twist on the first five steps of the Hero’s Journey to cast just a little more magic into your school days. Or make you wish you had something like this when you were still in school.
1. The Call to Adventure
After Alex disrespects her parents and abuses her magic privileges, Theresa and Jerry decide that no magic will be allowed for the duration of their upcoming family vacation to the Caribbean. Having stolen the wizard’s Book of Forbidden Spells from Justin’s possession, Alex brings it on the trip against her parents’ orders.
2. Refusal of the Call
Miffed at being dragged along on what she thinks of as a stupid family vacation, Alex acts rude and obnoxious the entire trip, especially once she realizes that Justin acted strangely disobedient and brought the full-powered, family wand with him.
3. Supernatural Aid
When Max makes a spectacle out of a street magician and his parrot companion, the guy introduces himself to the family as a fellow wizard and asks for their help in uncovering the Stone of Dreams, but Jerry politely declines for all of them.
4. The Crossing of the First Threshold
One thing leads to another and an out-of-control Alex wishes Jerry and Theresa never even met – with the spellbook in her hands.
5. The Belly of the Whale
Having accidentally cast her wish into reality, Alex now faces a mother and father who not only have no idea who the other is but also have no recollection of either Max, Justin, or herself. Not knowing what else to do the three of them approach Jerry for help, and once again the Stone of Dreams comes up. Giving Max the task of watching out for their parents, Justin and Alex seek out the magician to search for the Stone of Dreams.
Think your teachers would believe who your tutor was? Just tell 'em you learned from a wiz.
The Wizard's Journey
8/4/09 - Make It Happen Never Happend on Wizards Soundtrack
Shh.... I've just discovered something amazing. As in magically amazing. I mean, I know the show's about wizards, but I never once thought they would make a song actually disappear. Hmm...Walt Disney Records must have something truly clever up its sleeve.
A song has gone missing from the Wizards of Waverly Place Soundtrack. Yesterday, after a reminder via Twitter (it's funny to think what we all did before Twitter), I surfed over to Amazon and thought I'd give the CD tracks a little preview. Little did I know, the one song I'd been expecting to be present on the soundtrack was surprisingly nonexistent - Make It Happen. It had mysteriously disappeared.
Now, I find it just a little strange that Make It Happen isn't featured on the series soundtrack because the song is:
a. Performed by Selena Gomez (Alex) and David Henrie (Justin)
b. As far as I can tell, fairly popular with series fans
c. Actually featured in a series episode - "Make It Happen"
But I figure it's all good because every little thing she does is magic happens for a reason. And I have decided to move past my minor disappointment and will more than likely still get my hands on the CD this month (my sister and I are fans, after all). Check out the track listing:
1. Disappear by Selena Gomez
2. Magical by Selena Gomez
3. Magic by Selena Gomez
(originally recorded by Pilot)
4. Strange Magic by Steve Rushton
5. Magic by Honor Society
(originally recorded by The Cars)
6. Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic
by Mitchel Musso
7. Magic Carpet Ride by KSM
8. Magic by Meaghan Martin (originally recorded by Olivia Newton-John)
9. You Can Do Magic by Drew Seeley
10. Some Call It Magic by Raven-Symoné
11. Do You Believe In Magic by Aly & AJ
(originally recorded by The Lovin' Spoonful)
12. Everything Is Not As It Seems by Selena Gomez
Don't forget - the Wizards of Waverly Place Soundtrack hits CD shelves today - Tuesday, August 4th. Grab it before they make it disappear too.
7/31/09 - Four Spoonfuls of Laughter
Everybody knows laughter is the best medicine. Whenever I get sick, I always prescribe myself a healthy dose of cartoons and sit-coms to make all my troubles go away. And with some sort of strange flu bug flying around in my part of the world, I thought it fitting to spoon out some laughs. Hopefully you're healthy, but here's some sugar to help make the medicine go down a little easier if you need it - the last four hilarious episodes I've seen. And I'm talking gut-busters.
4. "Something's A Miss"
THE MARVELOUS MISADVENTURES OF FLAPJACK (CN)
Flapjack keeps getting mistaken for a girl.
Lately, FLAPJACK has just been the funniest overall on its network, and this episode stands out as one of the best. Gender confusion is always funny, but Flapjack just makes it even funnier, the gags getting better and better as the episode progresses. Plus, by the end, there's a surprise twist that you'll probably be half-expecting, but it's sure to put a smile on your face either way.
Funniest Moment: The girls in the club mistaking Flapjack for another girl.
3. "Family Game Night" - WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE (DC)
Alex uses a spell to switch brains with Harper, but she keeps on getting the spell wrong, including accidentally leaving Harper with no brain. After a girl at school asks Justin out, he devises a plot to keep her away.
There's nothing more amusing than family humor, and the Russos are the best family for it. Between no-brain Harper and Max's oblivious attitude to Justin's dilemma, the little things make this episode great, but what makes it even greater is the climactic scene near the end during "family game night" at the Russo loft. Anybody who's ever had a real family will love it.
Funniest Moment: Jerry and Theresa screaming out on the terrace.
2. "Swiss Family Phineas" - PHINEAS AND FERB (DC)
The family takes a short sail trip out to sea, but a storm causes them to wind up stranded on a remote island. To pass the time, Phineas, Ferb, and Isabella, build a set of treehouses with the most modern conveniences, to Candace's dismay, as she wants to get back home in time to attend Jeremy's party. Meanwhile, Perry the Platypus, who was left behind, must get away from the watchful eye of Baljeet and Buford, so he can go on his mission to stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz's latest plot.
What I love most about this series, and I love a lot of about this series, is that no matter how short or long your laughs are, you never stop laughing during any episode. Ever. Unless you have no sense of humor. And this episode is no exception. Both the main plot and sub-plot are equally hilarious - the Flynn-Fletcher family getting stranded on a deserted island...Buford and Baljeet pairing up to watch Perry...the whole bit with Karl...and then there's always Doofenshmirtz. I guess you have to watch it to completely understand. I highly recommend it.
Funniest Moment: Karl.
1. "He Could Be The One" (pts. 1 & 2) - HANNAH MONTANA (DC)
Miley’s back to dating Jake Ryan, but Robby Ray isn’t so sure he wants her to go there again. In an attempt to get Jake back on Robby’s good side, Miley schemes to feign interest in Jesse, the “bad boy” guitarist in Hannah’s band. But Miley finds herself in quite the pickle when she realizes she’s suddenly attracted to Jesse as well. Now she’ll have to choose between the two boys, and she’s determined to find out who could be the one.
This is actually a bit of a trick-favorite. For one thing, it's technically two episodes. For the other thing, I'm not too nuts about the episodes as a whole, but there was one aspect that set it apart from all the other HANNAH episodes I've seen lately.
Jackson and Rico.
Okay, okay, I admit it. Anybody who knows me knows that, for me, they're always the highlight of any episode. But in this special, they particularly stand out in hilarity. Why? Because nothing gets you laughing with border-line tears in your eyes like Jason Earles and Moises Arias singing and dancing the narration in their own number of song parodies.
These two episodes are definitely worth watching, just for them.
Funniest Moment: Jackson and Rico singing in Hannah Montana garb.
7/27/09 - Like Magic, Get Into Your Favorite Book (Literally)
Photo courtesy of Sara AlfredSo we’re a little more than half-way through summer. We’ve been through the beach parties, the water parks, the air-conditioned movie theaters…and we’ve even made that dent in our summer reading lists. I mean, you know what they say about summer – ‘tis the season to be reading.
Okay, so maybe they don’t say that.
Let’s say some of us have yet to read those books or even the list. Let’s also say, and let’s face it, some of us feel a little daunted about picking up a book, especially if we have school to look forward to in a month or two. Well, just for fun’s sake, let’s say we’re wizards. And, also for fun’s sake, let’s say that we are able to cast the spell -
Literarium Terrarium
If you’re familiar with the episode “Graphic Novel” (WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE), you know it, you’ve heard it, and now you have it at the tips of your wands. If you’re not so familiar, it’s a spell able to transport one into/out of a book. I don’t know about you, but I would have some fun with that. Just for fun’s sake:
1. Time to Time-Travel…I Mean, Study
Having trouble with that summer homework pile (at this moment you might be wondering what I’m talking about)? Maybe you’re just the despairing parent/older sibling/cousin/magical pet dragon pulling out his/her hair in hopes of helping out. Well, time to get a-studying! Just grab a textbook, flip to your section, and transport yourself inside for a hands-on experience that’s sure to land you that grade you’ve always wanted. Interrogate Darwin about his so-called evolution theory. Join a 60’s hippie revolution. Or something like that.
2. That’s a Novel Idea!
Need a vacation but unable to take time away from school/work/your pet dragon? Maybe your wallet’s an issue. Well, worry no more! We all have a favorite book – now’s the time to put it to good use. Don’t have a favorite book – now’s the time to snatch that one off the shelf you’ve always thought about reading but didn’t (because, truth be told, you didn’t really want to). With a flick of the wand, you can find yourself anywhere in the world (nay, the universe!) – a relaxing beach, the bustling city, an alien spaceship bound for planet Wooh!, you name it. And it doesn’t cost a thing. Hey, you could even get to writing your own book and play the part of your protagonist. It’d be a heck of a way to proofread.
3. What’s The Story, Tonight?
Wait a minute, you’re…babysitting? Anyone who’s ever done it before knows how you feel – you got to feed ‘em, put ‘em to sleep (in their beds!), and of course they’re going to want to play games. But you’ve exhausted all your options, they’re bored, and you’ve got to find a way to keep ‘em occupied that somehow doesn’t involve the pet dragon. What now? Why, now it’s time to firmly grasp the hand of the child(ren) for which you’re held responsible and jump into the magical world of your kid’s favorite storybook. Kids still not drowsy yet? Suggest Wynken, Blynken, and Nod or Goodnight Moon. Beats watching TV.
4. Love Sick
Having relationship problems? You know it’s not working out, he/she/your significant other knows it’s not working out, but for some odd reason neither of you wants to admit that it might not be working out. So you’re stuck. Well, stuck in reality maybe. Who says a good book can’t be your escape. Literally. Stick yourself in one of those sappy romance novels. Who knows? You could wind up finding the love of your fictional life. Then again, you could also wind up on the sidelines of love’s battlefield with only the flame of your pet dragon to warm your heart.
5. Adventure Time!
Feeling adventurous? It’s summer-time, of course you are! So say you’re the comics/manga/graphic novel enthusiast on the block - get wrapped up inside one of those for a couple of hours. Between all the superheroes, schoolgirls, and giant mechas, you’re sure to find places to be and things to do. Be brave and take your pet dragon with you for company. It’s one of the only kinds of places he might actually fit in.
6. Dear, Diary…
So you’re in need of some dirt. No, your dog is not the solution (neither is your pet dragon). But if you’re looking to dig up some of the other kind of dirt (strictly for investigative purposes), perhaps that journal/diary floating around somewhere is. With all kinds of stories, photos, and embarrassing moments to get into firsthand, there’s no shortage of evidence at your fingertips. Of course that monotonous narrator stuck in your head could get annoying.
Note to reader: These six suggestions are not meant to be taken seriously. Please don’t try these at home (unless you think you and your pet dragon can take the possible consequences).
7/21/09 - A Tweety-Bird Told Me
Okay, so they’re not coming until September. But last Thursday, July 16th, the 2009 Emmy Nominations were finally announced, and a few familiar titles showed up under the Outstanding Children’s Program category:
“Dan Schneider, Executive Producer; Robin Weiner, Supervising Producer; Bruce Rand Berman, Produced by; Joe Catania, Producer
iCarly - Nickelodeon
Michael Poryes, Executive Producer; Steven Peterman, Executive Producer; Douglas Lieblein, Co-Executive Producer; Andrew Green, Co-Executive Producer; Richard G. King, Produced By
Hannah Montana - Disney Channel
Todd J. Greenwald, Executive Producer; Peter Murrieta, Executive Producer; Vince Cheung, Executive Producer; Ben Montanio, Executive Producer; Matt Goldman, Co-Executive Producer; Greg A. Hampson, Produced By
Wizards Of Waverly Place - Disney Channel”
The official Emmys website isn’t the only place buzzing – the shows’ stars and creators were all a Twitter when they got the exciting news.
iCarly
Miranda Cosgrove (portrays Carly Shay)
Dan Schneider (creator)
Hannah Montana
Miley Cyrus (portrays Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana)
Mitchel Musso (portrays Oliver Oken)
Wizards of Waverly Place
Selena Gomez (portrays Alex Russo)
David Henrie (portrays Justin Russo)
Jake T. Austin (portrays Max Russo)
Jennifer Stone (portrays Harper Finkle)
Todd J. Greenwald (creator)
Congrats to the nominees, you guys deserve it.
7/7/09 - Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie Leaving A Trailer
Too late? What’s too late? If you’re trying to tell me I’m late in posting about the trailer for WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE THE MOVIE, well then, you would be –
- completely right.
But that didn't stop me, and it shouldn't stop you from watching the premiere of WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE THE MOVIE in August, only on Disney Channel. Now check out the full-length trailer:
6/25/09 - Princess And The Premiere
Image belongs to Disney Teen Central
What happens when royalty meets reality? On Friday, June 26th, Disney unveils a different kind of “Princess Diaries” with the premiere of the third brand-new Disney Channel Original Movie of the year, PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM, starring Demi Lovato and Selena Gomez. Queen-to-be Rosalinda (Lovato) is an actual princess, but she must learn to cope with her suddenly regular teen life when tomboy Carter Mason’s (Gomez) father brings her home as his “secret mission”.
"In the movie, royalty meets reality with Carter Mason, a rural Louisiana teen, and Rosalinda Marie Montoya Fiore, the soon-to-be teenage monarch of the tiny country of Costa Luna. The pair meets after Carter's father, an agent in the covert international Princess Protection Program, rescues Rosalinda from a military take-over. He whisks Rosalinda to a PPP base where she receives a temporary new identity, Rosie Gonzalez, and is placed in his care until order can be restored in Costa Luna. When he arrives back in Lake Monroe, both teenagers are shell-shocked when Rosie moves into Carter's room and the princess, posing as Carter's visiting cousin from Iowa, begins adjusting to country life and enrolls in Carter's school. Despite their differences, the girls slowly learn that there's not only a lot to like about each other, but lessons to learn as well. That's apparent when Rosie nominates Carter for homecoming queen over the heated objections of two jealous rivals, Chelsea and Brooke. And with her newfound realization, Carter brainstorms a way to help her new best friend regain her throne, even if it puts her own well-being at risk."
- Check out the full article at digitallyOBSESSED!
Catch PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM only on Disney Channel – tomorrow (Friday, June 26th) at 8/7c. Be sure to stay tuned after the premiere for an all-new episode of WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE.
Still wondering what happens when royalty meets reality? You’ll have to tune in to this magical night of premieres to find out.
