Kim Possible (2019)

“Kim Possible” stars Sadie Stanley, Sean Giambrone, Alyson Hannigan, Connie Ray, Issac Ryan Brown, Todd Stashwick, and Taylor Ortega.  Released on February 15, 2019, the film is about a high school teenager who sets out to save the world from a mad scientist.

The film is directed by Adam B. Stein and Zach Lipovsky, and it is based on the animated television series of the same name created by Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle.  A while back, I tried a knack at reviewing some direct-to-DVD films rather than just theatrical releases.  Since that strategy worked so well, I decided to do something else that's completely different: reviewing a film that’s made for television.  I know it sounds crazy, but it can’t hurt to try something new every once in a while.  And what better way to do it than with a live-action adaption of one of my favorite childhood shows?  For those in need for some Disney trivia, “Kim Possible” is an animated show about a teenager who balances her normal life with her crime-fighting duties.  It’s the type of show that represents the fact that just because it has a main female character, it doesn’t mean that it’s only for girls.  The series spawned four seasons and two television films for Disney Channel, “Kim Possible: A Sitch in Time” in 2003 and “Kim Possible Movie: So the Drama” in 2005.  12 years after the show ended, Disney is now bringing the teenage heroine back for one more mission: to attract a new generation of fans with a live-action television movie.  So, I guess you can say that this is Disney’s latest attempt to turn their animated properties into live-action films.  But let’s not waste any more time blabbering about the show.  It’s time to find out whether or not this long-awaited reunion can deliver what it promised.

The story can be best described as some sort of origin story.  An origin story that showcases Kim Possible (Stanley) and her best friend/sidekick, Ron Stoppable (Giambrone), adjusting to their new lives at Middleton High School.  While that doesn't sound bad at first, she soon realizes that high school can be just as challenging as her world-saving duties.  If you have followed the series for quite some time, you’ll easily get the idea on what the film has to offer.  Fast-paced action, goofy comedy, high school drama, the works.  Man, I missed this show and its irresistible charm.  While these things may please a lot of fans who are in a mood for some nostalgia, it can be a turn-off for those who are looking for an award-worthy television movie.  Yes, since this is a film that’s made for television, there’s bound to be plenty of low-quality moments that fully represent its limited budget, such as the visuals and set pieces.  Even the story couldn’t grapple its way out of its corny dialogue and subpar plot.  However, despite its unavoidable flaws, I had an enjoyable time seeing Kim Possible back on the small screen.  In addition to the film’s endearing humor, it also had a suitable, yet cheesy, message about friendship and how it can make someone a better person, which is how the new student (Ciara Wilson) that Kim and Ron befriends fits into the story.  Newcomer Sadie Stanley fits into the shoes of the title character and, to be honest, she came pretty close to matching the charisma of Christy Carlson Romano, who voiced Kim in the animated series.  I think this is her first acting role since I heard nothing about her.  If that’s the case, then she did a pretty nice job with her first impression onscreen.  Sean Giambrone was also fun to watch as Ron Stoppable.  I was a little bit concerned about this casting choice since I believed that Will Friedle was perfect as the character, but after watching him for myself, he didn’t do too bad.  As for Todd Stashwick and Taylor Ortega as Dr. Drakken and Shego, respectively, well, I can at least say that they got the chemistry down.  Even though Stashwick’s acting was a bit overdone at times, I was impressed at how he nailed Drakken’s personality almost perfectly…even with the blue veins on his face.

Overall, “Kim Possible” has the right skills to deliver an enjoyable revival for long-time fans of the source material.  Although it might not have the right skills to impress everyone.  The cast was solid in their roles and the film’s message was well-executed in the midst of its cheesy plot and low-budget qualities.  But if you don’t mind these types of flaws, then I believe this film might suit your “Disney Live-Action Remake” needs until we get “Dumbo” next month.  Man, now I have to watch the show again.

C