Must Watch DCOMs

The hype is real and growing. With Memorial Day’s big four day long DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) affair nearing, along with the debut of the one hundredth film Adventures in Babysitting, there is a lot of excitement to be had.

It is astonishing to think that in the span of nineteen years so many films have come out of the network. But with such a large volume of stories to be had it is easy to cast aside some titles.

The High School Musical series, Descendants, Camp Rock (one and two), Teen Beach Movie (again, one and two) are perhaps some of the more recognizable films that are probably coming to mind first and foremost.   Granted this could be because they are more recent. Yet they are not only ones worth marking room for on the DVR.

Sometimes it is well worth taking a step back and encounter something older. You may be surprised what you might be drawn to.

Spoilers below.

Tru Confessions-

Once upon a time, the year was 2002 a teenage girl named Trudy “Tru” aspires to have her own television series. Yet her life is not quite like what is depicted on-screen, and Tru is not very happy with her life. Her twin brother, Eddie has autism and because of his condition his behavior is very child-ish and leads very discord occurrences that make life more challenging.

Because her brother Tru has a lot of conflicting feelings drawn out by how others act towards her twin; upset at peers for their treatment and even cynical towards her parents who sometimes she believed favor him over herself. Often leading her, despite naturally loving her brother, longing for the sense of normal that always seems unachievable…or short lived at best.

Needless to say when Tru learns of a video contest, offering the winner their own show, she becomes thrilled at the prospect. Her mother on the other hand is less than thrilled, yet Tru pushed on. But her subject of the documentary submission proves problematic, that is until she is given a bit of advice that leads her to setting on her brother. More specifically, everything that Eddie has brought into her life as well as the struggles her and her family face.

Even though it does come off as simplistic narrative Tru Confessions is a really engaging character driven work. Perhaps one of the most that we have seen come out of Disney Channel. The film showcase a real family, one filled with flaws and even strained relationships. It also really offers a realistic and grounded look at autism. Moreover how not only it effects one person but everyone around them.

Things are far from perfect, but yet we see that somehow their bond is stronger than what can be thrown at them. Just like life.

Tiger Cruse-

Even though life and art are always mirroring one another it is rare to see any type of Disney title really take a real life instance and reflect it right back at us.

But when it does it is awe-inspiring and heart-pounding.

Everyone across the world present and future knows about September 11^th, 2001 attacks, an infamous day filled with heavy hearts and tears sweltering in the far corners of your eyes. There have been quite a few works of fiction that have woven themselves around this day, yet none are quite like Tiger Cruse.

There is only one thing Maggie wants, and is determined to get. More than anything she wants her father to forgo his military career and return home with her. But with her father away on an aircraft carrier it isn’t like she can stroll up to him whenever she pleased and plea her case. No, in order to get through to him she agrees to take part of Operation Tiger, a week long affair during which family and friends are welcomed aboard to spend time with their loved once and get a glimpse into their world.

Upon arrival, Maggie encounters two other teenagers taking part in the operation. Tina longs to follow in her sister’s footsteps and a very passionate outlook on military life. Then there is Anthony, unlike his brother he wants nothing to do with being in the service.

At first everything is fine on the first day of the trip; perhaps too much so as the three teens break the rules and sneak onto the deck during the airshow. A choice that does bring on consequences.

But nothing could possibly prepare anyone on the ship for what the next day would bring. You guess it, September 11^th. Overcome with fear, true horror and heart-ach the ship and all aboard go into high alert to do what they can. It is at this time does not only the reality of bother what has happened comes to light, but what it means to be part of the military.

Despite the tragedy, members of the ship are able to come together and show deep courage and strength.

Disney had a lot of stories under their belt, filled with so many vastly different variable it could really almost make your head spin. Looking at DCOMs alone there is such a great variety. Every film different with their own very clear tone and themes.

It would have been easy, expanding this list that is. Right now a lot of people are talking about DCOMs, sharing their excitement to see favorites again and soaking up nostalgic emotions. Yet for some reason I did not see neither Tru Confessions nor Tiger Cruse really being mentioned. It really is a shame.

For some reason, for better or worse, these two films very clearly stick out in my mind and have for quite a while. Perhaps it is because they are good examples of character driven work? I am not quite sure.

As of right now these two specifically do not have a known air-date, but seeing as Disney has slated that they will air all one-hundred I am possible we will see them on-air shortly.

Join the conversation: Do you remember these films? Thoughts?