I think that we can all agree that so far 2016 has been a exciting and fulfilling year for Disney. And with a few months left, and excited new releases on the horizon. Plus you never know what kind of news might break next time you blink. But, there is something for everyone to dig into.
One of the big celebrations for the house of mouse was airing their one-hundredth film. A little story known as “Adventures in Babysitting.” The film staring the likes of Disney’s own Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson. “Adventures in Babysitting” aired on the network towards the start of the summer. And later received a mass home media release.
After building so much excitement and even feelings of nostalgia. Disney Channel has not only continued releasing older films on iTunes and Hulu. Never mind all the teasing for the upcoming and highly anticipated “Descendants 2.” (Yes, we will be going over all as more information is released.)
In the meanwhile new information about the 101th Disney Channel Original Movie; “The Swap” has been released. And with an air dated of October 7th, it is perfectly in line with the network’s ‘Monstober’ affairs.
Ellie O’Brien (Payton List “Jessie”, “Bunk’d”) is trying to juggle rhythmic gymnastics and troubles with her best friend. Meanwhile, classmate Jack Malloy (Jacob Bertrand “Kirby Buckets”) is struggling to live up to his brothers’ hockey-star legacies and his dad’s high expectations and tough-love approach. When a text argument about whose life is easier gets out of hand, Ellie and Jack trigger an unexplainable real-life swap. As each tries to navigate the other’s life, hilarity ensues when Ellie (as Jack) learns about brotherly bonding and hockey lingo, while Jack (as Ellie) has to decipher girl code and experiences a spa day. With a rhythmic gymnastics championship and a spot on the varsity hockey team on the line, they must figure out how to get back in their own bodies before the swap becomes permanent. As they are forced to literally walk in each other’s shoes, they gain empathy for one another and learn valuable lessons about their own lives.
Like a few other Disney Channel Original Movies, “The Swap” is based on a book. Originates back to a young adult novel, by the same title by Megan Shull. And if you are eager to see how Ellie’s and Jack’s story unfolds you can read ahead. The novel has been out for a while and found wherever books or e-books are sold.
The trope of body-swapping is far from new. But I am intrigued of just how it will be handled in the film. Given the fact that I have not read the source material I am blind to anything past the official summary.
The fact that both Ellie and Jack seem to be normal teenagers. With universal conflicts stands out in my mind. Everyone at some point struggles with relationships and expectations that leave one feeling overwhelmed. It all seems rather grounded, you know- bar the body swap. And that is something I have found myself missing in some of the newer DCOMs. As much fun as it is to do elaborate stories and characters, it is nice to see something seemingly universal. In a way it somewhat reminds me of the films from mid 2000s.
From that I do hope we see some good development with the characters. And strong dynamics of all the characters.
My mind is racing though all the possible reasoning behind what triggered the swap.
After following “Adventures in Babysitting” and the hype from previous titles. “The Swap” is in an interesting place.
Join the conversation: What are your early thoughts and first impressions for “The Swap”?
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