Review of Cadet Kelly from Disney Channel (Friday, Sept 19,2003)

When I first saw the previews of this movie that came out last year, my thought was "Lizzie Goes to Military School" and it would be a comedy. However, was I EVER WRONG!!! This was THE SADDEST MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN! It was not a bad movie, just a very emotionally jarring movie. To sum it up:

14 year old Kelly Collins (Hilary) has to deal with her mother's remarriage to a military man who enrolls Kelly into a military school. Unfortunately, Kelly feels that her new stepdad is a very cold person and doesn't ever get close to his new daughter. Kelly seems to get into endless trouble and must face horrible boot camp training by 16 year old Cadet Captain Stowe (played by Christy Carlson Romano of Disney's Even Steven). The two don't get along at all and poor Kelly gets into a lot of trouble. She is eventually placed as the equipment manager of the drill team where she watches the others do their thing and when nobody's around practices with the fake guns (this fact is mentioned throughout the previews). Kelly later encounters Stowe and creates a routine that is a great dance exhibition for the competing drill team. Meanwhile, Kelly's mom is pregnant and she is upset that the child's father will treat him/her the same way they have treated Kelly. Without spoiling the film, I must say it was emotionally draining to watch Hil go through all of the obstacle course items she had to endure (no apparent stunt double was used -- it was all her!) There are many times in this movie where Kelly cried and so did I. This movie was in no way, shape or form a comedy although it did have some funny parts in it. This was a drama of epic proportions. Highly emotional and not a typical Disney style movie! This is not the type of movie that any child should watch alone because some of the scenes are very emotional!! It would be nice to have this movie released on DVD, but there are no immediate plans for it. My rating is a 9 out of a possible 10. The Kleenex rating is 10 out of 10 (you will need to keep a box beside you while watching this, I didn't and my shirt got awfully wet from wiping my eyes so many times!! This should have been an award winning performance for Hil, but unfortunately like most of these type of shows are overlooked!! EXTREMELY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!! Unfortunately, no future air date has been given in the immediate future but I will let you know as soon as I do!

By the way, Wednesday is the day that the WB at 8pm is running Hil's Birthday Bash from Hawaii!! I will have a full review of that as soon as it is on! It will repeat on Sunday, Sept 28 at 7pm.