Friday, April 27, 2012

Disney = Girl Power Part 2

So what happened after Disney’s supposed unisex shows disappeared? They were all about the girl power. After Lizzie Mcguire (January 12, 2001 – February 14, 2004) came a slew of shows based around/about young girls, in various positions of power.

Kim Possible (June 7, 2002 – September 7, 2007)
An animated show about a crime stopping teenage girl aided by her best friend Ron, a bumbling clumsy teenage boy.

In addition to a catchy theme song, Kim Possible could do no wrong. Alright maybe she was a cartoon, but they made it a point to make her a powerful person equipped with semi-lethal gadgets and butt kicking moves. Opposite of her, was her side kick Ron, whose main attribute to the show, was shamelessly loving Kim, and his second best friend, Rufus, the naked mole rat.

That’s So Raven (January 17, 2003 – November 10, 2007)
A show about a teenage girl living in San Francisco, with psychic powers to see the future.

This comedy, whose situations were pretty outlandish and impossible, gave Raven Symoné, a great avenue to revamp her career. Before That’s So Raven, she was known more commonly for her role as Olivia of the Cosby show. Although not attracting her original fan base from The Cosby Show, she soon adopted fans of her own, from her attracted by her unique fashion sense, as well as her funny antics, reminiscent of Lucille Ball. Who of course is an original power women of comedy. 

Hannah Montanah (March 24, 2006 - January 16, 2011)
A show, starring Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter, Miley Cyrus. It's concept: a country girl turned pop star, relocates to live a normal life, while still living the secret life of a pop star.

Another very impractical show, that was primarily built on the fact that Miley was not just an actress, but a singer. And from their an entire franchise was built. From Miley Cyrus dolls, to a clothing line, purses movies. You name it, "Hannah Montanah"  was probably on it. 

Those shows are just to name a few, but the trend definitely continued with shows such as ANT Farm, Shake it Up,  and Jessie that are currently on the air.

Other shows that may have been considered universal such as Suite Life of Zack and Cody and 
Wizards of Waverly Place, are just a facade. 

Suite Life of Zack and Cody, having two different show runs (suite life, and suite life on deck) excelled the careers of not one, not two, but three women of Disney. A show about two twin brothers who live with their mother in a hotel, then on a cruise ship, has them as the highlight, but they are most definitely out shined in the real world of stardom

Brenda Song defined the role of London Tipton. The ditzy heiress everyone loved to hate. She was self centered and a snob. But her ditziness was enduring, and she has become one of the most memorable characters Disney has ever had. Landing her more roles outside of Disney, such as in the Academy Award winning Social Network. I have a feeling there will be a lot more roles coming her way.

Ashley Tisdale playing the sensible Maddie. Before Suite Life who was Ashley Tisdale? Just another extra. However The Suite Life, at one point was shown concurrently with the very popular High School Musical, in which Ashley Tisdale was a lead. All this publicity launched her career, and she is now a star in the CW's Hellcats.








The third career is that of Debbie Ryan, who recently launched her own show, entitled Jessie. And where are the boys? Still on that Disney Cruise ship. Which, I'm sure is a nice ride, but not nearly as nice as Tisdales or Song's.


The Wizard's of Waverly Place, which appears to be about a family of wizards, is really just the Selena Gomez show. Just watch one episode, and you'll see what I mean. However, it is not unjustly so. She's beautiful and has a great sarcastic energy and charm. This is the kind of role traditionally given to boys. "The wise-cracking" sarcastic brother role if you will, however this time the roles are switched. This has also launched her career into different avenues such as film and look worthy singing career.

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