Be careful what you wish for; it just might come true. And in this movie it all does. A wonderfully entertaining movie and not just for kids. I first saw this movie when I was 18 and have loved it ever since. Not just a story about what it's like to wish you were someone else and find that once it comes true it's not all it's cracked up to be. It's also a tale about two sisters who learn not just about themselves but also about each other. For anyone who has a sibling they feel they can't relate to, this movie is a wonderful chance to see that it doesn't necessarily have to be that way. And while there are moments in the film where it seems hard to remember who's in which body or you realize that that person is not necessarily the one who needed to learn that particular lesson, the film's overall message is touching enough and so masterfully delivered that it hardly matters. And though the twist ending may not be a surprise to all, it still gets me every time. Katherine Heigl and Danielle Harris shine like stars. I just wish everyone enjoys the film as much as I did.
56 Reviews
All in all, a very cute movie
gatyngaj26 July 2008
This is one of the better movies that aired in one of Disney Channel's better days. Basically, it's about two teenage sisters switching places, one of which is a popular and gorgeous yet airheaded senior that works hard to become the high school's Winter Fest queen, while the other is a socially inept yet bright and undeniably cute sophomore whose major goal this school year is to succeed in the school's science fair. The contrast between each of the girls makes for a very interesting and fun movie to watch.
It's very much aimed towards younger audiences, although Disney obviously disagrees with quite a few of its themes and somewhat suggestive scenes. It still retains its status as a PG-rated movie. The plot is easy to follow, and the characters are even easier to fall in love with.
If you liked watching this movie all the time on television, I suggest you grab the DVD. The commentary alone is worth the investment.
It's very much aimed towards younger audiences, although Disney obviously disagrees with quite a few of its themes and somewhat suggestive scenes. It still retains its status as a PG-rated movie. The plot is easy to follow, and the characters are even easier to fall in love with.
If you liked watching this movie all the time on television, I suggest you grab the DVD. The commentary alone is worth the investment.
great casting
jahnnabanana22 February 2007
I first knew about this movie from a friend's recommendation. I love Grey's Anatomy and Izzie is my favorite in it so I wanted to watch Katherine Heigl's previous work. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by it. While the story is undoubtedly clichéd, the girls' performances were great.
There is one fun fact, though. Danielle Harris played the younger sister but she is actually a year and a half older that Katherine Heigl. I do think it made sense to reverse the girls' roles. Katherine is not only at least a foot taller than Danielle, she is also much prettier. Besides, since they were supposed to have switched bodies, each of them were playing their own age for most of the movie anyway. I think the girls were perfectly cast in this film.
There is one fun fact, though. Danielle Harris played the younger sister but she is actually a year and a half older that Katherine Heigl. I do think it made sense to reverse the girls' roles. Katherine is not only at least a foot taller than Danielle, she is also much prettier. Besides, since they were supposed to have switched bodies, each of them were playing their own age for most of the movie anyway. I think the girls were perfectly cast in this film.
Disney film, does exactly what it sets out to do!
TxMike22 February 2003
A nice, PG teenage film, about two sisters who are totally different. The younger one, a sophomore, is plain and studious, the older is glamorous and a marginal C- student who is in one of those ubiquitous "cliques" in high school. One evening, they both wish upon a shooting star that they were each other, and the next morning they wake up that way.
As the story goes, they end up appreciating each other, learning some lessons, and eventually wish together, holding hands, to revert. The parents are Psychology Today readers, and are experimenting with bringing up their children to learn from their own mistakes, so basically any way they want to act, or dress, is OK with the parents.
Nice brainless diversion for adults, an entertaining film for teens, I give it a "6" of 10.
As the story goes, they end up appreciating each other, learning some lessons, and eventually wish together, holding hands, to revert. The parents are Psychology Today readers, and are experimenting with bringing up their children to learn from their own mistakes, so basically any way they want to act, or dress, is OK with the parents.
Nice brainless diversion for adults, an entertaining film for teens, I give it a "6" of 10.
Heck, I did like this; beguiling teen film.
HenryHextonEsq4 May 2003
Ah, what's become of you, Mr May, I hear some folks saying, "*liking* a Disney film!"
Well, I'll just say that this was a perfectly enjoyable, minor film, that barely really bears the Disney mark. It doesn't especially moralise or grotesquely sentimentalise (the sentiments are well handled). Where there are morals, there are suitably hands-off, jocular parents, playing libertarians, and two sisters reconciling their differences. Not to mention the chestnut of the ghastly, 'cool' peer group being shown up for what it is - a rule-bound coalition of bitchy remarks. Yes, this film is far from revolutionary, and many aspects tend towards a strong conventionality; but it's carried off with impressive gusto by the two central actresses. Danielle Harris and Katherine Heigl pull off playing their characters (indeed in each other's skins, from a certain point, as per the plot) very well; Heigl portraying Alexia as the shallow, appearance-obsessed 'prom queen' type who is won round to a bit more humility, and Harris investing a great deal of touching uncertainty into her Hayley Wheaton. That Hayley has the 'inner beauty' is starkly emphasized; she feels beyond the make-up and artifice of her sister, and ironically manages much better with the hapless boyfriend of Alexia's, who Alexia had dumped.
A fair amount is done with the fantastical premise; obviously much is unexplored, but this is a family film, and really its job is satisfactorily done. It entertains, with little pretension other than to tell a simple story and expound a few easy, yet broadly sound moral points. Things are simplistic; but who on earth would take a Disney film, or indeed virtually any teen movie (high school life appears a self-contained phantasma of a world, in many recent movies) and expect to gain particular insight into real life matters?
Rating:- *** 1/2/*****
Well, I'll just say that this was a perfectly enjoyable, minor film, that barely really bears the Disney mark. It doesn't especially moralise or grotesquely sentimentalise (the sentiments are well handled). Where there are morals, there are suitably hands-off, jocular parents, playing libertarians, and two sisters reconciling their differences. Not to mention the chestnut of the ghastly, 'cool' peer group being shown up for what it is - a rule-bound coalition of bitchy remarks. Yes, this film is far from revolutionary, and many aspects tend towards a strong conventionality; but it's carried off with impressive gusto by the two central actresses. Danielle Harris and Katherine Heigl pull off playing their characters (indeed in each other's skins, from a certain point, as per the plot) very well; Heigl portraying Alexia as the shallow, appearance-obsessed 'prom queen' type who is won round to a bit more humility, and Harris investing a great deal of touching uncertainty into her Hayley Wheaton. That Hayley has the 'inner beauty' is starkly emphasized; she feels beyond the make-up and artifice of her sister, and ironically manages much better with the hapless boyfriend of Alexia's, who Alexia had dumped.
A fair amount is done with the fantastical premise; obviously much is unexplored, but this is a family film, and really its job is satisfactorily done. It entertains, with little pretension other than to tell a simple story and expound a few easy, yet broadly sound moral points. Things are simplistic; but who on earth would take a Disney film, or indeed virtually any teen movie (high school life appears a self-contained phantasma of a world, in many recent movies) and expect to gain particular insight into real life matters?
Rating:- *** 1/2/*****
Excellent
jwtrox0870611 April 2007
The first time I saw this was on the Disney Channel when I was laying on the couch, got sick at school so I had to leave, and this movie came on...it was the most random thing...but I decided to sit and watch it, since everyone else was also being pulled in by it. This was where I first recognized Danielle Harris as an adorable and talented actress...I fell in love with Hayley...I say to myself, "I'd ask her out. Who cares about the dirt under her fingernails or her gum chewing." I also first recognized the talent of Katherine Heigl in this film. I was certainly impressed with her. I loved how the filmmakers accentuate the differences between the two girls by using the difference in height, music interest, academic performance, and other obvious things. The cast overall did a wonderful job...there were some cheesy moments, but that's pretty much a given, aside from that...good story, wonderful performances (I liked the parents, as well; I even asked my parents if they'd try the "hands off" method, lol), and some good music (which I can't find, why can't I find this music?). This film is perfect for the family to sit down, watch and enjoy (and I rarely have good things to say about family-friendly films). 9.2 out of 10.
Freaky Friday with sisters
cherrysunset200325 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Freaky Friday with sisters~ It's cute, and funny. My favorite part in the entire movie is when (Alexia in Hayley's body)dresses up in this sexy body suit and wears it to school. Has a boom-box and dances on school lunch tables, if I remember correctly the song is a Madonna song... When and if you watch the movie you will see what I am talking about.. My next favorite part in the movie is when Alexia in Hayley's body is in Science class and says that a comet is an abrasive cleaner, when he is talking about the Comet the shooting star. The whole scene is really kinda funny.....since i have to have a minimum of 10 lines I guess I am just gonna talk and stuff like this till it lets me turn in the review
Well, this is...interesting.
LanderRei12 July 2002
My friends call me Crazy. Im starting to think Im crazy. But...I actually like this movie.
About 90% of my movie collection is horror movies, yet somehow this movie made it into my collection ( on a blank tape...but its still there) But enough rambling.
Sure, this may be on Disney, but that doesnt mean its not good. People should just give it a chance. I in fact only watched it because Ive got some silly crush on Danielle Harris. But thats not the point!
The movie has great acting, its funny and it has a moral to the story. But im no good at writing reviews. My point is: If a hardcore horror fan like me can like this movie, just about anybody can. Just give it a chance.
About 90% of my movie collection is horror movies, yet somehow this movie made it into my collection ( on a blank tape...but its still there) But enough rambling.
Sure, this may be on Disney, but that doesnt mean its not good. People should just give it a chance. I in fact only watched it because Ive got some silly crush on Danielle Harris. But thats not the point!
The movie has great acting, its funny and it has a moral to the story. But im no good at writing reviews. My point is: If a hardcore horror fan like me can like this movie, just about anybody can. Just give it a chance.
Actually not that bad.
lisafordeay30 July 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Wish Upon A Star tells the story of a young girl(played by Danielle Harris) who is jealous of her sister(Katherine Heigl)who seems to be more popular and outgoing then she is.
One night Harris wishes that she could be popular and the next day she swaps bodies with her sister Heigl.
Now the two have to find a way to switch back before its too late.
So will they reconcile by the end of it all?
Overall if you love body swapping films then check out this film. Its very underrated and Katherine Heigl was very young at the time here.
Just track it down and see what you think of it.
One night Harris wishes that she could be popular and the next day she swaps bodies with her sister Heigl.
Now the two have to find a way to switch back before its too late.
So will they reconcile by the end of it all?
Overall if you love body swapping films then check out this film. Its very underrated and Katherine Heigl was very young at the time here.
Just track it down and see what you think of it.
Good Enough
PennyReviews28 August 2019
Much more then it appears to be
strudeau29 August 2001
I don't know how I was drawn to originally see this movie, but I'm glad it happened. It's definitely not your average made for TV movie and it really fly's leaps and bounds beyond what it really is. It is the story of two sisters who are worlds apart, who after a wish switch places. (Ala Freaky Friday, Vice-Versa) This features Katherine Heigl(Roswell) and Danielle Harris(Urban Legend) as the sisters who exhibit and on screen chemistry that has been absent in today's cinema. As the story progresses the sisters wage an all out war against each other and spend the rest of the movie trying to patch up the damage. Their adventures are cliched at points, yet Heigl and Harris carry it and make a very engrossing and funny film. Everyone who I show this movie to is instantly hooked. This is a true to life "Cult" movie. This is one of my favorite movies, and I attribute that fact to the wonderful Katherine Heigl and Danielle Harris.. Katherine Heigl's popularity has skyrocketed since this, yet Danielle Harris has been pretty stagnant. Hopefully Danielle Harris will get a push soon! This movie was previously unavailable on Video (save for a few video stores, and $70 ebay copies), but thanks to Warner Brothers selling the distribution rights, Wish Upon a Star is now on DVD!! (as of August 2001) This DVD is a must buy so don't pass it up. Feel free to email me if you want to talk about this movie! **** out of ****
Fun Movie with a very young Katherine Heigl
docm-323042 January 2021
We really enjoyed this movie. Though the plot has been used several times before, this one was still fresh and fun. I also found it great to see how talented an 18 yr old Katherine Heigl was. She really can do comedy well and so young. Very fun movie.
I went to the School where the movie was filmed!
flirtingu4 April 2006
I was living in Utah when I first saw the movie in the Disney Channel in 2000. I really liked the movie, I was 15 then. But I still remember the story. I've been wanting to buy the movie in a store, but I haven't find it yet. I remember that when I saw that some parts of the movie were filmed in the High School I was going to then I got so excited. Ha ha! I thought that for some reason I would be in the movie. That movie brings really good memories. I hope to watch it again really soon, after 6 years. And to feel like that 15 year old in High School. Why is it that I haven't seen it again in the Disney Channel? I wonder if some other people think the same.
fine switched body teen movie
SnoopyStyle19 May 2015
Alexia Wheaton (Katherine Heigl) is the popular hot girl in school and her sister Hayley (Danielle Harris) is a nerd. They are both in love with jock Kyle Harding. Alexia is the one actually dating him. Hayley is jealous and makes a wish on a shooting star to be Alexia. The next morning, the girls find that they have switched bodies. It's chaos and sibling rivalry. Shy neighbor Simon is confused by the new Haley.
It is a little bit funny to note that Danielle Harris is actually older than Katherine Heigl. It's another switched body movie like those Disney kids classics. This one isn't breaking any new ground. The girls are fun and capable of playing both sides well. That's where it helps to have Harris be slightly older than Heigl.
It is a little bit funny to note that Danielle Harris is actually older than Katherine Heigl. It's another switched body movie like those Disney kids classics. This one isn't breaking any new ground. The girls are fun and capable of playing both sides well. That's where it helps to have Harris be slightly older than Heigl.
i want their hairstyles
i_am_momo12 February 2022
Wish Upon a Star is similar to Freaky Friday, but sisters version. The story plot is ok, but it is not the best. It's about two sisters, one is good at academics, and one is a popular girl with good fashion sense. As usual, they did not get along. On a side note, I love fashion, hair, and makeup. It's not typical Disney, but most of the clothing that an actual teen in the 90s would've worn.
shockingly good disney tv flick
kreeper11 November 2001
i stumbled upon this surfing through the channels-i only stopped because i think katherine heigl is gorgeous! i was not prepared for much-considering the fact that this is a tv mivie by disney, and a body switching plot did not add much to my expectations. imagine my shock that this is a delightful movie and ms heigl has risen way up on my list of talented young actresses. not to miss out on ms harris, who i was not familiar with but is also quite good. a little (but very little) of disney predictability and a very minimum of cliches made me give this a '9' instead of '10'-but i say without hesitation-see this movie! you will be glad very entertained and very happy you gave it a shot!
Mildly entertaining body swap comedy
ambusched9419 December 2023
I enjoyed this '90s body swap comedy. The pacing flowed. I liked the Winter Festival dance song that's performed by the singer and band. Katherine Heigl was terrific in her role, while Danielle Harris overacted at some points in the beginning when the characters magically swapped bodies, because of their mutual wish on a shooting star to experience a day in the life of being in their sister's shoes. There was some humorous moments and the ending was sweet, just you know not a film that has that rewatchable factor of this genre like Freaky Friday (2003) or 13 Going on 30 (2004). Recommended for a one-time viewing!
Afterthought: I did not realize this was a TV film that aired on Disney Channel lol.
Afterthought: I did not realize this was a TV film that aired on Disney Channel lol.
A Good Film
Krislynn13 April 1999
Okay I'm not going to say it's great, but it is good and entertaining, it serves its purpose. I was interested in the movie, and didn't find it boring. It reminded me of movies I've seen before, but it's a fun plot, so it works. All of the actors and actresses did a great job also.
Sometimes you just want a fun flick! :)
itmeansflower12 July 2020
Very Good.
CARPS12 June 1999
I liked this movie a lot. I first saw it on the disney channel a while ago and I just got done watching it again now. Both actresses are very actractive(I think I'm in love with Danielle Harris) Funny at parts and also dramatic when it wants to be. If you get the chance rent this movie...rent it!...guaranteed satisfaction....I give it a 8 1/2 out of 10.
Heartwarming
Aaronneddy25 January 2019
It may look like a typical teen movie it's much more than that! It's truly a heartwarming film of sisters getting to know one another and truly loving one another. The movie is very nostalgic and meaningful. I love it and it will forever be special to me!
Top Notch!
goya791 August 2005
This is one of the coolest movies I have ever seen. It holds a positive note and send an awesome message to all ages. I first saw this movie on the Disney channel and I liked it so much I spent 2 months searching for to buy. Unfortunitly is wasn't available to buy new. I finally found it at a local movie rental place and talked the owner into selling me the only VHS copy. I have recently purchased it on DVD. I would recommend anyone that hasn't seen this movie to invest into buying it or renting it if you can find it. Its on ebay for like $10 shipped to your door.
Also when I first saw this movie I was living in Salt Lake City and after a little research I found that a good percentage of the movies was film in the Salt Lake City Area. I found the High School that it was filmed at and also found the house that it was filmed in. I even was able to go inside the house and take a look around, since the house was up for sale. It was really neat to be able to see it up close, let me tell you the house is much larger than in appears to be. Just thought I would share that and I hope that you take the time to sit down with the family and watch this movie it will be time well spent. Enjoy!!!
Also when I first saw this movie I was living in Salt Lake City and after a little research I found that a good percentage of the movies was film in the Salt Lake City Area. I found the High School that it was filmed at and also found the house that it was filmed in. I even was able to go inside the house and take a look around, since the house was up for sale. It was really neat to be able to see it up close, let me tell you the house is much larger than in appears to be. Just thought I would share that and I hope that you take the time to sit down with the family and watch this movie it will be time well spent. Enjoy!!!
One of the best actual comedies I have seen in a long time.
bowers416 April 2001
This was a great movie. One night I was channel surfing and I came across this little Disney classic. It was already a half hour into the film but once I started to watch I was hooked. This was one of those movies that you just "wish" wouldn't end. I took it into school a couple years ago and my class loved it. That was in fifth grade and now I'm in seventh. Even now I still try to catch it on the channel as much as I can. The "Valentine" star Katherin Heigl was very likable as the bitchy older sister that turned good when she switched places with her sister played by "Urban Legend" star Danielle Harris. This movie gets a 1,000,000/10
A really good film for Disney
PracticalMagic14 August 2002
Okay... I admit... The only reason I bothered was because of Katherine Heigl. But, once I sat down and watched the film, I really got into it. I mean, Disney is known for doing a lot of movies where teens switch places, and they usually are really bad.. However, this movie turned out really well. What really impressed me, was how well the two girls acted out each other's roles. By the end of the movie, I was clapping by myself in my empty living room. Plus, It had the band Moonpools & Caterpillars perform. Those guys rock! If somehow you get into a situation where you are locked in a padded room, bound and gagged, and forced to watch disney movies for the rest of your life; Watch this movie first, and then kill yourself...
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