Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (TV Movie 2009) Poster

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6/10
much better than expected
makdaddy5328 August 2009
This was a very good movie. Disney as I remember it kinda, I grew up on Disney films and lets face it they've fallen off in the last decade or so. But anyways back to the movie, while you've seen the plot many times before it still kept you wondering. The acting was superb, Jake T Austin does much better than expected in a role where he could have been a cliché, Selena Gomez and David Henrie were beyond convincing in their roles, their scenes together were my favorite! While the brother/sister relationship was in tact you could see that they ginuinely love and care for each other and credit goes to Ms. Gomez and Mr. Henrie for that. After seeing this I wonder what they will do next both have good careers ahead of them if they play their cards right. Their scenes were just so natural. Credit also goes to Mr. David Deluise and Maria Berrero (sorry forgot her name), the chemistry between the family makes you believe that they are really a tight nit family. To David Deluise your icon of a father would be proud of you for this performance. Hope they expand on the characters in the future and go for a feature film I would see it.
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7/10
More Potter Than Partridge
bkoganbing30 August 2009
I'm surprised that the Walt Disney Studios didn't release this film version of their series The Wizards Of Waverly Place to the big screen first as they did with Hannah Montana. Given the special effects it probably would have been better served on the big screen.

Be that as it may, I think more than the fans of the television series would appreciate this one. When I reviewed the television series I said that the kids reminded me of the Partridge Family offspring. They still do, but in the course of the film the story is more of a Harry Potter type story.

Selena Gomez who's the pretty, but slightly rebellious middle child balks at the restrictions in general placed on her magic by her parents, but even more so when the family goes to the Caribbean for a vacation. With a really powerful wand in her hand, she says something really dumb like she wishes her mother and father had never met. So when David DeLuise and Maria Canals Barrera treat her and brothers David Henrie and Jake T. Austin. Of such wishes are Twilight episodes and It's A Wonderful Life plots spun.

The only thing to do is for the kids to find the Stone Of Dreams which can reverse any spell. But Gomez, Henrie, and Austin have other folks looking for the same Stone to cure their problems.

The cast of the show is an appealing one and the show itself might gain a few viewers with this film. But it really should have gone to the big screen first.
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6/10
A cute movie adaptation, although the show is still better.
StartingAllOver149 January 2010
Out of all the recent shows from Disney Channel, "Wizards of Waverly Place" seems to be the one that it's acceptable to like and has the biggest fan-base besides "Hannah Montana". And it's well-deserved, cause "Wizards" it's a funny, entertaining and watchable show. As the popularity increased, the creators decided to give the show a movie, just as "Hannah Montana" and "Lizzie McGuire" were given their movies. But this time, "Wizards" has been given a non-theatrical one. While this movie-adaptation is a cute one, it doesn't surpass the show and neither it's the best Disney Channel flick I've seen.

But let's mention something positive first. Selena Gomez as Alex is the one who carries most of the movie. Besides being incredibly cute and charismatic, this is also perhaps the best acting I've seen from her. When she's leaves "Wizards", she should definitively get out of Disney and aim for more mature roles, cause she has a lot of potential to develop herself to a great actress.

Besides of Alex, the whole Russo family are present in this film, which is nice to see. Jerry (David DeLuise) is just as funny and charismatic as he is in the show, Teresa (Maria Canals-Barrera) is more or less the same character, while Max (Jake T. Austin) is whimsical to an lesser extent. The one who's differs himself from the series is Justin (David Henrie), who shows a more responsible and mature side of himself, which suits the character, although I prefer the goofy and dorky Justin, cause he's usually funnier that way. But he and Alex's has a great sibling chemistry in the film and their relationship are more or less the heart of the story.

Although I don't like saying it, "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" somehow suffers from the same problems as "Hannah Montana The Movie"; blending funny characters from a sitcom into a more serious plot. Though "Hannah Montana The Movie" turned the Hannah-concept to all that it wasn't; a sappy melodrama which turned it's back to the show's premises and continuity (Maybe Disney could've hired a director who actually had seen the show?). But while "Hannah Montana The Movie" was more or less absent of humor, "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" has some hilarious moments along the road and while it takes the characters to a new place, it doesn't mess with the continuity of the plot as "Hannah" did.

However, Wizards does suffers some other issues; Archie (Steve Valentine) is charismatic, but not a threatening enough as a villain. The movie is cute, but still lacks the spirit and the spunk from the TV show. Although the story is solid, it does struggle with pacing, the slow and fast-pacing moments feels quite separate. Perhaps the movie could've been more energetic and more cohesive paced if it was theatrical released? Well, there has been some rumors about the producers wanting to do a theatrically released sequel. And good is that.

Otherwise, I shan't complain anymore about "Wizards"; It is after all a cute and watchable movie. Fans of the show has already warmly embraced it and those who haven't seen the movie won't probably be disappointed. The story is solid and adventurous, with many nods to both Indiana Jones and Power Rangers. The score by Kenneth Burgomaster is cute and solidly supports the story. The special effects are quite impressive for belonging to a TV movie. And the film has some sweet, tender moments as well.

So to the conclusion; Is "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" worth a view? In spite of it's flaws; Ys, absolutely. It is a watchable and okay movie. But a note to Disney; Please stop making movies out of your shows.
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Best DCOM EVER! Perfect for any age to enjoy and a great family film!
rockstar9929 August 2009
Wow, is all I can say about this movie, it was the best DCOM movie I have ever seen, The movie gave a very good family outlook with many scenes showing how the three siblings missed their parents and how they were determined to get their parents to know them. The actors in this are just flat out fantastic, I really like the TV show, but when I watched this, all the actors seemed more geared up and prepared. The chemistry of all the actors really made me like this movie, Selena Gomez once again does a great job, and the scenes in the movie between David Henrie and Selena Gomez were just unbelievable, the way they acted in every scene together was just perfect.

When I first saw the promos for this movie, I was like, oh that sounds cool, but I didn't expect it to be so good. Although the plot was a recycled one that's been used by Disney a lot, the actors breathed a new life to it with all of their amazing performances, and the special effects( although not Hollywood picture perfect) they were amazing for a disneychannel movie.

And the ending scenes of the movie were great, and once the movie was done, I was satisfied,( something that usually doesn't happen when I watch a DCOM)
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7/10
it was alright
Floated230 August 2009
Before watching this movie i expected it to be just like the television show (a comedy with jokes) but the movie turned out to be a more serious suspenseful film. It was alright but there should have been a warning before watching this. I mean this could scare young kids. The acting was pretty good. The plot was kinda weak though. I've seem this plot before. The movie didn't seem that long, it was entertaining but really could have been more funnier. I didn't laugh once. The characters seemed different because they were older and more mature. They all had great chemistry together. Another good thing about the movie is that Harper didn't have a big role. She was just in the beginning of the movie. She was only in it for about 6 minutes. That was great, she is really annoying. The movie didn't have any other minor characters from the television show but it didn't need to. They're on vacation.

Id recommend watching this movie, it was pretty decent!
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7/10
Great Disney movie
chloebetts3 August 2021
I think this movie was really sweet and love seeing the dynamic between the Russo siblings.
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7/10
A Magical and Entertaining Adventure
sufyaanrashid9519 June 2023
"Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie" is a TV movie based on the popular Disney Channel series. The film follows the Russo family as they travel to a tropical island in search of a magical stone that could potentially strip them of their wizardly powers.

One of the strengths of the film is its cast. Selena Gomez shines in her role as Alex Russo, bringing her character's wit and charm to life on the big screen. The supporting cast, including David Henrie and Jake T. Austin, also deliver strong performances that add depth and humor to the story.

The film's production value is also noteworthy. The tropical setting provides a beautiful backdrop for the story, and the special effects showcasing the wizardly powers of the characters are impressive and add to the overall magical tone of the movie.

The themes of the movie, which include the importance of family, the consequences of one's actions, and the power of forgiveness, are also noteworthy. The story delivers these messages in a way that is accessible and relatable to younger viewers, while also providing entertainment for older audiences.

Overall, "Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie" is a magical and entertaining adventure that will appeal to fans of the television series and newcomers alike. Its strong cast, impressive production value, and positive message make it a must-watch for anyone who loves a good family-friendly movie. Whether you're a fan of wizardry or just looking for a fun and heartwarming story, this movie is sure to cast a spell on you.
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9/10
This is a DCOM?
VoiceofJustice29 August 2009
To be honest, I began watching this movie not expecting much... and I'm a pretty big fan of WOWP the show. I was under the impression that DCOMs were made to suck. I know a rare, rare few has had its' successes, but after trash like Camp Rock, I just do not expect much from these DCOMs anymore.

This movie was delightful to watch. This movie for once, actually had a plot. The scenery was beautiful, and the visual effects were actually not super shabby. I know it wasn't perfect, but definitely decent for a DCOM. The acting was definitely good. Selena was brilliant in this movie, and she outshines any other teen stars currently at Disney. Miley Cyrus can move out of the way for this amazing actress.

This is a movie for kids, teens, families and even older people who don't mind a cute, humorous, sweet adventure movie.

You'll enjoy it.
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6/10
Boring...
RosanaBotafogo21 March 2023
Embark on a supernatural and exciting adventure with the Russos, his family of apprentice sorcerers. While on vacation, Alex accidentally casts a spell that will affect his family's existence, preventing his parents' first meeting. Now, Max tries to keep his parents together, while Alex and Justin use every trick they know to find the Stone of Dreams so they can reverse the magic and save their family. You won't want to miss a single second of this action-packed, magic-packed feature.

In 2015 "I love witches and wizards, but this one I gave up on at first..." ...8 years ago... Nothing has changed... But at least this time I went all the way..Poor Selena, when Disney gets it right she is wonderful, but when she exaggerates and goes over the point, or rather, when she falls short, she really wastes time and talents, silly at all, boring too... And the effects, this one is without comments, or hobby, it's a waste of time, thank goodness what I watched it on a mini screen at work solving routine processes...
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6/10
Puerto Rico vacation
SnoopyStyle24 September 2023
The Russo family is going on a magic-free vacation. The parents take the wands away from the kids. They encounter street magician Archie who claims to be a wizard. Alex (Selena Gomez) makes a bad wish. Brother and sister have to work together.

I've never seen Wizards of Waverly Place but this popped up on the TV. It seems like a good idea to see a young Selena Gomez in her breakout role. Her character Alex is a snarky self-involved teenager. Her star power is self-evident. The filming is going to Puerto Rico and there is plenty of sand and surf. They do go to some good wilderness. There is a bit of heart as brother and sister reconcile. Steve Valentine is good at being underhanded. It's a Disney TV movie and better than most of them.
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A Spellbinding Film Adaptation of One of My Favorite Disney Channel Shows
kobebusia18 February 2012
From the moment the preview for this movie was being shown on TV, I was very excited about it mainly because of the tone, the mood, and the action-packed adventure that was lying ahead. There were too many great things about this film that I was simply blown away by; 1st off, the acting was great, especially from David Henrie and Selena Gomez, and Jake T. Austin didn't act as stupid as he normally would on the show. The special effects were just mind-blowing and incredible, the location at which they were shooting (Puerto Rico) was amazing, and I really liked how Jerry(David Deluise) got to use magic and be more quirky, which he doesn't get too much of on the show. Honestly, this is one of the best DCOM's I've ever seen, and considering how great it was and how cool the visual effects were, this should've been a feature film. The story was so well constructed, and it really reflected how kids would wish for things out of anger and resentment, and then in this film it actually happened, and eventually Alex was in regret. My favorite acting scene was between Alex and Theresa, and also when Alex cried about how Justin couldn't remember her, and how he should've won the wizard competition. And I will say that it was for the best that Harper(Jennifer Stone) had a small role in the film, because there was nothing they could do for her character. This film is so great, the acting is so professional, it's from the director of Minutemen, and I love it. This is the kind of film that deserves a sequel, but that's more than likely not gonna happen. A shocker in regards to this film is that the writer, Dan Berendsen sank so low and went as far as co-writing Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. But besides that, this film is so cool, and one of the greatest DCOMs ever!!!
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7/10
Good but not great
pspsandoval17 July 2020
Since the Series sitcom was very good you'll spect that the movie would also be as good, it isn't but it's enjoyable and with a great cast, background and argument. And the most important thing is for all the ages. Greetings.
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10/10
Better than every other Disney Channel Movie combined!
rosethenia23 October 2009
This movie is honestly better than any other DCOM, Nickelodeon Movie or straight-to-DVD movie out there. It was written so well that (barely noticeable) flaws were forgivable. Sarcasm, and typical WOWP one-liners were inserted at just the right places that you can't help but laugh when the moment comes! Plus, the chemistry between each character was so good that you might even forget that they're just acting and that they're not actually related. O_o Even the extras made the film extra awesome!

I'm not a very easy person to please but, frankly, NOTHING in this film disappointed me because it was SO MUCH better than I expected. You probably wouldn't believe me until you saw it for yourself!

It truly is MAGIC. :)

P.S. I think the next few DCOMs should be worried. They have pretty big shoes to fill!
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10/10
Magic Movie
Gabitzul5 July 2010
This movie is magic.I like it very much.It makes you relax and it is very funny like the series.The acting is very good and the plot is excellent.It is not only for the kids, it's for everybody.No matter what age are you, this movie should be seen if you like comedies.Selena Gomez is Alex Russo a 16 years old girl who doesn't want to go on holiday with his parents but finally she is made to go on the trip.When they arrive there, Alex and her mother have a fight.That's where all start.From there I won't present the rest of the movie because is very exciting and I let you see the rest of it.From this movie you should understand that sometimes is better to listen the others, they might say something for your good.
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10/10
Best Disney Movie Ever!!!!!
RockstarJ_29 August 2009
This movie is best that I seen from Disney since the other ones are lame and/or stupid (not, Hatching Pete). I watched the movie last night on its premiere night and it was amazing. The whole cast is brilliant (Selena Gomez, David Henrie, Jake T. Austin, David DeLuise, and Maria Canals-Barrera), especially Selena and David (Justin), I love their characters. One of the reasons why I like this movie is because they get to use magic to their full extent (much better than the series). Another thing why I liked the movie is because it's my favorite show on Disney (so I'm going to watch it), and then Hannah Montana and that's about it. Also there special effects are so good, better than what Disney does, even though 2 or 3 scenes were bad, but over all it was great. So I'm going to watch it on Saturday and Sunday for behind-the-scenes special effects on Saturday and Sunday sneak peeks to Season 3.
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9/10
Just as good as the Show
kdnor201117 April 2012
Wizards of Waverly Place was the last live action show on Disney Channel that I actually watched, it was funny, it had good characters, the magic elements were fun, and it had several story arcs. Sure the special effects were bad, but they were bad in that fun cheesy way. So in 2009, two years after the show premiered, we got a made for TV movie based on the show, and it was just as good as the show.

The movie follows the Russo's as they go to the Bahama's. While there, Alex falls for a wind surfing teacher, but when her mother says she can't hang out with him, she wishes that her parents never met. And because she was holding the family wand, her wish comes true. So now Alex, Justin and Max must find a way to undo the spell before they disappear forever.

This movie works for the same reasons the show does. It's funny, it's got good characters, the film has a story, and it's a lot of fun. Unlike the show though, the effects and production value, are actually pretty good. Not enough for a theatrical release, but pretty good. There were only two things I didn't care for. One was the fact that Harper was barely in it. And the other was that the scenes with Alex and Justin alone felt weird, they're supposed to be brother and sister, yet they are acting like lovers.
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10/10
Great TV Movie
kaitlingumdrop4 March 2012
Most TV Movie based off a series, especially on Disney Channel, are rushed in their plot line. This is not. The plot line was very through, full and I never once thought that the story was squeezed into a time slot. Also there was little to no contradictory statements compared to the season. The cast was at its top acting- wise. They were fantastic. It had everything a great movie should- action, suspense, a great lesson, comedy, and really sweet moments. I loved the Alex- Justin scene! It was a very sweet brother- sister moment. Great ending, Great Acting, Great Movie especially considering it is a DCOM from a series. I highly recommend it to anyone who liked the series (especially in the first and second season).
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10/10
Great!
brookenichole-9805423 August 2020
Another Disney Channel winner. It brings a terrific story about family and growing up. The music is fun, the directing is amazing, and the effects were perfect. I really enjoyed seeing each scene in this movie with the magic used. I also enjoyed seeing Alex and Justin bond throughout when they constantly fight. Plus, I liked seeing the parents more in this one. They got more time than they do on the show. Overall, it's an excellent movie.
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9/10
I like this movie
tiago_lima01128 December 2017
Amazing movie. Original. Fantastic. I know Justin and Alex are supposed to be close and siblingly in this movie, but at times they are heading into dangerous territory. Your vision may differ of course, but the closeness, well, a little unsual for a brother and sister. Maybe the actors are into each other a little too much. Alex is Alex as usually, not the perfect role model, but I think this makes the show and the movie the most interesting on that channel, I can barely call Disney. The rest was excellent.

Parents don't have to worry about the example that the rebellious teen sets for their own kids, since Alex eventually is forced to come to terms with her unpleasant behavior when she faces the possibility of life without her family. What's more, she learns important lessons in responsibility and self-confidence and improves her relationship with her brother after she sees things from his point of view. This upbeat, kid-friendly movie is a great choice for families of tweens and might even help get the ball rolling on discussions about topics like rules and respect.

I love it.
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10/10
CHILDHOOD DREAM
felipeiwata20 March 2023
I love this movie so much, i watched it like 14 times, the first time i saw it was in the television, disney kids i think, i already dreamt that i was in the movie, it's so nostalgic for me. The last time i saw it was 1 year ago, but the movie is still fresh in my memory, the history of the movie is alright, not like the BEST history ever, but, you know, it's for kids, and kids don't care that much... i tryed to remember this movie name for FOUR years, and last year i asked to my older sister if she knew the name, she said the name and in the same moment i was already watching it, i recommend this film so much, i love it!
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10/10
the village girl stole the show
tommy6198628 November 2009
I am not much of a Selena Gomez fan or a Disney TV movie watcher.But the movie was film in Puerto Rico and Gabriela Rosario stole my heart playing the village girl saying one delightful word,"Cueva",meaning "cave".I give my thanks to Selena Gomez and Disney in putting my Island of Puerto Rico and esp,Rosario to play the little girl and the reason for the good comment on Rosario,she is family member and want her to become a major Hollywood star,as for the movie.It the first time I see a Selena Gomez's wizard movie and the Puerto Rico scene shot was beautiful done.Gomez is a teen idol of this century.This became the second most watch TV movie on Disney channel next to high school musical.hats off to the village girl and her only word "cueva".next Selena Gomez for the next century or the next adventure in Puerto Rico part 2.
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10/10
My heart!
AnnaPagrati30 August 2021
A beautiful movie! So nostalgic & heart-felt, 10/10!
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