To everyone who point out all the flaws, you're right, to all of those who totally love this movie you're also right. This is a Disney movie. That explains a lot. All that being said, It's a nice movie that's pure escapism. Don't take it too seriously, it's just a movie. I happen to like it. For me that's all I need to know.
22 Reviews
I liked it
brookenichole-980545 May 2020
Radio Rebel is a good time. Debby Ryan really makes the movie. The way she portrays someone who is shy and afraid to step out is pretty accurate. I love that a Disney movie decided to portray a more realistic character like this. It's not common to see this type of character as a main character who gets to grow. The character development was surprisingly great.
The guy she ends up liking is just not that great. He asked the other girl to prom but then falls for the other girl. I mean I just don't think that's okay. There was a plot twist at the end that shocked me. I had to pause the movie just to think it through.
Overall, I really liked it and think the character is an amazing role model.
Disney's Little Rebel Of The "Same Story, Same Boring" Saga!
mygunyourhead61318 February 2013
I'm not going to deny, when I saw this film announced, first thought "sounds interesting", but then I read "Disney" at the bottom and I started regretting my first feelings and wondering if I suffered from mental insanity. But no, I'm still here, not locked in a safe room or anything.
Let's start with basics. Lesson one, children, grasping the standard Disney plot - unpopular girl with big dreams, a nemesis/Queen Bee who ALSO loves that same big dream and tries to make unpopular girl's life miserable in order to get it, a "hot" guy is thrown in between the process, the guy notices Unpopular Girl but then is dragged away by Queen Bee, a failed-attempt at character development and BAM! ...there's a dance, Queen Bee becomes Queen Fail and Unpopular Girl gets the guy.
While "Radio Rebel" DOES somewhat follow the basic scheme, it at least reaches a level of awesomeness. Don't get me wrong, I see the resemblance (or was it "copying of"?) "Pump Up the Volume", but what made it worthy of seeing was the fact that it adapted to what today's teens understood, lived, and would enjoy seeing. Debby Ryan (portraying main character, Tara) is a rising star that a lot of teens know and look up to - so her portraying a shy high schooler with issues of her own (the cute guy she's too afraid to talk to, the Queen Bee trying to bring her down, not being that close with her new stepfather, and have I mentioned the extreme shyness that could be mistaken for monastic silence?). It's what us average teens know and breathe. So while there's nothing sparkly in the scheme, it speaks to today's teens and that's what we like. Not to mention, there were a few giggles here and there. More to the "like" list.
So what am I saying? I'm saying that this film is different from the usual "same story, same boring" pattern that Disney movies tend to follow...while it was strongly based from "Pump Up the Volume", it still had strong elements that make me want to watch it again, particularly the lessons that shy high schooler Tara teaches us - to just be ourselves...to embrace it and not just hide it away in the dark (or in Tara's case, a recording studio), to go out into the sunlight, scream, and let our uniqueness shine in the daylight.
Let's start with basics. Lesson one, children, grasping the standard Disney plot - unpopular girl with big dreams, a nemesis/Queen Bee who ALSO loves that same big dream and tries to make unpopular girl's life miserable in order to get it, a "hot" guy is thrown in between the process, the guy notices Unpopular Girl but then is dragged away by Queen Bee, a failed-attempt at character development and BAM! ...there's a dance, Queen Bee becomes Queen Fail and Unpopular Girl gets the guy.
While "Radio Rebel" DOES somewhat follow the basic scheme, it at least reaches a level of awesomeness. Don't get me wrong, I see the resemblance (or was it "copying of"?) "Pump Up the Volume", but what made it worthy of seeing was the fact that it adapted to what today's teens understood, lived, and would enjoy seeing. Debby Ryan (portraying main character, Tara) is a rising star that a lot of teens know and look up to - so her portraying a shy high schooler with issues of her own (the cute guy she's too afraid to talk to, the Queen Bee trying to bring her down, not being that close with her new stepfather, and have I mentioned the extreme shyness that could be mistaken for monastic silence?). It's what us average teens know and breathe. So while there's nothing sparkly in the scheme, it speaks to today's teens and that's what we like. Not to mention, there were a few giggles here and there. More to the "like" list.
So what am I saying? I'm saying that this film is different from the usual "same story, same boring" pattern that Disney movies tend to follow...while it was strongly based from "Pump Up the Volume", it still had strong elements that make me want to watch it again, particularly the lessons that shy high schooler Tara teaches us - to just be ourselves...to embrace it and not just hide it away in the dark (or in Tara's case, a recording studio), to go out into the sunlight, scream, and let our uniqueness shine in the daylight.
Disney version of 'Pump Up The Volume'
SnoopyStyle26 August 2013
Tara Adams (Debby Ryan) is a shy high school senior. She's secretly a podcast DJ called Radio Rebel. Her alter ego is quite popular except for mean girl Stacy.
Disney is pumping out a copy of 1990 teen classic 'Pump Up The Volume'. This time, Disney princess Debby Ryan is placed into Christian Slater's iconic role. It's not the worst idea to copy a good movie but it's just not a good way to create something worthwhile. It doesn't have Pump Up The Volume's edginess. Certainly it doesn't have the sex talk or the swearing or the nudity or the R-rating. It's a Disney TV movie. Debby Ryan is not going to make a jump in quality from being in this movie. If you're a Debby fan, this is certainly good clean fun. If you're not, you'll probably be bored.
Disney is pumping out a copy of 1990 teen classic 'Pump Up The Volume'. This time, Disney princess Debby Ryan is placed into Christian Slater's iconic role. It's not the worst idea to copy a good movie but it's just not a good way to create something worthwhile. It doesn't have Pump Up The Volume's edginess. Certainly it doesn't have the sex talk or the swearing or the nudity or the R-rating. It's a Disney TV movie. Debby Ryan is not going to make a jump in quality from being in this movie. If you're a Debby fan, this is certainly good clean fun. If you're not, you'll probably be bored.
Just an awful rip-off!
peaceloverpwebsite18 February 2012
Disney's recent movies/shows haven't done the channel justice at all. Their shows have just been cheap rip-offs of other networks shows and this movie is a good example of that. If you want to watch a good show with almost the exact same plot watch The N's (now Teennick) "Radio Free Roscoe" or take a trip back to the 90s by watching the original movie to try this idea, "Pump Up The Volume".
Even though I knew I'd most likely hate this movie, I still gave it a chance and watched it with an open mind. It had good messages for young kids and it wasn't completely terrible but I still didn't like it. Cheesy endings, Disney fluff, and the fact that it copies off one of my favorite movies, makes this movie awful. Sorry Disney fans but this gets a 2/10.
Even though I knew I'd most likely hate this movie, I still gave it a chance and watched it with an open mind. It had good messages for young kids and it wasn't completely terrible but I still didn't like it. Cheesy endings, Disney fluff, and the fact that it copies off one of my favorite movies, makes this movie awful. Sorry Disney fans but this gets a 2/10.
Worth it.
bunnyhop25527 January 2013
So, I don't know why everyone is hating on this movie. To all of you that says this is a remake of PUTV, it's still worth watching because this is more modernized. In fact, it's better for the kids of this century to watch because they'll actually understand it and relate to it. So don't be hating!
The storyline, characters, actors and the message is great. In fact, the messages (note the plural) are inspiring. All kids should watch this!
Radio Rebel is definitely one of the better Disney films out there and it's worth a watch. I think I said this a million times already, but WORTH A LOOK AT! I personally loved it.
The storyline, characters, actors and the message is great. In fact, the messages (note the plural) are inspiring. All kids should watch this!
Radio Rebel is definitely one of the better Disney films out there and it's worth a watch. I think I said this a million times already, but WORTH A LOOK AT! I personally loved it.
The Wallflower
bkoganbing17 February 2012
The Magic Kingdom's latest teen queen star Debby Ryan who is currently a rich kid's nanny in Jessie stars in Radio Rebel which is a pseudonym she uses as a radio talk show star. Debbie is a wallflower and opens to very few, especially not to Adam DiMarco the good looking singer in the rock band she's crushing out on.
But on the radio where few can see her she's Radio Rebel a free spirited young woman who tells kids to do their own thing whatever that thing is. Such non-conformity is not to be encouraged in her high school especially where the Grinch like Nancy Robertson reigns as principal. Robertson's on a mission to seek and destroy Radio Rebel and her influence.
There are so many of these hidden personality stories on the big and small screen they're too numerous to count. But a favorite of mine is an old Alice Faye film from the Thirties called Wake Up And Live. In this one Jack Haley with Buddy Clark's voice plays a mike shy singer whose voice goes over the airwaves when he sings alone in a studio to what he thinks is a dead microphone. This time it's the guy with the hidden personality. Radio Rebel has a lot of company.
But I did dig that Spartacus like climax the film has and you'll have to see what I'm talking about because I won't reveal.
But on the radio where few can see her she's Radio Rebel a free spirited young woman who tells kids to do their own thing whatever that thing is. Such non-conformity is not to be encouraged in her high school especially where the Grinch like Nancy Robertson reigns as principal. Robertson's on a mission to seek and destroy Radio Rebel and her influence.
There are so many of these hidden personality stories on the big and small screen they're too numerous to count. But a favorite of mine is an old Alice Faye film from the Thirties called Wake Up And Live. In this one Jack Haley with Buddy Clark's voice plays a mike shy singer whose voice goes over the airwaves when he sings alone in a studio to what he thinks is a dead microphone. This time it's the guy with the hidden personality. Radio Rebel has a lot of company.
But I did dig that Spartacus like climax the film has and you'll have to see what I'm talking about because I won't reveal.
Not Worth It.
KingCritic14 January 2018
I absolutely had to write a review on this movie. Ok, so Tara is this super shy girl, and everyone knows it right? But then, Radio Rebel announces publicly that she wants to let her voice be heard?
How is it even a secret who Radio Rebel is? Also her voice isn't even changed, the pitch is the same, her tone, inflections, everything! So those two guys recording her voice and trying to match it to everyone's should match her identity to Tara's in seconds. Or at least know what her voice sounds like!
Also, Principal Moreno states that anyone who knows Radio Rebel's identity, and doesn't report it to her, will be in serious trouble. Yet:
-Two boys still desperately try to find who she is. (Still knowing they can be suspended for it)
-Tara lets her friend Audrey know, even though she knows the dire consequences her best friend may face. (Why?)
-People don't draw logical conclusions that Tara is Radio Rebel, even though their personalities and voices are the same.
I have a theory that the students know Tara was Radio Rebel all along because of how obvious is was, and that they were too afraid to report her to Principal Moreno because it'd take away their only chance to dance at school.
So what do we have here in terms of plot? Nothing, like I just explained, the central conflict is contrived and impossible to function as a story.
Characters?
None. All are cliches. The stereotypical bubbly best friend (Audrey), the mean principal who wants to shut down all the teenagers voices (Moreno), the guy who wants his music to mean something (Gavin), and the mean popular girl who is in almost every Disney movie (Stacy).
And the message? Done over a million times.
Pump up the Volume not only worked better as a story, but it included characters who were actual people, not caricatures. They started out and were presented as cliches, but they slowly became more nuanced. Nothing in the narrative shifts like this. Not even a little.
It's not a remake of Pump up the Volume, its just a more dumbed down version of its plot. So don't watch this film, go watch an anime, much more complex than this, much more unique, more unique characters/settings etc.... I'd recommend Naruto for beginners, or perhaps My Hero Academia.
How is it even a secret who Radio Rebel is? Also her voice isn't even changed, the pitch is the same, her tone, inflections, everything! So those two guys recording her voice and trying to match it to everyone's should match her identity to Tara's in seconds. Or at least know what her voice sounds like!
Also, Principal Moreno states that anyone who knows Radio Rebel's identity, and doesn't report it to her, will be in serious trouble. Yet:
-Two boys still desperately try to find who she is. (Still knowing they can be suspended for it)
-Tara lets her friend Audrey know, even though she knows the dire consequences her best friend may face. (Why?)
-People don't draw logical conclusions that Tara is Radio Rebel, even though their personalities and voices are the same.
I have a theory that the students know Tara was Radio Rebel all along because of how obvious is was, and that they were too afraid to report her to Principal Moreno because it'd take away their only chance to dance at school.
So what do we have here in terms of plot? Nothing, like I just explained, the central conflict is contrived and impossible to function as a story.
Characters?
None. All are cliches. The stereotypical bubbly best friend (Audrey), the mean principal who wants to shut down all the teenagers voices (Moreno), the guy who wants his music to mean something (Gavin), and the mean popular girl who is in almost every Disney movie (Stacy).
And the message? Done over a million times.
Pump up the Volume not only worked better as a story, but it included characters who were actual people, not caricatures. They started out and were presented as cliches, but they slowly became more nuanced. Nothing in the narrative shifts like this. Not even a little.
It's not a remake of Pump up the Volume, its just a more dumbed down version of its plot. So don't watch this film, go watch an anime, much more complex than this, much more unique, more unique characters/settings etc.... I'd recommend Naruto for beginners, or perhaps My Hero Academia.
Radio Rebel Is A Ripoff
fabdjones219 October 2012
This movie is an awful ripoff of the movie "Pump up the volume" staring Christian Slater(1990). I just can"t believe this. I have no words for this. Or maybe I do. Although the original is not a motion picture masterpiece, it conveys the reality of our educational system with a flare of comedy and reality. The Movie "Radio Rebel" Is an absolute stupid ripoff of the movie "Pump Up The Volume". What a lame ass attempt at a remake without remake permission. What really sucks is that I have to wright 10 lines to get this review to show up. I have to fill up two more lines up yet, so I will say the movie called Radio Rebel (2012)Absolutely sucks. Don't watch Radio Rebel. Pump up the volume is much better.
Shy? Maybe not
kosmasp20 July 2019
This is aimed at teenagers and even more so female ones (girls). Now keep that in the back of your mind, because if that does not apply to you, you might be judging this by different standards. Because this is full of cliches and some are not even dressed that well.
Add to that an ending that may make some/certain people cringe ... you might have a viewing experience that does not live up to the standards you expected. So Highschool drama and love and such things are being explored ... and you know finding oneself plus growing up and sticking it to the (wo)man ... one very weird moment for a few people at least, is a "I am Spartacus" inspired thing ... it does feel very wrong, no matter the good intentions behind it. But it might still be working with the target audience - especially because they might not have seen that particular scene/movie
Add to that an ending that may make some/certain people cringe ... you might have a viewing experience that does not live up to the standards you expected. So Highschool drama and love and such things are being explored ... and you know finding oneself plus growing up and sticking it to the (wo)man ... one very weird moment for a few people at least, is a "I am Spartacus" inspired thing ... it does feel very wrong, no matter the good intentions behind it. But it might still be working with the target audience - especially because they might not have seen that particular scene/movie
A Fast Favorite
tesswysko27 July 2020
What I thought at first was going to be just another Hollywood pubescent fluff piece, about a fifth of the way in turned into a heart warming fast favorite of mine! In HS, I was popular, but brutality shy, it HURT to socialize, but in college I got over it and became one of the most successful music content creators/ channel owners AND Music Promoters/ PR Rep/ Band Manager in the world. So a movie about a girl who dressed like me(seriously I have that beanie in5 colors, and several of the same shirts!) and who's painfully shy living out her dream life through her radio channel TOTALLY hit home! Everything she said was so inspiring, I think a lot of these kids nowadays could benefit form REALLY watching it for the message! It's extra cool that it's a hidden gem because a lot of the actors have gone on to star in a LOT of big shows and movies nowadays!!! Much love to this film!!!
It's exactly what I expected
bcirilli27 March 2021
Cliché and Predictable
kevaduke10 October 2015
Radio Rebel is about the cliché shy girl that doesn't have many friends, with of course. The predictable twist. She's a beloved anonymous DJ, looked up to by all her school peeps. But they don't know its her. Obviously. It has all the characters and persona's to make the ultimate cringe-worthy teen movie, the mean girl, the crush, the outspoken and slightly over-enthusiastic best friend and most of all: cringe- worthy acting and bad plot.
There was, yes some touching and heart-spoken parts of this movie. But nearly every single teen movie has something about "empowering yourself" and "not letting anyone bring you down". Its pretty obvious that this movie tried hard, maybe even too hard. And no doubt Debby Ryan is a good actress, because she wouldn't be where she is now without some good acting chops. But this movie does not make her shine, quite frankly. It does the opposite.
I'm sorry to say it myself but I can only be brutally honest in a review, not sugarcoat everything and make you think this movie is good. Because, its not. It's quite cliché, predictable and badly acted. Sorry Debby.
There was, yes some touching and heart-spoken parts of this movie. But nearly every single teen movie has something about "empowering yourself" and "not letting anyone bring you down". Its pretty obvious that this movie tried hard, maybe even too hard. And no doubt Debby Ryan is a good actress, because she wouldn't be where she is now without some good acting chops. But this movie does not make her shine, quite frankly. It does the opposite.
I'm sorry to say it myself but I can only be brutally honest in a review, not sugarcoat everything and make you think this movie is good. Because, its not. It's quite cliché, predictable and badly acted. Sorry Debby.
Great message and great plot
ashiebaby4817 February 2012
One of the best Disney movies out. Not a bad message to the viewers and it doesn't seem fake, like most of Disney's stuff. The message of being yourself, letting your voice be heard is something a lot of kids in the viewing audience needs to see and hear. Debby Ryan is amazing. I loved her in Jessie but she really shines in this movie. The Stacey character is bit annoying, and each "group" has an airhead best friend, that is getting really old but Disney has to have those ditsy characters to make it funny I guess. The story line goes along well with what is going in the world, with the protests. It really makes a stand on the whole 'fight the power' and 'sticj it to the man' concept. Let your voice be heard, right?
"The Silent Voice"
Kamurai2520 September 2020
Decent watch, probably won't watch again, and can't recommend.
I'm honestly not a big fan of Debby Ryan, though she definitely can own a role, and I'll even admit she basically carries this movie. Because I'm not a particular fan of her flavor, it may have affected my view of the movie though.
I'm very into her character of a high school ghost, shadowing as an airwaves vigilante though. The weirdness of being a "rebel" though is the company sponsorship angle. It allows for mechanical parts of the story, but feels a little antithetical.
The more interesting angle is the witch hunt for Radio Rebel: it takes some interesting turns, but ultimately lands in the predictable results.
It's a good enough watch, it's just nothing special.
I'm honestly not a big fan of Debby Ryan, though she definitely can own a role, and I'll even admit she basically carries this movie. Because I'm not a particular fan of her flavor, it may have affected my view of the movie though.
I'm very into her character of a high school ghost, shadowing as an airwaves vigilante though. The weirdness of being a "rebel" though is the company sponsorship angle. It allows for mechanical parts of the story, but feels a little antithetical.
The more interesting angle is the witch hunt for Radio Rebel: it takes some interesting turns, but ultimately lands in the predictable results.
It's a good enough watch, it's just nothing special.
werid faces
rubyalina1 May 2020
AMAZING L
cooperstar-985745 April 2021
Radio rebel...
graciesllams8 November 2020
effing sux
macosby-7604630 April 2020
So bad
Zander1234529 July 2015
This movie is so bad. It is so bad, it is just so bad, I can't stand watching it it is so bad. I don't like the plot or derby ryan and the film doesn't make sense. Magic isn't real, so this movie is not real and it is not really good either it has no point and is just built to be another dumb Disney film, kids and parents go watch something else becus this is just going to make u wanna change the channel, everyone should watch the classic high school musical and not sixteen wishes. Sixteen wishes makes me not wanna watch TV. It is so bad. Go watch a something else becus this one is a very bad film and I don't not like it and I don't think u will like this film also as we'll, sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad, dotnt watch it, it is bad u will not like it, it has no plot. It is sooooooooooooooooooooooo boring too.
Horrendous
nellqwell7 April 2019
BEST FILM IN THE HISTORY OF CINEMA
britney-mason26 February 2018
Excellent film brilliant in fact if I could give it 1000 stars I would because it's that good. It takes you on an emotional roller coaster. With wity lines like "I don't know which is more amazing, that song, or the fact that you're 'Turkey-on-Rye'".It had me dancing and singing and chanting "I'M RADIO REBEL" all the way through.I recommend everyone watch Debby Ryan's greatest role.
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