Stepsister from Planet Weird

Last updated
Stepsister from Planet Weird
Stepsister from Planet Weird.jpg
Film poster
Based onStepsister from Planet Weird
by Francess Lantz
Written by Chris Matheson
Directed by Steve Boyum
Starring Courtnee Draper
Tamara Hope
Lance Guest
Khrystyne Haje
Music byPhil Marshall
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersRicka Kanter Fisher
Diana Kerew
Cinematography David Eggby
EditorAlan Cody
Running time85 minutes
Original release
Network Disney Channel
ReleaseJune 17, 2000 (2000-06-17)

Stepsister from Planet Weird is a 2000 American science fiction comedy film that was released as a Disney Channel Original Movie on June 17, 2000. [1] Directed by Steve Boyum, it stars Courtnee Draper, Tamara Hope, Lance Guest, and Khrystyne Haje. The film is based on the book of the same name by Francess Lantz. [2] The plot follows a teenage girl (Draper), who discovers that her mother's fiance (Guest) and her own future stepsister (Hope), [3] are actually strange aliens from another planet hiding out on Earth.

Contents

Plot

Megan Larson is an ordinary 14-year-old girl. Her workaholic father Fred and windsurfing mother Kathy are divorced, and Megan longs for them to get back together as much as she longs for her little brother Trevor to be less annoying. But the thing she wants the most is for popular boy Cutter Colburne to be her boyfriend, so her dearest wish is to be in with the popular group.

Things begin to get out of control when her mother meets Cosmo Cola, a nice but very strange man. He has a pretty and intelligent daughter named Ariel who is even weirder than her dad. Ariel hides under her father's car when the wind blows because she is afraid of wind, talks in a sophisticated manner, wears many layers to 'protect her essence' and cannot ride a bicycle, even with training wheels and a football helmet. Mostly she complains that she hates the town where they live and wants to return to her hometown in Yukon to be with her boyfriend Fanul. Worst of all for Megan, the kids at school think that the way Ariel behaves is 'cool and revolutionary'. Her teachers believe her mannerisms are poetic, and she even gets to sit at the popular table on her first day, which attracts Cutter's attention.

What Megan does not realize is that Ariel and her father are aliens from Planet Zircalon. Because Ariel's father was a freedom fighter on their home planet, they escaped to Earth, leaving behind their home, Ariel's mother who perished in the escape, and Ariel's boyfriend Fanul who is the son of the tyrannical emperor S'Vad. On her home planet, every citizen is a gaseous bubble that floats carelessly, so Ariel is very uncomfortable with the solid objects of Earth. She hates everything on Earth: her name, the way the wind blows, food, the solid objects and the people. "Every time I look at this horrid vehicle; the rubbery flesh, the flat face, the ghastly yellow hair that grows out of this hideous skull, I can only think I am grotesque."

Ariel and Megan become enemies despite Megan's mother's engagement to Ariel's father. As Ariel and Megan realize that they both want to break up their parents, they agree on a temporary alliance to achieve their common goal. However, none of their plans work out.

After a while, Megan begins to suspect something especially unusual is occurring and discovers that Ariel and Cosmo are aliens. Fanul and S'Vad arrive to take Ariel and Cosmo home to Zircalon, but Fanul turns on his father after Megan, Ariel, and Cutter convince him of the benefits of freedom. As Ariel's race is vulnerable to wind, she, Megan, Cutter, Fanul, and Trevor are able to defeat S'Vad with a leaf blower and hairdryers.

After S'Vad is defeated, Cosmo marries Kathy, Megan and Fanul develop feelings for each other while Ariel and Cutter do the same, and Ariel and Megan become best friends. Fanul plans to return home and take over as ruler after the death of his father, but also plans to make changes to the way things are run and to grant the people freedom. Fanul promises to return to Earth occasionally to visit Megan. Megan and Ariel realize that even though they are from different worlds they are a lot alike.

Cast

Release

Stepsister from Planet Weird premiered on Disney Channel on June 17, 2000. [6] It was made available to stream on Disney+. [7]

Reception

Critical response

Michael Speier of Variety commended Draper’s portrayal as the film’s most compelling element and suggested it could attract attention from casting directors seeking more substantial talent. While acknowledging the film’s goofy charm and light-hearted approach, they noted that it lacks sophisticated special effects, with modest music and unremarkable locations. Speier found the film effective in conveying themes of interplanetary camaraderie and praised the performances of Tamara Hope, Khrystyne Haje, and Lance Guest, despite some issues with American accents from local actors. [8] Jessica Rawden of CinemaBlend observed that, among the various unconventional Disney Channel original movies, Stepsister from Planet Weird remains a personal favorite from 2000. Rawden remarked that the film’s primary focus on the conflict between the stepsisters contributes to its memorability, highlighting its exaggerated and imaginative storyline. [9]

Sabienna Bowman of Bustle described the film as genuinely sweet and noted that it offers significantly more fun than one might expect. Bowman mentioned that while it is not frightening, it remains a valuable addition to any Halloween-themed Disney Channel original movie (DCOM) collection. [10] Tom Cassidy of Common Sense Media gave the film a score of 4 out of 5 stars and said that Stepsister from Planet Weird is a heartfelt Disney TV movie that addresses complex themes such as divorce, the death of a parent, and blending families. Cassidy praised the movie for its effective exploration of these issues through the experiences of its likable leads, Megan and Ariel, noting that it teaches empathy and understanding while maintaining consistent humor. Cassidy also mentioned minor concerns, such as a potentially frightening ray-gun scene and mild language, but emphasized the film's overall warmth and responsible portrayal of adult-child relationships. [11]

Impact

In 2017, CableTV.com analyzed the entire catalog of Disney Channel Original Movies (over 100 films) and utilized Google Trends data to determine the most popular DCOM in each state. In Pennsylvania, the most popular film identified was Stepsister from Planet Weird. [12]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Little Mermaid</i> (TV series) Animated television series

The Little Mermaid is an American animated television series produced by Walt Disney Television Animation based on the 1989 animated feature film of the same name. It features the adventures of Ariel as a mermaid prior to the events of the film. This series is the third Disney television series to be spun off from a major animated film. Some of the voice actors of the film reprise their roles in the series, among them Jodi Benson as Ariel, Samuel E. Wright as Sebastian, Kenneth Mars as King Triton, and Pat Carroll as Ursula. Other voice actors include Edan Gross as Flounder, and Jeff Bennett as Prince Eric.

<i>The Thirteenth Year</i> American TV movie

The Thirteenth Year is a 1999 American fantasy comedy film directed by Duwayne Dunham and starring Chez Starbuck and Courtnee Draper. It premiered on Disney Channel on May 15, 1999.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khrystyne Haje</span> American actress

Khrystyne Kamil Haje is an American actress. She is known for her role as Simone Foster in the sitcom series Head of the Class. After the series ended in 1991, she continued acting in both television and films. Haje was named as one of the "50 Most Beautiful People" in People magazine's first edition of that list in 1990.

<i>The Proud Family Movie</i> 2005 television film directed by Bruce W. Smith

The Proud Family Movie is a 2005 American animated comedy television film based on the Disney Channel animated series, The Proud Family. It premiered on August 19, 2005 and serves as the finale to the show’s original run.

<i>Genius</i> (1999 film) 1999 TV series or program

Genius is a 1999 American comedy film released as a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) and directed by Rod Daniel. The film stars Trevor Morgan and Emmy Rossum, and premiered on Disney Channel on August 21, 1999. In the film, Morgan portrays a genius who enrolls in college at the age of 12 and takes on a bad boy image in an attempt to gain friends.

<i>Dont Look Under the Bed</i> 1999 Disney Channel Original Movie

Don't Look Under the Bed is a made-for-TV fantasy horror film directed by Kenneth Johnson. It was released on October 9, 1999, as a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM).

<i>Rip Girls</i> 2000 American TV series or program

Rip Girls is a 2000 family drama Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM), directed by Joyce Chopra and starring Camilla Belle as a teenage girl named Sydney. The film's plot follows Sydney, her father and his wife, stepmom Elizabeth, who come to an island on Hawaii, where they find a closer relationship to each other while struggling with ideas of changes to the island. During her time on the island, Sydney makes new friends and learns the truth about her deceased mother. The film premiered on Disney Channel on April 22, 2000.

<i>Under Wraps</i> (1997 film) 1997 American television comedy film

Under Wraps is a 1997 American television comedy film directed by Greg Beeman and starring Bill Fagerbakke, Adam Wylie, Mario Yedidia, and Clara Bryant, and the first Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) by Disney Channel. This television film was shot in Chico, California. It was included by the network in its 100 DCOMs celebration from May–June 2016.

<i>Can of Worms</i> (film) 1999 multi-national TV series or program

Can of Worms is a science fiction comedy film and is part of the Disney Channel Original Movie lineup. It premiered on Disney Channel on April 10, 1999, and is based on the novel of the same name by Kathy Mackel, which was a Young Reader's Choice Nominee in 2002 and a nominee for the 2001 Rhode Island Children's Book Award. It is also the first Disney Channel Original Movie to be rated TV-PG.

<i>Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior</i> 2006 television film directed by John Laing

Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior is a 2006 American martial arts fantasy film released as a Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) and starring Brenda Song and Shin Koyamada. The voice of Hadley Hudson is also featured. Koyamada plays a Chinese monk who visits the title character. Wendy is a Chinese-American teenager played by Song, claimed to be the reincarnation of a powerful female warrior. She is also the only person who can prevent a spirit of an ancient and evil Chinese dragon named Yan-Lo, voiced by Hudson, from destroying the world.

<i>The Cheetah Girls 2</i> 2006 film directed by Kenny Ortega

The Cheetah Girls 2 is a 2006 American musical comedy film and the sequel to the Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM), The Cheetah Girls. Directed by Kenny Ortega, the sequel is about the talented teen quartet who take a whirlwind tour of Spain to pursue their dreams of pop superstardom. Unlike its predecessor, which incorporated karaoke-like musical numbers, The Cheetah Girls 2 turned into more of a musical.

<i>Northern Lights</i> (1997 film) 1997 American TV series or program

Northern Lights is a 1997 drama television film based upon the 1988 stage play of the same name by John Hoffman. Directed by Linda Yellen, the film stars Diane Keaton, Maury Chaykin, Joseph Cross, and Kathleen York. It was produced for the Disney Channel and premiered on August 23, 1997. Some sources identify Northern Lights as the first Disney Channel Original Movie, though Northern Lights was not included in Disney Channel's 100 Original Movies celebration that aired in May–June 2016, and Disney Channel considers 1997's Under Wraps to be the first official Disney Channel Original Movie.

<i>Susie Q</i> (film) 1996 fantasy-comedy television film by John Blizek

Susie Q is a 1996 fantasy-comedy television film directed by John Blizek and starring Justin Whalin, Amy Jo Johnson and Shelley Long. It originally aired on Super RTL in Germany, followed by Disney Channel's airing of it in the United States on October 3, 1996, as a Disney Channel Premiere Film. The film tells the story of a young woman dying with her beau on her way to their Winter Formal back in the mid-1950s and coming back to her old house 40 years later in order to help her parents avoid being kicked out of their trailer park home. Later, Zach (Whalin) moves into Susie's (Johnson) old house, but he is the only one who is able to see Susie.

Courtnee Alyssa Draper is an American actress. She is best known for her roles as Morgan Hudson in The Jersey, Sam in The Thirteenth Year, Megan Larson in Stepsister from Planet Weird, Elizabeth in BioShock Infinite and Sarah Whitaker in Days Gone. For her performance in BioShock Infinite, Draper was nominated for a British Academy Games Award for Performer and won a Spike Video Game Award for her performance of "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" in the game. Draper was also a cast member on The Bold and the Beautiful from April to October 2002 as Erica Lovejoy.

<i>Cyborg 3: The Recycler</i> 1995 American film

Cyborg 3: The Recycler is a 1994 American direct-to-video film and is sequel to Cyborg 2 (1993) starring Malcolm McDowell and Khrystyne Haje. Released on home video in 1995, the film is directed by Michael Schroeder. It is the third installment in the Cyborg film series.

<i>Camp Rock</i> 2008 musical television film

Camp Rock is a 2008 musical television film directed by Matthew Diamond from a screenplay by Karin Gist, Regina Hicks, Julie Brown, and Paul Brown. The 73rd Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM), the film stars Demi Lovato, Joe Jonas, Meaghan Martin, Maria Canals-Barrera, Daniel Fathers, and Alyson Stoner. In the film, aspiring teenage singer Mitchie Torres (Lovato) visits Camp Rock, a summer music camp.

<i>Halloweentown</i> (film) 1998 television film by Duwayne Dunham

Halloweentown is a 1998 American fantasy comedy film directed by Duwayne Dunham. The first installment in Halloweentown series, it stars Debbie Reynolds, Kimberly J. Brown, Joey Zimmerman, and Judith Hoag. It is the fourth Disney Channel Original Movie. It centers on Marnie, who learns she is a witch on her 13th Halloween and is transported to Halloweentown—a magical place where ghosts, ghouls, witches, and werewolves live apart from the human world, but she soon finds herself battling wicked warlocks, evil curses, and endless surprises.

<i>Lemonade Mouth</i> (film) 2011 television film directed by Patricia Riggen

Lemonade Mouth is a 2011 American teen musical drama television film, based on the 2007 novel of the same name by Mark Peter Hughes. The film was directed by Patricia Riggen and written by April Blair, and stars Bridgit Mendler, Adam Hicks, Naomi Scott, Hayley Kiyoko and Blake Michael. The film tells the story of five high school students who meet in detention and form a band to stand up for their beliefs and to overcome their individual and collective struggles.

<i>Adventures in Babysitting</i> (2016 film) 2016 TV film directed by John Schultz

Adventures in Babysitting is a 2016 American adventure comedy television film directed by John Schultz and starring Sabrina Carpenter and Sofia Carson. It is a remake of the 1987 film of the same name. The film premiered on Disney Channel in the United States and Canada on June 24, 2016, and is the 100th Disney Channel Original Movie.

References

  1. ↑ Narayanan, Varsha (November 7, 2023). "Stepsister From Planet Weird: Where to Watch & Stream Online?". ComingSoon.net . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  2. ↑ Woo, Elaine (December 9, 2004). "Francess Lantz, 52; Author of the 'Luna Bay' Series for Girls". Los Angeles Times . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  3. ↑ Clausen, Coe (March 27, 2023). "Disney Channel Original Movies That Live Rent-Free In Millennials Minds, Ranked". MovieWeb . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  4. ↑ Khosla, Proma (May 18, 2018). "The 16 best and most bizarre Disney Channel Original Movies". Mashable . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  5. ↑ Mercadante, James (July 1, 2024). "The 40 best Disney Channel Original Movies, ranked". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  6. ↑ "Stepsister from Planet Weird (television)". D23 . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  7. ↑ Shepherd, Jack (March 24, 2020). "Here's every show and movie available on Disney Plus UK at launch". GamesRadar+ . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  8. ↑ Speier, Michael (June 16, 2000). "Stepsister From Planet Weird". Variety . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  9. ↑ Rawden, Jessica (June 13, 2019). "10 Disney Channel Original Movies That Will Remind You Of Your Childhood". CinemaBlend . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  10. ↑ Bowman, Sabienna (September 19, 2016). "A Complete Ranking Of Disney's Halloween DCOMs". Bustle . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  11. ↑ Cassidy, Tom. "Stepsister from Planet Weird Movie Review | Common Sense Media". Common Sense Media . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
  12. ↑ Devon, Noelle (October 25, 2017). "Here Are the Most Popular Disney Channel Original Movies In Every State". Seventeen . Retrieved 2024-08-31.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.