Critic Reviews

In any case, the noisy proceedings eventually work their way to a climactic group sword fight with a pirate theme. It’s blood-free and choreographed like one of those stage shows you see at a Disney theme park: dazzling for the kiddies, endless for the adults.

Kenny Ortega once again directs the production, which is lively, tuneful and colorful, although the pace doesn’t really pick up until the midpoint in the film. The production numbers are brilliant, in their way: You have to really look closely to figure out that the choreography is largely people skipping in unison, with an occasional synchronized twirl, and the use of quick cuts makes it appear as though every member of the main cast can dance as well as the professional dancers surrounding them.

The music and scale notwithstanding, this doesn't just play like any old episode of a Disney Channel live-action comedy, but a mediocre one at that.