The Even Stevens Movie (2003)

Some things I liked some I did not.

It's a mild crowd pleaser for people who are exhausted by blockbusters.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

Louis (Shia LaBeouf) is a teenager, living in Sacramento. Now on summer vacation, he has invented an elaborate lawn chair which he thinks fulfills all his wants. Since the chair can dispense snacks and sodas, he plans on spending most of the summer on a sit-in. His sister, Ren (Christy Carlson Romano), however, just got dumped by her boyfriend at the pancake house. He "forgot" to mention that he was taking a summer job as a camp swim instructor on the east coast, far from Sacramento and doesn't want to be tied down. Brother! Ren decides to get a summer babysitting job for an active youngster, Beans, but is horrified when he tells her the rest of the family is taking a trip to Scandinavia, minus him! Father Steve (Tom Virtue) is out of work, making life a challenge for his kids and lovely wife, Eileen (Donna Pescow). On the day Louis' chair goes berserk, narrowly missing a visitor, the Stevens get great news! The guest, Miles (Tim Meadows) explains that the family has won a trip to an undiscovered South Pacific island, a true paradise. All expenses will be paid. Well, well! With bright smiles, the family lands on the tropical refuge, where the first day passes happily. What the Stevens' don't know, however, is that it is all a set-up. A reality television show called Family Fakeout has taken them to an island just miles off the coast of California and the "natives" are all actors. Miles' goal is to film these nice folks while creating havoc for them, such as taking away their shelters, food, and more. Meanwhile, folks in the States will be watching the drama unfold. Can the Stevens get off this Island of the Damned before they go crazy? This is a fun film for families that makes a good watch, whatever the occasion. The actors are quite comical and expressive, the scenery is beautiful, the costumes are nice, and the script/direction is zesty and eventful. Are the kids getting restless on a snowy winter's night? Get this movie and chase the chills away.

This movie was awesome. I only wish it were in theaters, but thats ok.I'm a huge fan of the show and I make sure I catch it when I'm at someone's house (I don't have cable). I had my friend tape the movie and I watched it last night.*spoilers* Probably the only parts that really dragged were the Ren parts. She meets this dude and falls for him. He's supposed to be acting, but then ends up really falling for her. I thought it was kind of boring. But the FUNNIEST part for me was Tom saying "What's up?". Just the delivery of the line was hilarious and kept me laughing for awhile.I give this movie a 9/10.I highly recommend this movie.

I recently saw this movie (that naturally, the Disney Channel's pushing *real* hard, it's been on multiple times a day for the last several days (or so it seems)) and I can state with clear certainty that I am glad it wasn't released in the theatres (unlike the much glossier Lizzie McGuire movie). There's a certain plodding to the entire script (obviously inspired by all that Reality TV lately, and sprinkling in some rhetoric from THE TRUMAN SHOW), it feels very laboured and drawn out a bit. Perhaps it could have been shortened to an hour (that's with some commercials) or filled with a bit more substance. For that matter, the whole movie would have been better if the premise of the characters being on a Reality TV show wasn't exposed nearly as soon as it was.Still, it seems to follow that same Disney formula of funny moments, love and everything ending happily everafter. I think that if you're a big fan of the TV series, you'll like this movie, since you'll see familiar characters pulling off bits of their familiar antics. If you have never seen the TV series, you'd be best waiting to see regular episodes first, then trying this movie later (knowing Disney's broadcast schedule, this will probably pop up repeatedly at random intervals for the next year or so).

I honestly have to say that this movie was amazing, words can't even describe. It's everything I expected it to be. If you're an "Even Stevens" fan you will definitely love it! Shia is hilarious, as usual. I recommend it to all fans of the show. You will not be disappointed!!