Phantom of the Megaplex (2000 TV Movie) User Reviews

Taught me the Magic of the Movies

[ANightToRemember · 7/10 · 10 September 2007]

One of my Favorites.

The film is about Pete Riley (Handley) who works at a huge Megaplex, where things begin to go wrong. His siblings (Smith)(Wachs) are two movie lovers, like myself, who want to save the Megaplex. If that isn't enough, the place is about to have a huge premiere for the owners film. Crazy huh? Anyway, the acting is pretty decent, some fiction mixed in with Non-Fiction. It's got to be one of the best and most remembered Disney Film.

Micky Rooney is in it! How much better can it get! One for the family, this film. It's entertainment on all levels.

Disney better continue to play this film, because if they don't, I have no idea whats going on in their heads.

Really enjoyed this

[MLS86 · 7/10 · 1 June 2021]

I watched this as a grown adult and strangely found this to be very enjoyable. Likeable characters, good plot, and I really enjoyed the setting of a movie theater itself. A great fun family movie.

decent

[KELDER-3 · 5/10 · 28 October 2002]

This movie isn't good, original or anything that would qualify a movie as a must see. But it is pretty decent, the plot is very much predictable but then again, so is the plot for pretty much every kidsmovie (what this clearly is)

anyway, nice for the kids, and if you're bored and there is nothing better on the telly pretty decent to watch.

5 out 10

One of My Favorite Disney Movies

[hollywoodgirl-1 · 3 January 2006]

I really enjoyed this movie back when it came out and am so sad that Disney insists on making new movies every month while completely forgetting their classic older ones, which are much more enjoyable than the new cheesy ones. The plot is simple enough: A big movieplex is playing home to a huge Hollywood premier. They are still showing films (a little odd) right up until the second of the premier, but someone (a mysterious phantom...) is thwarting everything and causing general mayhem. Who is this phantom? Why is he doing this? A cute film that is predictable but plays out well, the characters are good and relatable to everyone. This film seems to have really captured what it is like working in a theater, which I am now thinking twice about doing. I loved the contemporary take on Phantom of the Opera as well. I wish they would show this more on Disney, it really is a great movie for everyone of all ages. The footage from the original Phantom movie was a nice touch.

Disney Channel's Mystery Film With Some Downsides

[TheMysteriousReviewer · 6/10 · 12 October 2021]

Phantom of the Megaplex is okay, but it can be pretty generic at least in the first half. The characters are basically a group of stressed employees and audiences. And the jokes are maybe something kids will laugh, but mostly stale for my age. On the other hand, it can sometimes have fun moments. The mystery aspect can be interesting to watch. The setups are nice and show how movie theaters work like the projector and some rooms where they would be posters and objects for movies. And the message about enjoying life and still have your job does come to the right place. This can be worth a watch mostly for kids if they ever think about working at a movie theater. Again, the movie does well explaining how theaters work. Maybe it's not a great mystery film, but at least one of the most tolerable Disney Channel original films.

Cliché and Weak...

[RosanaBotafogo · 7/10 · 19 November 2022]

Pete Riley is a 17-year-old who lands a part-time job at a multiplex in his neighborhood. He and his friends are excited when it's announced that the theater will play host to the premiere of a major motion picture, with a number of Hollywood celebrities in attendance. However, when the big night comes, Pete has to contend with disappearing staff, malfunctioning equipment, and a broken popcorn machine.

An incredible potential wasted, a ghostly legend, metalanguage, some good captivating characters, a promising premise, however the production skidded in the silly teen mixed childish nonsense, 90% of the film takes place in the haunted cinema, a plate full wasted with little children eating popcorn and solving adult problems, boring, blocked script, and not very fun... Cliché and Weak...

Predictable DCOM

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 16 September 2020]

Loosely based on The Phantom of the Opera we see a young lad (the guy that played the bully in Jack Frost)working at a cinema where rumours are speculating that its haunted by a masked phantom. Will the lad and his siblings solve the mystery.

Also stars the late Mickey Rooney.

Too complicated

[In_Name_And_Blood · 5/10 · 8 August 2005]

I woke up one day with a bad hangover, switched on the TV and this came on. It had fresh-faced teens, it had fresh-faced Mickey Rooney, it had giant inflatable monsters that somehow chase people around. All of that was fantastic, as was the amusing side story about some skanks, but I just found the whole story too complicated. I was lying in my bed eating a couple of sausage rolls, trying to frantically write down clues that could lead me to guess who the 'Phantom' was. I really thought it was the mum's new boyfriend. I guess it was all those references to the blue sofa that threw me off (which I was later told was something out of Greek mythology. The Mickey Rooney references apparently make more sense if you play them backwards).

Overall, it's probably a great movie for boffins and computer wizard's, who can strut around, pipe in hand, theorising on the inverted characters and social themes that are carefully woven withing the fabric of the film, and gloating at how they managed to guess the identity of the 'Phantom', but the rest of us should steer clear. Just another of those 'too-deep-for-their own good' Mickey Rooney movies. I love the guy, but he should have given up after Coyote Ugly.

A family flick of all types of interests

[chrishewittpiano · 9/10 · 31 December 2002]

(Includes a background of characters that reveals who they are, If you want to keep all that a surprise, don't read this review.)

This movie is a movie that you feel okay with watching every once and awhile. It is one of my favorite Disney Channel Original Movies because it has a plot that you can follow. It also has a lot of people in the movie, making it a movie that all people can relate to because there is lots of different types of people as well. I liked it also because even though the family cast may not be the best of actors and actresses, they put together a family type of feeling that makes it seem like they are a family, even though they are not. The ideas that the movie used were pretty clever as well. The movie centers on a phantom terrorizing a big 26-screen movie theater. This is mainly a mystery as to who has been doing all of the unwanted actions in the theater.

To give you a background and summary of the characters I'll tell you about the family in the movie. The main character is Pete Riley, played by Taylor Handley. He is the assistant manager of this big megaplex, which means he has a lot of responsibility and duties to bring about before his shift is over. He has two siblings in the movie, his younger sister, Karen, played by Caitlin Wachs, and his younger brother, Bryan, played by Jacob Smith. They are the typical type of a younger brother and sister that nag you and annoy you mainly because they are bored. Pete is the type of older brother that in a way, tolerates it. They have a mother as well, who is probably just your everyday mother that has her sternness and fun side.

I think that Mickey Rooney, playing Movie Mason, did the best acting job. There were really no let-downs in this movie, but being a Disney Channel Original movie, it could have been better, only by adding more character development. This is a movie mainly for kids 6-11 or so. Teens may also enjoy it, only the teens today are mostly into PG-13 movies, not necessarily G movies. I enjoyed the movie because of the slight comedy, mystery, and some suspense. All in all it is worth it to see. Children will most definitely like it, maybe adults too. It's a good family movie that I give an 8.5/10.

A Pleasant Diversion

[jculley-1 · 4/10 · 11 July 2001]

Don't expect this film to be a major contribution to the art of film; just sit back and enjoy the silliness. Why bother to do that? Because along the way you get to see Mickey Rooney turn his sow's ear supporting role into a silk purse. As an eccentric who is obsessed with what he likes to call "the magic of the movies," Rooney lights up this film. Is he really as simple, gentle, and loving as he appears? Or is there a darker side to his character? Right up to the climactic moment of a wonderful monologue he delivers to two mesmerized kids, you're not really sure. Rooney has a great time with bringing to life a character that one would like to think resembles the actor himself. His presence makes an otherwise highly forgettable Disney product worth a look.

Wow!

[KurtTavares · 10/10 · 2 November 2002]

This one of my favorite movies. My kid hates it. but i love it. Movie Mason (Mickey Rooney) knows every thing about movies. It is a must see movie. It is scary and funny at the same time. 5 out out of 5 stars! Only on Disney. There is a man who is going around making bad stuff happen. That is all i am going to tell you.

And the winner or the worst movie ever is.....

[missxpaige · 1/10 · 20 October 2007]

I flicked on the show one Saturday, and I must say, it was horrible. I found my self thinking, "Wow, are these professional actors or bums off the street? The cast was unbelievable, and it was quite obvious who the phantom was. Also, terrible plot. I mean come on people giant balloons causing havoc? Wow.

I could not believe that stupid phantom. His laugh was obviously not by the actor, it was the laughter in a can. Really people, is it such a big deal that some guy turned on a fan in a movie? Even a maximum fan wouldn't have that effect.

If you're looking for an hour to kill and you enjoy cheesy movies, this is the one for you. Look for bad acting by the whole cast.

Not too bad, but still kinda bad

[flamingangel882 · 29 December 2002]

This movie was OK actually. The premise is actually very stupid I thought, but they throw in little bits of humor that make the movie bearable. Or maybe it's just me and my sense of humor (which is kind of odd I must admit), but I found some parts hysterical. Like when Pete is eating the cereal and his mom says to him, "Slow down, no one's gonna steal your wooly mammoth meat." Haha. Anyway, if your sense of humor is kind of out-of-whack like mine, you'd probably like some parts of this movie. If not, well, you'd probably hate it.

Ripoff

[mytmike96 · 2/10 · 17 October 2009]

This is the cheap mans phantom of the opera.Did Disney really think no one would notice? I mean seriously just change the word "megaplex" with the word opera! I really hate this movie. I really do. This movie has horrible acting, horrible plot development and just about everything else. Though it does have its few moments but those wont last long at all. This movie just suffers from being a ripoff i mean if you have seen phantom of the opera you would know what i am talking about. I have seen this movie once and hopefully i will never have to go threw the torture of watching it again! This movie could have been a nice little kiddy movie but it wasn't. STAY AWAY AT ALL COSTS

Great Disney Spooky Movie

[evanbirchfield · 10/10 · 8 October 2018]

This film has great suspense for a Disney Channel Original Movie. Those complaining are taking it as a blockbuster film, it's exactly what you'd expect from a Disney movie of this genre. Suspenseful, cheesy, funny, exciting.

Nice if you don't want to think too much

[sugar14250 · 4/10 · 22 November 2000]

This movie seems like it was put together out of desperation, not the desire to make a movie. It had a terrible plot, bad acting, and the characters were not believable. It was a Disney made for TV movie, which explains much of this. Though not as bad as "Mom's Got a Date With a Vampire", it was still not worth seeing.

If you want to see a movie that doesn't require much brain work, this would be a good one. I give it 2 out of 10 stars.

A Movie about the Greatness of Movies

[koltonbrett · 9/10 · 20 January 2022]

Rather than the Phantom of the Opera, we have the Phantom of the Megaplex, a large movie theater with all kinds of opportunity for mischief. It's a big night for this theater as everyone prepares for a big movie premiere with many celebrities in attendance. The only problem is, there is a phantom determined to mess it all up.

If you're desiring a fun night at the movies without having to leave your home, this is the movie for you. The main storyline is interesting and all the side stories are very entertaining. I can't believe how many fun characters they fit into this movie. I really enjoyed how thoroughly we get to explore this theater. The movie doesn't scream Halloween but there are some spooky moments with the phantom. What we get more of is an interesting Scooby Doo style mystery. If you haven't seen this movie before, trying to figure out who is behind the mask and what he will sabotage next will keep you hooked. The main characters are likable and intelligent. It had me feeling nostalgic and craving popcorn. This is perfect for the whole family for any time of the year.

Another urban legend

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 27 October 2014]

Phantom Of The Megaplex takes a couple of urban legends and weaves them into a tale told for the family. All in a day's work in the life of young Taylor Handley the assistant manager of a 26 screen Megaplex movie theater. I don't think I've been to one with more than 15 screens.

When this Megaplex was built an old style movie palace was torn down and legend has it that someone was buried alive inside the wreckage and haunts the new Megaplex. The old owner of the movie palace is played by Mickey Rooney and he hangs around the new theater and is something of a character.

But on a big premiere night all kinds of things start to go wrong and Handley is the man on the job. In addition to his sleuthing and emergency management he also has to look after younger siblings Caitlin Wachs and Jacob Smith.

Who do some sleuthing of their own and find in the lower depths of the building much like the Phantom Of The Opera, a lair that Mickey Rooney has created for himself.

All in all a nice family film, not to taxing.

AMAZING!

[DesWarin · 17 March 2002]

This is the funniest movie that I have ever seen! The acting is above top notch. Who needs Oscar winners, when you have David Johnston, and Mickey Rooney. How this movie disappeared off of the face of the earth, I have no idea. Good thing I filled twelve six-hour tapes with this movie, in case eleven are destroyed or something. I don't sleep! I just watch this movie. How can I bathe, eat, or re-enter society when I can watch this 24/7. I'm watching it right now. Granted, my skin is gray from lack of sunlight; and my leg muscles have atrophied, but I can't get enough of PoTM, as us Hollywood-savvy insiders call it. How can you not like this movie? "City Morgue" Priceless "What, do you want a medal?" Timeless I give this movie (Infinity^Infinity) Stars!

Phantom!

[BandSAboutMovies · 5/10 · 13 July 2021]

Taking inspiration from Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, this one's all about a gigantic megaplex that has to deal with mysterious happenings on the night of the premiere of the film Midnight Mayhem.

That's because when the original theater was demolished to build this 26-screen theater, the phantom stayed behind, now haunting this entire film. Perhaps the best part of this is Mickey Rooney as the Movie Mason, an elderly moviegoer whose family opened the original theater. He's so old that he comes to the theater every day thinking that he works there.

After a career of directing Power Rangers and teen movies like Wish Upon a Star, in which Katherine Heigl and Danielle Harris switch bodies, he pretty much only makes Mormon-themed movies like Meet the Mormons and a TV series based on the Book of Mormon.

For fans of this site, the highlight of this movie is when you can see one of the megaplex screens showing a horror movie called Glimpses of Genevieve which is, of course, Alice, Sweet Alice. I love that one of the most nihilistic movies ever about growing up is in a innocuous Disney film about teens.

I love this movie!!

[osmosiss1912 · 14 December 2002]

This movie was a great movie. No poor acting. Not a cheap movie. Great for every one! ********** of **********!!!! The best disney movie ever. Who is the bad man? is it Kyle? Movie Mason? Or someone else? u should watch this movie if u like mystery u like this movie.

disney movie

[dxpac14 · 21 June 2001]

i think that this movie was good. you have to remember that this is a disney movie and it is meant for kids to enjoy. most adults would think its a waste of time watching and give it a bad rating, but kids would like it. some of the actors could have been played by better actors, and they could have made it longer, but i still liked it.