16 wishes is a light comedy with a predictable story but a feel good plot overall. The performances were good as well and the movie entertaining till the very ending. So five out of ten.
21 Reviews
Good Enough
PennyReviews21 July 2019
Cute....But Nothing New
DiamondGirl42726 June 2010
Another Disney made for TV movie...trying to promote its' young stars. The actress this time is Debbie Ryan..who is apple fresh and glowing..and fairly talented too. She has been on another of Disneys' TV shows.."The Suite Life On Deck"..and now she gets a shot at becoming a major Disney star. The movie is typical Disney fare..the main character is faced with a major problem..seeks to find a way to fix it..and somehow manages to mess things up...because she was too greedy and wanted to be someone other than who she was. She then gets a second chance to fix things back to normal..and finally, she does...learning a lesson in the process. All is saved and everyone goes home happy. It is predictable as all things Disney are when it comes to movies..but kids should enjoy it..especially pre teen and teen girls. Fairy tales do come true...and while real life is not quite like this...it is fine family fare. The only thing I had a problem with is that I wish they would stop stereo-typing the characters so much. :)
16 Frivolous Wishes
bkoganbing26 June 2010
With an all north of the border cast, The Suite Life On Deck's Debby Ryan gets to star in a Disney Studio production of 16 Wishes. The number of course is to correspond with the sweet 16 she has become. Though the sweet sixteen experience is a female one, I think even the male of the species could come up with sixteen things that could be considered pretty frivolous that one might have wished for at sixteen. Somethings you wouldn't wish for at even 26, let alone 66.
Which is the lesson Ryan learns. She's planned out her sixteenth birthday party and even though the day starts out horribly when wasps are discovered to be making a nest in the unused attic of her home, she gets those 16 candles from a 'magical person' played by Anna Mae Routledge. Sure enough as is the usual way of things in film and life, granting those wishes that she's laid out for herself doesn't make her a happier camper.
16 Wishes is a charming fantasy from that fantasy factory the Magic Kingdom. Debby Ryan is a sweet and talented young lady and she really does hold the film together. Nothing spectacular, but a nice family comedy and it does once again reinforce the old adage about being careful what you wish for.
Which is the lesson Ryan learns. She's planned out her sixteenth birthday party and even though the day starts out horribly when wasps are discovered to be making a nest in the unused attic of her home, she gets those 16 candles from a 'magical person' played by Anna Mae Routledge. Sure enough as is the usual way of things in film and life, granting those wishes that she's laid out for herself doesn't make her a happier camper.
16 Wishes is a charming fantasy from that fantasy factory the Magic Kingdom. Debby Ryan is a sweet and talented young lady and she really does hold the film together. Nothing spectacular, but a nice family comedy and it does once again reinforce the old adage about being careful what you wish for.
Too Predictable To Ever Really Be Charming
zkonedog11 March 2017
As an older brother to a younger sibling who frequents Disney Channel fare, I often sit down with her to watch certain Disney movies/shows. Some I enjoy, while others (like this one) are just a bit too contrived/silly to draw in anyone but the youngest of viewers.
For a basic plot summary, "16 Wishes" tells the 16th birthday story of Abby Jenson (Debby Ryan). When her big day gets off on the wrong foot, Abby is granted 16 b-day wishes by a magical being. As the wishes mount, Abby begins to realize what a 16th birthday really SHOULD be all about.
In pretty much all cases, current Disney fare walks the fine line between charming and cheesy. The good stuff (e.g. High School Musical, Wizards of Waverly Place) stay charming, while the others descent into contrived silliness. In this case, the storyline is just too predictable to ever really suck you in.
On a more positive note, the acting in this film is very watchable. Ryan may just be the next big Disney star (for better or worse), while Jean-Luc Bilodeau (of Kyle XY fame) nearly steals the show as Abby's best friend. The "villain" of the story is way too over-the-top, but other than that the characters are quite well done.
Basically, this is a flick for younger children (no questionable material) and the earliest of pre- teens. Viewers of any older age will realize the silliness and tune out before reaching the finale.
For a basic plot summary, "16 Wishes" tells the 16th birthday story of Abby Jenson (Debby Ryan). When her big day gets off on the wrong foot, Abby is granted 16 b-day wishes by a magical being. As the wishes mount, Abby begins to realize what a 16th birthday really SHOULD be all about.
In pretty much all cases, current Disney fare walks the fine line between charming and cheesy. The good stuff (e.g. High School Musical, Wizards of Waverly Place) stay charming, while the others descent into contrived silliness. In this case, the storyline is just too predictable to ever really suck you in.
On a more positive note, the acting in this film is very watchable. Ryan may just be the next big Disney star (for better or worse), while Jean-Luc Bilodeau (of Kyle XY fame) nearly steals the show as Abby's best friend. The "villain" of the story is way too over-the-top, but other than that the characters are quite well done.
Basically, this is a flick for younger children (no questionable material) and the earliest of pre- teens. Viewers of any older age will realize the silliness and tune out before reaching the finale.
16 Wishes Production Review
tvjunkie7777 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
16 Wishes was a good family movie. Predictable plot, but nice twists. I like how we got to understand a few layers beneath the surface with the antagonist and protagonist. Once their differences and true root issues beneath the obvious feud were revealed, we along with the characters could go down a bold path. Empathy, diversity, seeking forgiveness, releasing hatred, and freeing both people in the process. An above average lesson in movies typical of this genre. Kudos to the author, Annie. If you watched the behind the scenes Blogs and video footage at the end of the movie, you could tell that the cast and crew had fun on set. That energy translated on camera as well. Kudos to Peter DeLouise as director for creating and protecting the atmosphere that translated into the movie. An outstanding performance by an underrated rising Disney Star in Debby Ryan. Although it was not a high school musical or camp rock type movie, music and artistic expression were plentiful. The majority of the cast and crew were not from Hollywood, but from Canada. A lot of budding talent there. While we are on the topic, the sad montage turning point scene was delivered heartfelt genuine emotion reflecting a true range of acting contrary to Ryan's role as Bailey Pickett on the light hearted over the top Disney comedy Suite Life on Deck. Also the reconciliation scene between Abby and Krista was honest and believable. Music was subtle but on target. The sixteen year old Ryan wrote the sad montage song "open eyes" and sang it with her brother spoken from the advice she would give Abby if they were friends. The lyrics and hook are apropos, as well as insightful and wise for a 16 year old Disney comedic actor. The fun upbeat "A wish comes true everyday", which was performed in the music video by Debby Ryan kept to the innocent family friendly theme while launching Youtube videos galore of young girls wanting to recreate the fun. Jean-Luc was talented and understated enough for the chosen medium. Not only was he cute, but the chemistry between him and Debby translated as authentic true friendship that many a teen hopes to grow into something more. Anna May was the best modern version of the magic creature. The promotion was very limited and only 6 weeks or so out. I did not see any posters in malls, radio adds, etc. Contrast that with the Camp Rock II consisting of multiple top Disney stars and big names, it had a year long marketing on-slot in magazines, radio spots, interviews, merchandise, posters, billboards, malls, multiple Web Presents, Disney Channel commercials network and Nick channel commercials, etc. That's show business. But from a business point of view, 16 Wishes drew 5.6 million viewers with only one rising Disney star (Debby Ryan) and a 6 week minimal marketing campaign still returned multiple times more on the movie's investment than did Camp Rock II drawing 8 million viewers in exchange for its much higher budget, star power of 10 or so big names, and year long marketing campaign.
All in all, a great family friendly movie with much opportunity to spend time with the family, laugh, cry, and sign together, and did I mention discuss life lessons in the movie and generate dialog with your teen about relevant things in their lives.
All in all, a great family friendly movie with much opportunity to spend time with the family, laugh, cry, and sign together, and did I mention discuss life lessons in the movie and generate dialog with your teen about relevant things in their lives.
Selfish wishes with a small twist
NightFalling23 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
It's difficult to like a movie when you barely care about the characters. The plot of this movie isn't original, but I did enjoy it the first time I watched it (10 years old). Personally, I find Abby's character to be a bit pretentious. She has an "I'm so special" attitude about her that makes me bored. When she has the candles she seems to only think about herself and lets the power get the best of her.
It's not just Abby though. Most of the girls in this movie annoy me with their "Teen girl" screams over clothing and boys. This movie contains many other cheesy predictable moments. I will say that I was a bit surprised in the way she gets her life back and I like the "villains" origin.
The reason Jay is my favorite character is because he sticks by Abby even when she's acting this way. He is the voice of reason that Abby refuses to listen to.
The message is good though; Don't grow up too fast.
It's not just Abby though. Most of the girls in this movie annoy me with their "Teen girl" screams over clothing and boys. This movie contains many other cheesy predictable moments. I will say that I was a bit surprised in the way she gets her life back and I like the "villains" origin.
The reason Jay is my favorite character is because he sticks by Abby even when she's acting this way. He is the voice of reason that Abby refuses to listen to.
The message is good though; Don't grow up too fast.
Awful
speechless1961-564-48848410 November 2016
Such a spoiled brat. I was wishing her parents had spanked her. The cast was okay, but the acting was pretty bad. I wanted to see this because of Jean-Luc Bilodeau because he was so great in Kyle XY, but this certainly couldn't have helped his career much. I wasn't expecting a masterpiece, but I generally really like high school movies and TV shows. But this is a stinker. Wow, 10 lines is a lot for bad movies like this. Without giving away any plot points, all I can really say is that it's a ridiculous movie with a great cast but a terrible script and bad acting. I won't waste my time watching this one again. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, and I only hope Mr. Bilodeau will be more discerning in the future about the roles he chooses.
Wait a minute. Someone compared this to 13 going on 30? That's a pure insult to Christa B Allen and Jennifer Garner!
Wait a minute. Someone compared this to 13 going on 30? That's a pure insult to Christa B Allen and Jennifer Garner!
Finally.
Momorocks7 August 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Disney Channel goes back to it's simple roots!!! well kinda.
Girl has 16 wishes on birthday, wishes for stuff, wishes go wrong,she realizes she was selfish blah blah blah, you know the rest. Not the most original, but still.
This movie reminds me of all those 90s and early 2000 movies I loved as a kid. No singing or dancing or Hollywood or kid wanting to be famous or anything. Not a musical, not a movie with pointless jokes, just a really nice family movie, the kind we all miss. Well, Debby Ryan sings a song at the end, but that's it. And it was actually pretty good.
By far one of the better Disney channel movies to come out in a while. If they continue with this stuff, good things will happen. Maybe the age of Hollywood crazed kids is finished. Maybe there's still hope.
Maybe.
Girl has 16 wishes on birthday, wishes for stuff, wishes go wrong,she realizes she was selfish blah blah blah, you know the rest. Not the most original, but still.
This movie reminds me of all those 90s and early 2000 movies I loved as a kid. No singing or dancing or Hollywood or kid wanting to be famous or anything. Not a musical, not a movie with pointless jokes, just a really nice family movie, the kind we all miss. Well, Debby Ryan sings a song at the end, but that's it. And it was actually pretty good.
By far one of the better Disney channel movies to come out in a while. If they continue with this stuff, good things will happen. Maybe the age of Hollywood crazed kids is finished. Maybe there's still hope.
Maybe.
A rip off of 13 going on 30 minus the body swapping plot
lisafordeay25 November 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Where should I start with this one well I can tell you what its about. The movie tells the story of a young girl named Abby(SUITE LIFE ON DECKS DEBBIE RYAN)who is celebrating her 16th birthday. One day a strange woman comes into her life and some strange stuff start happening. She gives her magic candles that will make all her dreams come true from her wish list that Abby made. Every wish works for an hour but when its midnight all her wishes are permanent. So when she wishes to be treated like a grownup she ends up as a 22 year old and of course she tries to change her wishes but is it too late.
The whole film is like 13 going on 30 as the lead actress is kinda like Christa B Allen. Its so pointless and rather weird from time to time.
If you like movies that makes all your wishes come true but you sometimes have to be careful with what you wish for then be my guest.
The whole film is like 13 going on 30 as the lead actress is kinda like Christa B Allen. Its so pointless and rather weird from time to time.
If you like movies that makes all your wishes come true but you sometimes have to be careful with what you wish for then be my guest.
Cute and adorable, but well not the best
jelinafck9 August 2019
Well I've seen this a lot of times, but it's not giving me the best vibes, but the worst either. I love watching it but it's more something I watch in the background than watching while actually sitting and enjoy.
I think if you like the tv show Jessie, this is good to watch, at all it is Debby Ryan, but it's not because you get the feelings out with this one and it can be a little weird. But well it is cute and a fine family movie if you have kids in the age of 7-14 ish.
I think if you like the tv show Jessie, this is good to watch, at all it is Debby Ryan, but it's not because you get the feelings out with this one and it can be a little weird. But well it is cute and a fine family movie if you have kids in the age of 7-14 ish.
Younger me really ate this up
Bad_Movie_Recs7 September 2022
I think we all know what we're getting into when we go to watch a Disney movie about teens, so I don't really have much to say. However, With the outfits and the unrealistic rivalry over a boy that lasted way longer than what would be considered sane, the fact that this was produced in 2010 hit me hard. The only good thing about this movie was the sense of nostalgia it emanated because of how dated it is. I wouldn't say I loved this movie when I was a child but it was definitely important enough to leave a mark on my childhood. Up until the age of 12 I kept a list hoping this would happen to me. Even though the plot was as riveting as a piece of cardboard it still holds a special space in my heart. However, if you're reading this trying to figure out if you want to watch it, don't. Where most movies have a mountain of a climax, this movie has a ditch of disappointment. If I could've even understood what was happening I'm sure I could write an entire essay in where this movie went wrong. I'm not even sure there's a lesson at the end. All I took from the movie is hurt someone physically and socially to get what you want. Which I guess is a better lesson than some other movies.
Love it!
AnnaPagrati28 August 2021
Great movie enjoyable for teens
jerrymccarthy-1990922 June 2021
I really enjoyed this film and it's makes you wish you got candles on your 16 birthday that you could make wishes. I think it's a must see Disney film I enjoyed Debby Ryan acting in the film and found her funny to watch. Rate this a great film.
Funny and fun movie... but familiar story line **Spoilers**
salinaserynne29 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I saw 16 wishes without any expectations. It was just a typical day for me to watch random movies that were on. I started watching and on the beginning, it was kinda cheesy. The main girl basically wants what all the average teenage girls do - Privacy,popularity,being independent. etc. This movie was not very creative. The story line is just too familiar. I can't even mention how many more movies have the similar plot- almost exact actually. The scenarios always goes like this- The character wants something more and or something to change in their life. They get a chance to make a wish whether from a fairy or genie etc. It goes all perfect then something goes terribly wrong.. Then they realize they want their old life back. In the end, they basically appreciate everything they originally had. This movie was funny and enjoyable though. The acting was good except for the main girl's parents. I give this movie 6 stars for some really good acting and a funny plot.This is a pretty good film, but not if you're in a mood for something unpredictable and realistic.
Surprisingly good
Wes471 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
It got off what (to me) seemed like an awkward start. Maybe "Sweet 16", where you're given a car, get your driver's license, and a big party is just a girl thing. I remember seeing my 16th birthday as the end of childhood. Time to get ready for adulthood now.
And at first this movie was exactly like a fairy tale; where the poor, neglected, downtrodden girl finally blossoms into a beautiful princess who gets everything she's ever wanted through no effort of her own and is adored by everyone.
I had to pause the movie several times because I kept thinking "This girl has her own room, a loving family with a nice house, friends. So why does she keep feeling sorry for herself and keep wishing her life would just be magically perfect?
Then they turn the tables and grant her wishes. She gets the life she's always wanted, but it doesn't turn out the way she thought. By the end she realizes she has a lot of growing up to do, and a lot to be thankful for.
And at first this movie was exactly like a fairy tale; where the poor, neglected, downtrodden girl finally blossoms into a beautiful princess who gets everything she's ever wanted through no effort of her own and is adored by everyone.
I had to pause the movie several times because I kept thinking "This girl has her own room, a loving family with a nice house, friends. So why does she keep feeling sorry for herself and keep wishing her life would just be magically perfect?
Then they turn the tables and grant her wishes. She gets the life she's always wanted, but it doesn't turn out the way she thought. By the end she realizes she has a lot of growing up to do, and a lot to be thankful for.
Cute and Fun Movie for Girls
user-779-29884930 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Funnily enough i enjoyed this movie quite a lot. a lot of people say its a typical Disney film. heres a fun fact. Disney didn't make it. Marvista Entertainment did, Disney just paid for them to run it on Disney (Most likely cause of there main actress)
Now when you step into a movie like this, you can be all i will see if this movie is good for ME and MY AGE! Because its not aimed at your age sometimes. This is a tween/teen/kids film. If your a adult, you probs wont like it much, if your a teen whos into grown up movies. You wont. You have to think of this as what it is to enjoy it before you begin to judge it.
I went into it fully prepared. aware it was a children's film intended for kids. and i loved it! The main actress Debby Ryan showed much potential. She had some fun scenes. and some sad scenes, which showed she could vary her person. Always a good thing to have.
The moral of the story and the overall story is one we may have heard before. "Be grateful what you got," " a girl wants to be older then regreats it" Sure we can say we've seen it all before. But you haven't. There was some supprising twists of originality in this film i just loved!
Overall itsa really good film for the family, and for sleepovers for girlies. :)
Now when you step into a movie like this, you can be all i will see if this movie is good for ME and MY AGE! Because its not aimed at your age sometimes. This is a tween/teen/kids film. If your a adult, you probs wont like it much, if your a teen whos into grown up movies. You wont. You have to think of this as what it is to enjoy it before you begin to judge it.
I went into it fully prepared. aware it was a children's film intended for kids. and i loved it! The main actress Debby Ryan showed much potential. She had some fun scenes. and some sad scenes, which showed she could vary her person. Always a good thing to have.
The moral of the story and the overall story is one we may have heard before. "Be grateful what you got," " a girl wants to be older then regreats it" Sure we can say we've seen it all before. But you haven't. There was some supprising twists of originality in this film i just loved!
Overall itsa really good film for the family, and for sleepovers for girlies. :)
Magic and hermeneutics.
daviuquintultimate17 December 2021
"People will stop treating me like a kid" is one of the 16 wishes that Abby Jensen has been collecting and writing on a highly decorated piece of paper for eight years now, when she was half the age she is today, on her sweet 16th birthday's morning. Magics worked quite well for other wishes, that day: she meets her favourite pop star, she gets a new fabulous dress, and even a car and a driving license, she wins school elections, and so on. But with this particular wish magic shows a glitch: not only she is not more "treated like a kid", she actually isn't a kid anymore! (22, not so much). Misinterpretation. And she is suddenly projected into a new existence. Her parents send her to a new apartment, which she is expected to pay for with the gains of her (unexistent) job; worse: even her bff, Jay, doesn't recognize her, at the beginning. Sad. And - much worse - when he eventually remembers, she is still, for him and everybody else, an older person. Sadder. Unexplainable.
A final magic trick restores her to the morning of her birthday, and her life, to her relievement, starts again, in a new way, not like the gloomy picture acquired when she was an adult. But - hark - not even like the first start: her relationships with people, and the course of action is radically changed. Third time around, a third future (or present?), sure. There's no magic without logic.
A final magic trick restores her to the morning of her birthday, and her life, to her relievement, starts again, in a new way, not like the gloomy picture acquired when she was an adult. But - hark - not even like the first start: her relationships with people, and the course of action is radically changed. Third time around, a third future (or present?), sure. There's no magic without logic.
Childhood movie
hereuser2 August 2023
For every 2006 kid that usually switched on Disney channel, this is THE childhood movie.
I remember them replaying it usually and I've always watched it because of Debby Ryan , because I started missing Jessie i little bit too much.
The story has an interesting point. Kind of stolen from their original cartoons such as Snow White and Cinderella.
The acting is on top for a kids movie from the 2000s'
The idea of having your 16 wishes throughout a whole day of adventures then suddenly ending up being 21 doesn't really add up to me much ,but I guess it still works ,since it shows how good it is to be a child.
I remember them replaying it usually and I've always watched it because of Debby Ryan , because I started missing Jessie i little bit too much.
The story has an interesting point. Kind of stolen from their original cartoons such as Snow White and Cinderella.
The acting is on top for a kids movie from the 2000s'
The idea of having your 16 wishes throughout a whole day of adventures then suddenly ending up being 21 doesn't really add up to me much ,but I guess it still works ,since it shows how good it is to be a child.
I have my doubts.. although good movie.
gracewilli0326 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I recently watched 16 wishes for the like 8,000,000th time. I wanted to notify you about this. I know the directors and actors worked very hard on this movie and (Even though it may be overplayed) i admire it. Debby Ryan nailed it. YES! This movie may have its problems.. but it definitely deserves a better rating. I especially love the ending. Debby( Abby) learns that she should not take life for granted. She was very greedy and took advantage of everyone. This movie is fairly simple although sort of predictable. It is still a nice family movie with no stupid jokes and a lesson that some people can relate to. I still do not understand why ALL Disney movies are based on teens and not kids, but who cares! Its fun!
16 wishes review
maddiebuggie27 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie many times as a kid. It was really good. I loved this movie as a child. All of the actors and actress where good. I loved that a person come and give her some candles that would make her dreams come true. But by the end of the movie she learned that just becuse she had everything she wanted it doesn't mean that she was happy. So at the end of the movie she decide to get rid of everything she had gotten using the wishes so she could be truely happy.
Great Childhood Movie
butterflymantra19 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I first watched this movie when I was about ten years old, and I absolutely adored this movie. It was a feel good movie for girls about life as a teenage girl that wanted nothing more then to grow up. I always felt attached to the movie whenever it would pop up on TV on the Disney Channel because like Abby (Debby Ryan) I wanted nothing more then to be sixteen.
It was a typical kids movie with a predictable ending of the girl getting the guy who happens to be her best friend and having the best sweet sixteen party ever. Though what do you expect with a Disney Channel movie about a girls sweet sixteen? Now as an adult if I had never watched it as a kid I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it. I give it a 8/10 due to the fact that it is a childhood favorite movie.
It was a typical kids movie with a predictable ending of the girl getting the guy who happens to be her best friend and having the best sweet sixteen party ever. Though what do you expect with a Disney Channel movie about a girls sweet sixteen? Now as an adult if I had never watched it as a kid I probably wouldn't have enjoyed it. I give it a 8/10 due to the fact that it is a childhood favorite movie.
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