Phénomène Raven

I figured for a Disney Channel production, this show would be just amusing, like "Lizzie McGuire" (a show I like, but I get no real hearty laughs out of it). "That's So Raven" always seems to make me chuckle. But what I am most impressed with is Raven-Symone's knack for physical comedy, and willingness to make herself look ridiculous (but not in a demeaning way) to get the laugh. Almost like Lucille Ball in a sense.

The premise of this show is pretty cool too. Young psychic has INCOMPLETE visions, but acts on them anyway, not knowing the actual result of her actions. The writing is fairly standard comedy, but is sometimes inspired. There was a scene where Raven had a vision of a parachutist crashing through one of the school windows. So she and her friend rush there to get a story for the school newspaper. When the parachutist actually crashes through, he asks Raven "So you knew I was going to crash through this window?" When she replies yes, he asks again, "SO WHY DIDN'T YOU OPEN IT?" I thought that was clever. I enjoy watching this show, and I cannot believe that is little Olivia from "The Cosby Show". Good show.

I've only just watched "That's so Raven", but I can tell that it will be on the air for a few years to come. The script is witty, and Raven has definite screen presence. It's suitable for younger children, as the dialogue should be fairly comprehendable for any age, and most of the jokes can be enjoyed by nearly any age. Good job, writers of "That's so Raven"!

Thats So Raven. Kids will love to watch this show, but its entertaining for adults too. 'Raven Baxter' (Raven Symone) is a bubbly teenager who loves to make her own clothes, have fun with her friends Chelsea (Anneliese van der Pol) and Eddie (Orlando Brown). Raven also has the power of 'Phsycic Visions'.... Although most people would find these easy to handle, Raven will always find some way to get into a 'bad or embarrassing situation' when she misinterprets the meaning of her visions. This show is very funny. It has an interesting storyline and great actors to play the characters. Its an easy show to watch and I would anytime!

I found this show mildly interesting, and funny sometimes. I mean, who can't help but laugh at a show where the main character is so... interesting. It's an original show, I'll definitely give them that.

But some parts make me shudder. Anneliese van der Pol, who plays Chelsea, was funny and fairly witty, if naive, in the first season. But as the show progressed, she became steadily stupider. It started out as a funny sort of stupidity, but at this point in the show you start to wonder what toxic fumes she has inhaled.

All in all, though, it's pretty amusing. Not something I'm going to go racing to the TV for, screaming 'That's So Raven is on! I MUST WATCH IT!', but something that's good for a chuckle when you stumble upon it.

Rewatching this show on Disney+ as an adult has brought me a surprising amount of laughs, and I find myself more engaged in the show and characters than I normally would any other Disney Channel Original. Raven is absolutely hilarious and her physical comedy is truly out of this world. Really, all the characters have their moments. Growing up I remember thinking Chelsea was really funny as the airhead BFF. All in all, there is really something special about this show. The writers put a lot of heart into each episode, and it shouldn't be written off as just a silly kids show.