Mano a Mana

Even Stevens is an exception for Disney shows. Most of the time Disney pops out shows that are too teeny bopper(Lizzie McGuire), too corny(The Jersey), too boring(The Proud Family), or too dumb(So Weird). So when I watched Even Stevens for the first time, I expected the worst. What I got was the exact opposite. I think Shia Labouef is a GREAT actor. He has wit, charm, and doesn't come off as if he's trying too hard to make you laugh. Christy Romano is a perfect example of the too perfect teen. I relate to her which even makes her never-ending quest to be too perfect not seem annoying. Plus she isn't a Britney Spears wannabe showing her midriff every chance she gets. Nick Spano is just there for girls to lust over(he is pretty hot), but when he gets a chance to act(not just lift weights without a shirt on, or prance around in a sports uniform) he amazes me. He is cute but not in an overwhelming boy band way, and he acts like a normal guy. He isn't too dumb(calling Ethan Craft from Lizzie McGuire) and isn't too jock. Donna Pescow is a GREAT actress. She pulls off the part of Mom without being too preachy or mushy or hard-core. Tom Virtue reminds me so much of my dad that it scares me. A. J. Trauth is a perfect accomplice to Shia Labouef, leveling out Shia's craziness with a dose of normal pre-teen. Teens and kids will like this show. Parents may be a little bored, but my mom laughs each time Coach Tugnutt says a line. This is the Disney channel charm, and, believe it or not, Disney actually made it.

Even Stevens is one of my top 10 shows of all time. The characters are great. A lot of people don't like Beans, but I think he can be hilarious. The supporting cast is excellent, but the show belongs to Shia. He's a superb actor (everyone on the show is, in my opinion). The writing is witty, clever, and original, and some episodes literally have me laughing for over half an hour (and most shows are unable to elicit more than a chuckle from me). It's too bad there's a 65-episode limit, 'cause I'd definitely like to see some new episodes (although most of 'em I haven't seen). Anyway, if you have Disney Channel, give it a try. You'll probably enjoy it.

Even Stevens is hands down the best show on Disney. Actually it deserves better than Disney. A show like this should be on ABC during prime time or something. Disney will probably cancel it before long. The actors are great and they will probably all become huge stars in the future. Hopefully, Disney will keep this charmer around for a good long while.

Let's face it the Disney Channel has never been a place for high quality TV that enlightens as well as entertains, the exception being "Avonlea". Still, the show "Even Stevens" is one of the best shows on the network. The family dynamics really make the show work. Whether, it's the antagonistic relationship of Ren and Louis or the nurturing one between Eileen and Ren. However, when the show shifts to the school things become a lot less realistic and harder to swallow. No principal would play favorites with his/her students! No cafeteria serves food that completely gross, and I'm only 19 so I do remember what cafeteria food looks like. Still, the home life makes the school life easier to take. The actors are wonderful and I wouldn't be surprised to see Shia LaBoeuf in the movies, actual movies not the Disney Channel ones, and becoming very famous.

I can't stop laughing during this show! watching Even Stevens is the most hilarious 30 minutes of my day. Shia and A.J. make the show fun for the girls to watch. In an extreme sense, it allows an insight to the inner workings of the teenage boys' mind. Christy Carlson-Romano adds a fun flair as well, because her character Ren often foils the boys' plans. Her love life is often a mess, and Louis seems to sense that. He initially seeks to rub more salt in the wound, but ends up consoling Ren in the end. He has a huge heart, that is often misunderstood until the very end of the episode, and we are left loving Louis (until the next time).