Le garçon qui venait de la mer

Chez Starbuck is very appealing as Cody who is the son of a mermaid. He is raised by humans on land and thus doesn't realize his real heritage. But when he reaches puberty in his 13th year, instead of hair, he starts growing fins and scales on his arms and legs.

The film is a cute metaphor about puberty and being different. All people experience the feeling of anxiety over physical and spiritual changes in their lives just as Cody does in the story. In addition, the fact that the boy realizes that he is half fish is a metaphor for the human connection with the ecosystem around us. We are part of nature, and nature is a part of us. We, like the boy, must surrender to this connection and live in harmony.

The plot is open ended, leaving the possibility that it could be followed by another film or possibly a TV series. Judging from the fact that the film is better than average as a TV-movie, I look forward to seeing the story continue. Stay wet, Cody!

The Thirteenth Year is a very entertaining Disney Channel movie. It is definitely not of one of Disney Channel's best, but it's OK. One thing that was a negative was the acting and dialog. I know this is a Disney movie, but the acting is very unbelievable at times, especially by the main character, Cody. The chemistry between the mermaid mother and Cody also felt kind of awkward. The dialog is also cheesy at time, but this is expected. But on the good side the makeup of the mermaid was very nice though and was a big plus. The story is entertaining and sure to keep you interested. and overall the good outweighs the bad. The Thirteenth Year isn't amazing but a really entertaining flick. Enjoy.

Hey I remember turning on TDC and before I knew it I saw this kid that was in my Eighth grade Science and Math classes a couple years ago. He was a cool kid but I didn't expect this. I enjoyed the movie overall. Chez surpassed my expectations especially for a Disney channel original movie and a hometown kid. ***.5 /****.

I had heard about this movie like last year some time, but never bothered to watch it, or make an attempt to see any of it. Disney Movies, normally aren't too interesting to me, only cause I'm older than the subject matter. However, since my daughter has really taken to Playhouse Disney, we watch Disney alot more.

I'm 24 and found this movie to be a little older than it was portrayed...Not by much. The actor (Chex Starbuck), playing cody is almost 20, and he is playing a 13 year old. He does look the part; though. I found his acting to be fairly good as far as child actors go. Disney Channel movie typically have less than great young actors...With only a few really good one: (Ryan Merriman being one of them..A good one that is). Courtnee Draper (Sam), was also good, however, she tends to do this thing with her eyes in more dramatic scene's, and it is obvious she doesn't mean to do this....Kinda like George Clooney's lowering his brow thing (off the topic, nevermind). Dave Coulier was surprisingly good. I hated his character of Joey on Full House, and found him a better actor when not acting like a moron and a concerned father instead... a good switch....

I do feel a sequel is in order, and hope that The Disney Channel also feels that way. I am willing to write something for submission. After watching this movie yesterday, I have a few ideas. I love the fact of a MerMan and not a Mermaid theme...There are possiblities. And the Swimming aspect. I was a pro swimmer for 9 years on a league, so i could relate to the character of Cody. I never got into the Speedo thing though...That wasn't me!

Overall not a bad offering from Diseny channel....Still want a Sequel, though. I liked the characters enough to watch them again.

8 Out of 10

A friend sent me this movie because we both like mermaids. I thought it would suck, but I loved it! If there are any mermaid fans out there, you know how hard it can be to find mermaid videos without any porn. This is a great movie for teens especially who have an interest in movies. Plus the guy who plays Cody is kind of cute!!! Also if you've ever watched Full House you will reconize the father. Its Joey and he is really good in it. Now mind you, hes not as funny as when he was on Full House, but hes still pretty good.