IMDb RATING
5.7/10
12K
YOUR RATING
Tara, a painfully shy high-schooler, has a secret: she is also a confident DJ known as Radio Rebel, who lends her voice to others.Tara, a painfully shy high-schooler, has a secret: she is also a confident DJ known as Radio Rebel, who lends her voice to others.Tara, a painfully shy high-schooler, has a secret: she is also a confident DJ known as Radio Rebel, who lends her voice to others.
- Director
- Writers
- Stars
- Awards
- 2 wins total
Brenda Crichlow
- Mrs. Brower
- (as Brenda M. Crichlow)
Chanelle Harquail-Ivsak
- Neckbrace Girl
- (as Chanelle Peloso)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
What I thought at first was going to be just another Hollywood pubescent fluff piece, about a fifth of the way in turned into a heart warming fast favorite of mine! In HS, I was popular, but brutality shy, it HURT to socialize, but in college I got over it and became one of the most successful music content creators/ channel owners AND Music Promoters/ PR Rep/ Band Manager in the world. So a movie about a girl who dressed like me(seriously I have that beanie in5 colors, and several of the same shirts!) and who's painfully shy living out her dream life through her radio channel TOTALLY hit home! Everything she said was so inspiring, I think a lot of these kids nowadays could benefit form REALLY watching it for the message! It's extra cool that it's a hidden gem because a lot of the actors have gone on to star in a LOT of big shows and movies nowadays!!! Much love to this film!!!
To everyone who point out all the flaws, you're right, to all of those who totally love this movie you're also right. This is a Disney movie. That explains a lot. All that being said, It's a nice movie that's pure escapism. Don't take it too seriously, it's just a movie. I happen to like it. For me that's all I need to know.
The Magic Kingdom's latest teen queen star Debby Ryan who is currently a rich kid's nanny in Jessie stars in Radio Rebel which is a pseudonym she uses as a radio talk show star. Debbie is a wallflower and opens to very few, especially not to Adam DiMarco the good looking singer in the rock band she's crushing out on.
But on the radio where few can see her she's Radio Rebel a free spirited young woman who tells kids to do their own thing whatever that thing is. Such non-conformity is not to be encouraged in her high school especially where the Grinch like Nancy Robertson reigns as principal. Robertson's on a mission to seek and destroy Radio Rebel and her influence.
There are so many of these hidden personality stories on the big and small screen they're too numerous to count. But a favorite of mine is an old Alice Faye film from the Thirties called Wake Up And Live. In this one Jack Haley with Buddy Clark's voice plays a mike shy singer whose voice goes over the airwaves when he sings alone in a studio to what he thinks is a dead microphone. This time it's the guy with the hidden personality. Radio Rebel has a lot of company.
But I did dig that Spartacus like climax the film has and you'll have to see what I'm talking about because I won't reveal.
But on the radio where few can see her she's Radio Rebel a free spirited young woman who tells kids to do their own thing whatever that thing is. Such non-conformity is not to be encouraged in her high school especially where the Grinch like Nancy Robertson reigns as principal. Robertson's on a mission to seek and destroy Radio Rebel and her influence.
There are so many of these hidden personality stories on the big and small screen they're too numerous to count. But a favorite of mine is an old Alice Faye film from the Thirties called Wake Up And Live. In this one Jack Haley with Buddy Clark's voice plays a mike shy singer whose voice goes over the airwaves when he sings alone in a studio to what he thinks is a dead microphone. This time it's the guy with the hidden personality. Radio Rebel has a lot of company.
But I did dig that Spartacus like climax the film has and you'll have to see what I'm talking about because I won't reveal.
This is aimed at teenagers and even more so female ones (girls). Now keep that in the back of your mind, because if that does not apply to you, you might be judging this by different standards. Because this is full of cliches and some are not even dressed that well.
Add to that an ending that may make some/certain people cringe ... you might have a viewing experience that does not live up to the standards you expected. So Highschool drama and love and such things are being explored ... and you know finding oneself plus growing up and sticking it to the (wo)man ... one very weird moment for a few people at least, is a "I am Spartacus" inspired thing ... it does feel very wrong, no matter the good intentions behind it. But it might still be working with the target audience - especially because they might not have seen that particular scene/movie
Add to that an ending that may make some/certain people cringe ... you might have a viewing experience that does not live up to the standards you expected. So Highschool drama and love and such things are being explored ... and you know finding oneself plus growing up and sticking it to the (wo)man ... one very weird moment for a few people at least, is a "I am Spartacus" inspired thing ... it does feel very wrong, no matter the good intentions behind it. But it might still be working with the target audience - especially because they might not have seen that particular scene/movie
Radio Rebel is a good time. Debby Ryan really makes the movie. The way she portrays someone who is shy and afraid to step out is pretty accurate. I love that a Disney movie decided to portray a more realistic character like this. It's not common to see this type of character as a main character who gets to grow. The character development was surprisingly great.
The guy she ends up liking is just not that great. He asked the other girl to prom but then falls for the other girl. I mean I just don't think that's okay. There was a plot twist at the end that shocked me. I had to pause the movie just to think it through.
Overall, I really liked it and think the character is an amazing role model.
Did you know
- TriviaBased on the novel "Shrinking Violet" by Danielle Joseph.
- GoofsTara, who is portrayed by Debby Ryan, is characteristically a redhead. However, her hair changes from brown to red throughout the movie.
- Quotes
Gavin Morgan: [describing Tara] She's the kind of girl who's not afraid to ask a dancing sandwich for help.
- ConnectionsReferenced in Magical Rewind: Radio Rebel (2024)
- SoundtracksCan't Stop The Rock
Performed by The Barrymores
Written by Dan Parr
Courtesy of Bacteria Buffet Records
Details
- Runtime1 hour 25 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.78 : 1
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