The Thirteenth Year

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 /****.

For reasons not entirely clear, a beautiful mermaid leaves her baby son with a goofy boater; happily, a nice couple picks him up instead. In this story, mermaids get fishy when they reach that certain age. Thirteen years later, the baby boy grows into typical teenager Chez Starbuck (as Cody). He takes an advanced swim class (the team looks high school), competes with Tim Redwine (as Sean), and gets a birthday kiss from Courtnee Draper (as Sam). Then, young Starbuck's palms get sticky. He makes friends with lonely nerd Justin Jon Ross (as Jess), who helps him in biology; in return, Starbuck promises he will teach young Ross to swim. Then, Starbuck's hands sprout scales... Cute.

**** The Thirteenth Year (5/15/99) Duwayne Dunham ~ Chez Starbuck, Justin Jon Ross, Tim Redwine

it's about the little mermaid but as a boy. This is a family show with Dave Coulier from Full House and a beautiful mermaid looking for her son after 13 years. The adopted mother is behind the times and sorta fishy in the brains. This is a movie for those who don't mind being offended about gils and water. This movie is a fair movie but worth watching. I give it a 7/10 stars.

"The Thirteenth Year" helps establish the Disney Channel Original Movie trope of using fantastical transformations as metaphors for puberty, blending this with a subplot centered on extracurricular activities and a light dip into the fantasy genre. There is some subtle commentary on adoption, but the lack of substantial conflict makes it a mellow, middle-of-the-road DCOM.

Being a DCOM made before they became a vehicle to promote rising Disney Channel child stars, "The Thirteenth Year" features a largely unremarkable cast-besides Uncle Joey-and many of the performances are noticeably weak. At least its mermaid lore goes deep!.

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.