As an older brother to a younger sibling who frequents Disney Channel fare, I often sit down with her to watch certain Disney movies/shows. Some I enjoy, while others (like this one) are just a bit too contrived/silly to draw in anyone but the youngest of viewers.For a basic plot summary, "16 Wishes" tells the 16th birthday story of Abby Jenson (Debby Ryan). When her big day gets off on the wrong foot, Abby is granted 16 b-day wishes by a magical being. As the wishes mount, Abby begins to realize what a 16th birthday really SHOULD be all about.In pretty much all cases, current Disney fare walks the fine line between charming and cheesy. The good stuff (e.g. High School Musical, Wizards of Waverly Place) stay charming, while the others descent into contrived silliness. In this case, the storyline is just too predictable to ever really suck you in.On a more positive note, the acting in this film is very watchable. Ryan may just be the next big Disney star (for better or worse), while Jean-Luc Bilodeau (of Kyle XY fame) nearly steals the show as Abby's best friend. The "villain" of the story is way too over-the-top, but other than that the characters are quite well done.Basically, this is a flick for younger children (no questionable material) and the earliest of pre- teens. Viewers of any older age will realize the silliness and tune out before reaching the finale.

I recently watched 16 wishes for the like 8,000,000th time. I wanted to notify you about this. I know the directors and actors worked very hard on this movie and (Even though it may be overplayed) i admire it. Debby Ryan nailed it. YES! This movie may have its problems.. but it definitely deserves a better rating. I especially love the ending. Debby( Abby) learns that she should not take life for granted. She was very greedy and took advantage of everyone. This movie is fairly simple although sort of predictable. It is still a nice family movie with no stupid jokes and a lesson that some people can relate to. I still do not understand why ALL Disney movies are based on teens and not kids, but who cares! Its fun!

16 Wishes was a good family movie. Predictable plot, but nice twists. I like how we got to understand a few layers beneath the surface with the antagonist and protagonist. Once their differences and true root issues beneath the obvious feud were revealed, we along with the characters could go down a bold path. Empathy, diversity, seeking forgiveness, releasing hatred, and freeing both people in the process. An above average lesson in movies typical of this genre. Kudos to the author, Annie. If you watched the behind the scenes Blogs and video footage at the end of the movie, you could tell that the cast and crew had fun on set. That energy translated on camera as well. Kudos to Peter DeLouise as director for creating and protecting the atmosphere that translated into the movie. An outstanding performance by an underrated rising Disney Star in Debby Ryan. Although it was not a high school musical or camp rock type movie, music and artistic expression were plentiful. The majority of the cast and crew were not from Hollywood, but from Canada. A lot of budding talent there. While we are on the topic, the sad montage turning point scene was delivered heartfelt genuine emotion reflecting a true range of acting contrary to Ryan's role as Bailey Pickett on the light hearted over the top Disney comedy Suite Life on Deck. Also the reconciliation scene between Abby and Krista was honest and believable. Music was subtle but on target. The sixteen year old Ryan wrote the sad montage song "open eyes" and sang it with her brother spoken from the advice she would give Abby if they were friends. The lyrics and hook are apropos, as well as insightful and wise for a 16 year old Disney comedic actor. The fun upbeat "A wish comes true everyday", which was performed in the music video by Debby Ryan kept to the innocent family friendly theme while launching Youtube videos galore of young girls wanting to recreate the fun. Jean-Luc was talented and understated enough for the chosen medium. Not only was he cute, but the chemistry between him and Debby translated as authentic true friendship that many a teen hopes to grow into something more. Anna May was the best modern version of the magic creature. The promotion was very limited and only 6 weeks or so out. I did not see any posters in malls, radio adds, etc. Contrast that with the Camp Rock II consisting of multiple top Disney stars and big names, it had a year long marketing on-slot in magazines, radio spots, interviews, merchandise, posters, billboards, malls, multiple Web Presents, Disney Channel commercials network and Nick channel commercials, etc. That's show business. But from a business point of view, 16 Wishes drew 5.6 million viewers with only one rising Disney star (Debby Ryan) and a 6 week minimal marketing campaign still returned multiple times more on the movie's investment than did Camp Rock II drawing 8 million viewers in exchange for its much higher budget, star power of 10 or so big names, and year long marketing campaign. All in all, a great family friendly movie with much opportunity to spend time with the family, laugh, cry, and sign together, and did I mention discuss life lessons in the movie and generate dialog with your teen about relevant things in their lives.

With an all north of the border cast, The Suite Life On Deck's Debby Ryan gets to star in a Disney Studio production of 16 Wishes. The number of course is to correspond with the sweet 16 she has become. Though the sweet sixteen experience is a female one, I think even the male of the species could come up with sixteen things that could be considered pretty frivolous that one might have wished for at sixteen. Somethings you wouldn't wish for at even 26, let alone 66.Which is the lesson Ryan learns. She's planned out her sixteenth birthday party and even though the day starts out horribly when wasps are discovered to be making a nest in the unused attic of her home, she gets those 16 candles from a 'magical person' played by Anna Mae Routledge. Sure enough as is the usual way of things in film and life, granting those wishes that she's laid out for herself doesn't make her a happier camper.16 Wishes is a charming fantasy from that fantasy factory the Magic Kingdom. Debby Ryan is a sweet and talented young lady and she really does hold the film together. Nothing spectacular, but a nice family comedy and it does once again reinforce the old adage about being careful what you wish for.