Recently, I tucked into bed and logged into my Disney+ account to put on one of my all-time favourite films, Lemonade Mouth. I loved watching the film after its initial release.
When I googled the initial release date out of curiosity, I was surprised that the film premiered on Disney Channel 12 years ago. Now I feel really old! I remember seeing the numerous trailers and the countdown clock on the screen, excited to watch the latest Disney Channel Original (And to see if it lived up to High School Musical standards). Saying that the film had the same success as High School Musical is a bit of a stretch, but I still loved watching the five young students standing up for what they believed in.
Forming in detention, the band quickly gains fame, arguing that the school treated particular groups of students, specifically those involved in sports, better than others. The film is a great way to encourage kids to speak their minds and stick up for themselves.
My favourite part appears towards the end of the film when the band competes in Rising Star, a talent competition against competitors Mudslide Crush. With Charlie’s broken fingers, Wen’s injured eye, and Olivia and Mo’s respective injuries, their chances of winning seem slim. However, just as they are about to leave the stage, the audience begins to sing their song ‘Determinate’ back to them, encouraging the band to come back on stage and finish their performance.
The performance represents a sudden realisation that the five friends had started something much more than a band. They started their own mini-revolution within the school.
In the very final scenes, Principal Brenigan accepts a donation of a music theatre to the school, and the band, Lemonade Mouth, performs at Madison Square Garden. Even though they didn't win Rising Star, they had won their battle and were successful in the long run.
The consistent message throughout the film, encouraging freedom of expression and that people matter regardless of their interests or hobbies makes Lemonade Mouth a great watch. All this, with a catchy album, keeps me interested every time.
By Jemma Snowdon