You really have to give it to Nickelodeon. They’re in no position to mock Disney, since their programs are superior and garner bigger ratings, but they waste no time in ridiculing the company. The TV movie for “100 Things to Do Before High School” which is supposed to open the door for a series next year, spoofs “High School Musical,” and most of the movie rips on “Star Wars” big time. That said, while it’s derivative, “100 Things to Do Before High School” is a fun tween dramedy that might be the teen oriented hit Nick has been looking for, for a while now. I got shades of “Ned’s DeClassified School Survival Guide,” but I really enjoyed the TV movie for “100 Things to Do Before High School.”
It introduces its universe of quirky characters and strict authoritarian adult characters quite well in a short time. Though it’s only an hour in length, “100 Things to Do Before High School” works on its own as a self contained TV movie that introduces a slew of really entertaining characters. Disney hasn’t reached in to the tween condition this well in years, and I hope this keeps up a momentum on the channel, if anything. When they’re not ripping off Disney, Nick is all about creating obnoxious series’ and milking “Spongebob” these days. Commentary aside, “100 Things to Do Before High School” is an adorable and very funny coming of age movie centered on young CJ, who is looking forward to high school.
During her favorite musical which is a hilarious mix of “High School Musical” and “Glee,” her big brother insists that high school is nothing like what she’s watching, and she should be prepared for a massive change. Entering in to her final year of middle school, CJ is already noticing the changes, as two of her best friends have split in different directions. Nerdy Fenwick is dismissing all social traditions to focus on school work, while the once awkward Crispo is now popular and attracting the most popular girl in school. CJ refuses to accept change and gathers her friends for one last adventure, attempting to free a raccoon her science teacher caught and is imprisoning as revenge. The whole of “100 Things to Do Before High School” relies on the performances, and thankfully Isabela Moner gives a top notch performance.
She has quick comic timing, she’s charming, and she keeps CJ consistently worth rooting for. She’s definitely the highlight and can keep the show afloat when it officially premieres. I also especially enjoyed Jack De Sena as the school guidance counselor who shockingly takes pity on the trio when their noble plan goes from bad to worse. I’d like to see a lot more character development with Crispo, and Fenwick since they just feel like broadly drawn supporting players, but I’m sure the series will touch on that soon enough. ““100 Things to Do Before High School” is a fun introduction to a series I hope ends up being more “Pete & Pete” and “Ned’s DeClassified…” and much less “Victorious” and “Sam and Cat.”