As a preamble I admit that I’ve never liked the “Kim Possible” animated series. I know as a Disney fan I’m supposed to love it, but I always found the series to be incredibly flat, bland, and boring. I didn’t really care for anything about it beyond Will Friedle who, at the time, was my favorite voice actor. That said, when “Kim Possible” was rebooted in to a TV movie series, I was surprised by how new and re-energized the reboot looked. Though “Kim Possible” is back, she’s returned for a whole new generation of fans that have embraced heroines fighting crime.
Kim Possible is still kicking villainous heinie and is now entering High school for the first time with friend Ron Stoppable. While having a hard time fitting in, she meets new girl Athena, a fan girl and admirer who the pair instantly befriends. Drakken and Shego (Taylor Ortega brings Shego to life) break out of prison and are anxious to figure out the inner spark of Kim Possible that makes her successful as a spy, all the while Kim experiences a sense of insecurity as Athena begins to win over the student body one upping Kim at every turn. When Kim and Ron are made aware of Drakken and Shego, they decide to foil their evil plans once again.
It should be said that the discovery of Sadie Stanley as the live action Kim Possible makes the film so entertaining. Stanley is able to convincingly add some empathy and complexity to Kim Possible, allowing her to come to life on the film. She’s very different from her animated counterpart, but so alike that she’s instantly recognizable. Director Zach Lipovsky sticks to much of the elements that will win over old fans, while also opening up her world for a new fan base, allowing them to root for the butt kicking spy, and her silly but very competent friend Ron. I wouldn’t be surprised if Stanley has a short shelf life at Disney and becomes a bigger screen star. Sean Giambrone is also a lot of fun as Ron Stoppable, the main comic relief who thankfully loosens the film up when it gets a little too deep in teen melodrama.
There’s also a strong supporting cast with Alyson Hannigan, Patton Oswalt, and Nancy Cartwright who returns as Rufus. Christy Carlson Romano even returns for a cameo. “Kim Possible” is primarily for the newer fan base, and if you’re an older fan from the 2002 series not pleased that it isn’t the animated series, approach the film with the idea that it’s not meant for you, but for a whole new set of girls and boys anxious to see what Kim and Ron are up to. You had your “Kim Possible,” already. As with most DCOM’s, “Kim Possible” is light, fluffy, fast paced, and a tad silly, but I had a good time with it. I’d happily come back for a sequel.