Out of all the recent shows from Disney Channel, "Wizards of Waverly Place" seems to be the one that it's acceptable to like and has the biggest fan-base besides "Hannah Montana". And it's well-deserved, cause "Wizards" it's a funny, entertaining and watchable show. As the popularity increased, the creators decided to give the show a movie, just as "Hannah Montana" and "Lizzie McGuire" were given their movies. But this time, "Wizards" has been given a non-theatrical one. While this movie-adaptation is a cute one, it doesn't surpass the show and neither it's the best Disney Channel flick I've seen.

But let's mention something positive first. Selena Gomez as Alex is the one who carries most of the movie. Besides being incredibly cute and charismatic, this is also perhaps the best acting I've seen from her. When she's leaves "Wizards", she should definitively get out of Disney and aim for more mature roles, cause she has a lot of potential to develop herself to a great actress.

Besides of Alex, the whole Russo family are present in this film, which is nice to see. Jerry (David DeLuise) is just as funny and charismatic as he is in the show, Teresa (Maria Canals-Barrera) is more or less the same character, while Max (Jake T. Austin) is whimsical to an lesser extent. The one who's differs himself from the series is Justin (David Henrie), who shows a more responsible and mature side of himself, which suits the character, although I prefer the goofy and dorky Justin, cause he's usually funnier that way. But he and Alex's has a great sibling chemistry in the film and their relationship are more or less the heart of the story.

Although I don't like saying it, "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" somehow suffers from the same problems as "Hannah Montana The Movie"; blending funny characters from a sitcom into a more serious plot. Though "Hannah Montana The Movie" turned the Hannah-concept to all that it wasn't; a sappy melodrama which turned it's back to the show's premises and continuity (Maybe Disney could've hired a director who actually had seen the show?). But while "Hannah Montana The Movie" was more or less absent of humor, "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" has some hilarious moments along the road and while it takes the characters to a new place, it doesn't mess with the continuity of the plot as "Hannah" did.

However, Wizards does suffers some other issues; Archie (Steve Valentine) is charismatic, but not a threatening enough as a villain. The movie is cute, but still lacks the spirit and the spunk from the TV show. Although the story is solid, it does struggle with pacing, the slow and fast-pacing moments feels quite separate. Perhaps the movie could've been more energetic and more cohesive paced if it was theatrical released? Well, there has been some rumors about the producers wanting to do a theatrically released sequel. And good is that.

Otherwise, I shan't complain anymore about "Wizards"; It is after all a cute and watchable movie. Fans of the show has already warmly embraced it and those who haven't seen the movie won't probably be disappointed. The story is solid and adventurous, with many nods to both Indiana Jones and Power Rangers. The score by Kenneth Burgomaster is cute and solidly supports the story. The special effects are quite impressive for belonging to a TV movie. And the film has some sweet, tender moments as well.

So to the conclusion; Is "Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie" worth a view? In spite of it's flaws; Ys, absolutely. It is a watchable and okay movie. But a note to Disney; Please stop making movies out of your shows.

This is honestly the best Disney Movie i have seen since the 90's. It wasn't corny and the plot was very good. The ending wasn't lame or stupid, it had a lot of depth. This movie appeals to all ages its not one of those just for the little kids type of movie, because i am older and i loved it. in my opinion this movie was better then the Hannah Montana Movie and there is no reason that that movie was shown in theaters and this one was not. One of the main reasons the movie was so good was because the acting was absolutely brilliant. Selena Gomez (Alex Russo) gives the performance of a lifetime! She was absolutely amazing in this movie. David Henrie (Justin Russo) and Jake T. Austin (Max Russo) were amazing as well. There also was none of that trying to be funny comedy, like a lot of the Disney Channel Shows. I loved how the parents Jerry Russo (David DeLuise) and Maria Canals-Barrera (Theresa Russo) acted like real parents. I loved how this was truly about family, Selena and David had amazing chemistry as brother and sister as well as Jake Austin. It was so believable. The special affects were great! i loved the way they used their magic. Oh and i will also say, this is the first Disney Channel movie to make me cry since Tru Confessions, which is really saying something. Before this movie, i only occasionally watched Wizards of Waverly Place but after this i am planning on watching the new season. If you were a Disney fan in the 90's and you miss those movies like Wish Upon a Star and Susie Q, this movie will live up to your expectations. i give this 10/10. its the best Disney movie of this decade.

I'm surprised that the Walt Disney Studios didn't release this film version of their series The Wizards Of Waverly Place to the big screen first as they did with Hannah Montana. Given the special effects it probably would have been better served on the big screen.

Be that as it may, I think more than the fans of the television series would appreciate this one. When I reviewed the television series I said that the kids reminded me of the Partridge Family offspring. They still do, but in the course of the film the story is more of a Harry Potter type story.

Selena Gomez who's the pretty, but slightly rebellious middle child balks at the restrictions in general placed on her magic by her parents, but even more so when the family goes to the Caribbean for a vacation. With a really powerful wand in her hand, she says something really dumb like she wishes her mother and father had never met. So when David DeLuise and Maria Canals Barrera treat her and brothers David Henrie and Jake T. Austin. Of such wishes are Twilight episodes and It's A Wonderful Life plots spun.

The only thing to do is for the kids to find the Stone Of Dreams which can reverse any spell. But Gomez, Henrie, and Austin have other folks looking for the same Stone to cure their problems.

The cast of the show is an appealing one and the show itself might gain a few viewers with this film. But it really should have gone to the big screen first.