![]() Todd is West Appleton's hero-the school's all-star sports champion whose arrogance is as finely tuned as his 3-point shot. All is right with Alex's world until it collides with the school's big man on campus, Todd McLemore (Robert Ri'chard). Forever clad in retro bowling wear, Alex is happiest hanging out with pals Elisa, Delia, and Ken at his dad's bowling alley. Alex Thompson (Kyle Schmid) is West Appleton Junior High School's infamous geek. As soon as we meet the film's protagonists-four friends who love bowling and swing music-the story charms us with its fresh spin, solid acting, and lively soundtrack. They've gone head to head against each other in just about every sport imaginable until East Appleton proposes bowling.ĭon't underestimate Disney's made-for-TV movie Alley Cats Strike! Never mind that the plot is familiar-the one where everything hinges on a school's championship game. East and West Appleton have an intense sports rivalry. ALLEY CATS STRIKE! (2000)Īlley Cats Strike, a film that mixes hip swing music with bowling, concerns the athletic rivalry between two high schools and a group of retro outcasts who love to bowl. Plays in US DVD players.ĭVD's nSuch Exclusive - Never released on DVD. Overall, this is inoffensive fun with a solid message that'll strike a chord and have the whole family cheering for the team.All our DVDs are Region 1. That said, some of the adult acting is a touch hammy at times. Most of the young actors are convincing and the eagle-eyed will spot a young Kaley Cuoco from The Big Bang Theory among the bowling buddies. But the strong identities of the bowling group compared to the jocks and cheerleaders gives it almost a High School Musical feel, with the predictable story rolling along at an enjoyable pace.Īlley Cats Strike builds the pressure well, and creates a strong sense of community within the town, even as it shows the downsides to placing such a strong onus on competition. The underlying story of finding common ground in different schools is hardly original and is packed with clichés. Rod Daniel - director of 80s high-school comedy, Teen Wolf- lines up the perfect mix of teen drama and town spirit to keep it energetic, with some fun training and dance montages thrown in. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.Ī wholesome, old-fashioned feeling of nostalgia runs through this sweet family movie, from the music to the portrayal of the innocence of youth. There is an underlying story about Alex's father struggling financially because the bowling alley is unpopular, but it's also the catalyst for characters to come together to try and help. But there are no "bad guys" in the movie. Many authority figures put pressure on the younger characters to win, and the two town mayors place a bet on the game. But the "underdogs" on the bowling team stand up for themselves and don't care what others think. Some of the characters appear stereotypical at first, and the different groups make fun of each other at school. The overall message is not to judge others and that kindness and community are more important than winning - Alex ( Kyle Schmid) and his friends try to steer clear of any school spirit until they are forced to take part in a big inter-school competition. It is a feel-good Disney TV movie with some fun scenes and catchy music. ![]() Parents need to know that Alley Cats Strike is a family sports drama - with many positive messages - about a boy and his outsider friends who spend their spare time bowling.
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