Dadnapped (2009)

About Dadnapped

This comical family adventure first premiered on Disney Channel in 2009. The plot revolves around Melissa Morris (Emily Osment). Her life is overshadowed by her successful novelist father, Neal Morris (David Henrie), who writes books about a fictional spy. Her dream to spend quality time with her preoccupied father becomes even more challenging when he is kidnapped by his obsessive fans. Melissa then unexpectedly finds herself in a real-life adventure to save her father.

Making / Production

As a Disney Channel Original Movie, Dadnapped was directed by Paul Hoen and written by Alan Silberberg and Jon Cooksey. The quirky delightful comedy was produced by Richard D. Arredondo and Don Schain.

Actors

• Emily Osment as Melissa Morris. She played the tired and overshadowed daughter brilliantly, who later turns into an unexpected hero.
• David Henrie as Wheeze, Obsessive fan of Neal Morris who helps kidnap him. His comedic timing and humorous antics were central to the plot.
• Jonathan Keltz as Trip Zoome, the fictional main character. Keltz did a fantastic job bringing the fictional character to life.
• George Newbern as Neal Morris. Newbern convincingly played the distracted yet caring father, whose love for his fictional characters rivals that for his daughter.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The movie was filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah.
• This was Emily Osment's first movie where she played the lead role.
• The film attracted over 4.6 million viewers on its premiere night.

Awards

The film itself did not win any awards.

Quotes

• "Melissa, in my stories, the guy never gets the girl until he's navigated the perilous journey."
• "I had to save my dad from a couple of geeks and their entourage of numbskulls."

Music, Soundtrack

• The music was composed by Michael Tavera, known for his work on numerous animated series.
• The end credits song, “Hero in Me,” was performed by Emily Osment, who also stars in the film.