About Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie

The Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie is a 2009 American made-for-television comedy-drama fantasy film based on the Disney Channel Original Series, Wizards of Waverly Place. The plot revolves around the Russo family, a unique family of wizards on a vacation to Caribbean resort where the family's parents met.

The adventure begins when Alex Russo, being upset with her parents, casually wishes that her parents had never met. Unfortunately, that wish is overheard by a magic charm and granted, leading to her parents losing their memory of each other and their kids. It's then up to Alex and her brothers to find the "Stone of Dreams" that can reverse the spell.

Making / Production

The movie was adapted from the successful Disney Channel series, with Todd J. Greenwald, the series' creator, serving as the executive producer. Lev L. Spiro directed the film, which was shot on location in Puerto Rico and New York.

Actors

• Selena Gomez as Alex Russo: Played the character with a typical rebellious teenager charm imbued with magical abilities.
• David Henrie as Justin Russo: The responsible and intelligent older brother in the Russo family who served as the voice of reason.
• Jake T. Austin as Max Russo: Played the youngest sibling who is funny, and often caught up in his world.
• Maria Canals Barrera as Theresa Russo: Portrayed the loving mother of the Russo siblings.
• David DeLuise as Jerry Russo: Played the fun-loving father who shared most comic moments.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film garnered 11.4 million viewers on its premiere, making it the second-most-viewed DCOM premiere in the US after High School Musical 2.
• The scenes supposed to be on Waverly Street in New York were actually shot in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Awards

The movie won the 2010 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children's Program.

Quotes

• "I wish you and dad had never even met!" - Alex Russo
• "Our life is pretty much a magical summer day." - Justin Russo
• "Don’t worry, I’m almost completely sure this is safe." - Max Russo

Music, Soundtrack

• Opening track "Disappear," performed by Selena Gomez.
• "Magic," the remake of the old Pilot hit, also performed by Selena Gomez.
• "Make It Happen," an electronic track performed by Drew Seeley.