Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior
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| Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Directed by | John Laing |
| Produced by | Don Schain Brenda Song Janine Dickins |
| Written by | John Logan Vince Cheung Ben Montanio Lydia Look B Mark Seabrooks |
| Starring | Brenda Song Shin Koyamada Sally Martin |
| Music by | Jeff Vincent |
| Cinematography | Mark Lonsdale |
| Editing by | Seth Flaum |
| Distributed by | Disney Channel |
| Release date(s) | June 16, 2006 (USA) |
| Running time | 120 minutes |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $5 million |
| Followed by | Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior 2 |
| Official website | |
| IMDb profile | |
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior is a Disney Channel Original Movie starring Brenda Song[1] from The Suite Life of Zack & Cody and Shin Koyamada from The Last Samurai. This movie had over 5.7 million viewers on the night of its premiere[2][3][4][5][6][7] making Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior the fifth highest viewed Disney Channel Original Movie and also received the highest rating in the history of Disney Channel Japan.[8][9]
The film also broke records in the United Kingdom and Europe making Disney Channel the highest rated kids channel in Europe.[10] The film was shot almost entirely in Auckland, New Zealand. Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior is the second Disney Channel Original Movie to be added in iTunes. The film received positive reviews. Disney has released several products based on the movie to promote the film. With a plot described by the author and numerous critics as a teen installment to a Jackie Chan plot with a Disney twist, Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior is a story about is an average, popular American teenager, Wendy Wu (Brenda Song), and then suddenly, her life is turned upside down by a visit from a young Chinese monk Shen (Shin Koyamada), who claims she is the reincarnation of a powerful female warrior and the only person who can prevent an ancient evil spirit from destroying the world. Together, they can destroy the evil warriors. According to Variety (magazine), Brenda Song and Shin Koyamada will reprise their roles in the second installment of the franchise, which is currently in pre-production.
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[edit] Plot
Wendy Wu (Brenda Song[11]) is an average, popular American teenager and then suddenly, her life is turned upside down by a visit from a young Chinese monk Shen (Shin Koyamada), who claims she is the reincarnation of a powerful female warrior and the only person who can prevent an ancient evil spirit from destroying the world. But when she receives this news, Wendy is already locked in mortal combat… in a no holds barred battle for Homecoming Queen with her high school archrival, Jessica Dawson. Faced with these two underhanded opponents, Wendy has no choice but to take a stand.
According to Shen, Wendy is a reincarnated Yin Warrior, the only person who can defeat Yan-Lo, an evil spirit who attempts to conquer the world every 90 years. Popular high school student Wendy Wu is a shoo-in for Homecoming Queen until her longtime nemesis Jessica Dawson throws her hat in the ring. If it isn't bad enough that she must compete with a girl who's been stealing her moves since second grade, Wendy now must grapple with the fact that her fate is to save mankind. Shen begs Wendy to don a powerful amulet that will protect her from evil until he can train her in kung fu. Appalled by his obvious lack of fashion sense, Wendy is too busy campaigning for Homecoming Queen to be bothered with rescuing civilization.
Wendy's traditional grandmother knows that Shen is speaking the truth; after all, her mother was the previous Yin Warrior who 90 years earlier defeated Yan-Lo in China. But Wendy, her brother Peter and their parents have lost touch with their Chinese heritage. Faced with the choice between fighting evil and going shopping, Wendy is off to the mall in a heartbeat with her best friends Tory and Lisa.
But Yan-Lo soon materializes and sets out to destroy Wendy before she can attain her full warrior abilities. In quick succession, the dark spirit possesses Wendy's brother, her principal, her dog, her boyfriend, her teachers and even (as if she weren't evil enough already) Jessica Dawson. As Shen's martial arts training unleashes Wendy's inner heroine, the malevolent apparition steps up its efforts and forces a final showdown with Wendy during Homecoming.
[edit] Main Characters
[edit] Wendy Wu
Wendy Wu is a popular teen whose goal is to be homecoming queen. But her life takes a dramatic turn when she finds out she's a reincarnated Chinese warrior and is needed to save the world. Wendy starts to get more interested in her Chinese heritage when she started to spend more time with Shen, her worst enemy is Jessica Dawson. She's trying to make sure she beats Jessica Dawson and is elected this year's Homecoming Queen. Wendy Wu is played by Brenda Song.
[edit] Shen
Shen is a Buddhist Monk, who has important business with Wendy - she doesn't know it, but it is her destiny to battle the evil Yan Lo. Shen trained Wendy to defeat Yan Lo. Shen is able to make Chinese moon cakes, and he likes watching Jackie Chan movies and he also likes American Snacks. Shen is played by Shin Koyamada.
[edit] Secondary characters
[edit] Jessica Dawson
Jessica Dawson is the antagonist of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior. She is second in favour of winning Homecoming Queen and she dislikes Wendy and her heritage. Jessica is popular at school, and is often favoured by the other teachers and students, much to Wendy's distaste. In the last scene, Jessica thanks Wendy for lending her the Homecoming crown and the Queen status, opposing her usual hostile approach towards Wendy. Jessica Dawson is played by Ellen Woglom.
[edit] Tory
Tory is Wendy's best friend who seems to be interested in the homecoming queen winner, she is a loyal friend and she hates Jessica Dawson too. Tory is one of the most popular girls in the school although Jessica Dawson and Wendy Wu are fighting for the Social Queen (Homecoming Queen) position. Tory is played by Sally Martin.
[edit] Grandma Wu
Grandma Wu is Wendy's Chinese grandmother who seems to have not settled in the American culture, unlike her children. Her mother was the last Yin Warrior. Grandma Wu is played by Tsai Chin.
[edit] Peter Wu
Peter Wu is Wendy's brother. He missed a week at school to go surfing. Peter is athletic and popular like Wendy. Pete is fond of his Chinese Heritage. Shen taught Peter some football moves. Later on, Shen and Peter have a special bond with each other. He is played by Justin Chon.
[edit] Kenny Wu
Kenny Wu is Wendy's father who seems to miss his Chinese heritage when Shen comes and shows his moon cakes. Kenny is played by Michael David Cheng.
[edit] Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Brenda Song | Wendy Wu |
| Shin Koyamada | Shen |
| Sally Martin | Tory |
| Paul Willis | Principal Nunan |
| Michael Saccente | Mr. Garibay |
| Timothy Raby | Mr. Tobias |
| Susan Chuang | Nina |
| Tsai Chin | Grandma Wu |
| Geoff Dolan | Security Guard |
| Justin Chon | Peter Wu |
| Andy Fischer-Price | Austin |
| Anna Hutchison | Lisa |
| James Gaylyn | Mr. Medina |
| Sally Stockwell | Coach Gibbs |
| Ellen Woglom | Jessica Dawson |
| Michael David Cheng | Kenny Wu |
[edit] Release
On Saturday, August 18, Disney Channel aired "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Chat", in which the stars of the movie answered questions posed by fans.
Disney Channel On Demand debuted the movie on January, 2007.
The Kick'in version of the film first aired on February 19, 2007 in United States and on April 14, 2008 in Canada, in which the cast had a chat and a did you know section. The version also included 5 never before seen scenes and extended endings.
The Remixed version aired on September 8, 2007, in which the entire cast answered questions and taught the viewers easing kunfu moves.
The Pop-Up version of the film aired on November 23, 2007, in which random movie trivia appeared throughout the film in boxes at the bottom of the screen.
The What's What version of the film aired on March 7, 2008 at Disney Channel Asia, in which random movie trivia appeared throughout the film in boxes at the bottom of the screen, like the Pop-Up version.
[edit] Ratings
Wendy Wu" was television's highest rated and most watched program for the entire day in Kids 6-11 (2.1million/8.8 rating) and Tweens 9-14 (2.1 million/8.6 rating).
"Wendy Wu" crushed the basic cable competition, ranking a dominant No. 1 in the time period with Kids 6-11 (2.1 million/8.8 rating) and Tweens 9-14 (2.1 million/8.6 rating). The movie also grew by 1.2 million viewers start-to-finish, with 6.0 million Total Viewers tuning in for the movie's final quarter-hour (4.8 million to 6.0 million).
"Wendy Wu's" debut propelled Disney Channel to a No. 1 finish in Total Day versus all basic cable with Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. "Wendy Wu" jumped over year-ago time period numbers, delivering massive triple-digit gains in Total Viewers (178%, 5,649,000 vs. 2,050,000), Kids 6-11 (132%, 8.8/2,129,000 vs. 3.8/933,000) and Tweens 9-14 (187%, 8.6/2,120,000 vs. 3.0/731,000).[12]
[edit] Release Dates
[edit] Production
[edit] Filming locations
It was filmed at Auckland, New Zealand, though some scenes were filmed in Disney Studios, USA. It took 24 days to shoot the movie in New Zealand according to Brenda Song. The cast then promoted the movie and the trailer to Disney Channel fans. The sequel is set to be shot in New Zealand. Disney promoted the movie in various countries including Malaysia, Japan and Australia. Although the movie was set in California it was shot on location in New Zealand with parts of it shot at an Auckland High School Long Bay College. Many drama students from Long Bay College were used as extras, and can be seen chiefly in the school scenes.
[edit] Casting
The film was shot on a budget of $5 million. Song had several stunt doubles in some scenes which were highly difficult for a female to cope with. Song was originally considered for another Disney Channel Original Movie, though the other project was put on hold. Disney exucutives decided to give Song another lead in an Untitled Martial Arts Project since Song was a taekwondo practitioner. Song trained for over 2 weeks, 16 hours each day. The role of Shen was planned to be for Justin Chon, because Shin Koyamada was busy. This film contains so many martial-arts sequences that Disney had to rate it TV-PG. Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior is the sixth DCOM to receive a TV-PG rating; before it were Tiger Cruise, Don't Look Under The Bed, Halloweentown, Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge, and Twitches.
Brenda Song had to commute during film breaks to film the second season of The Suite Life of Zack and Cody. During filming Brenda Song, while attempting to kick a soda can from someone's hand, missed and kicked him in the chest. It had over 5.7 million viewers on the night of its premiere, making it currently the fifth highest viewed DCOM. The movie was originally set to air on June 2, 2006 but got bumped by Disney Channel because they had trouble putting up the movie's official web site.
[edit] Setting
The movie takes place in the fictional city of Fair Springs, California. According to a local weather report that Wendy sees on TV, Fair Springs is located around the actual city of Modesto, California. The evil spirit Yan Lo is named after Yamarāja, the lord of death in Buddhist and Hindu philosophy. The name Yan Lo is a shortened Chinese transliteration of Yamarāja's name. In one scene a mural, with the letters "LBC" on it, can be seen in the background. This is an Acronym for "Long Bay College". The Five Animals of Kung Fu are also referenced. Both Anna Hutchinson and Sally Martin from this movie also have taken part in the Power Rangers series.
Several actors from this movie had been in the Power Rangers series including James Gaylyn (Ninja Storm, Dino Thunder, S.P.D, and Operation Overdrive), Geoff Dolan (Mystic Force), Sally Stockwell (Mystic Force), Sally Martin (Ninja Storm) and Anna Hutchison (Jungle Fury). The first three were voice-only characters, major villains to be precise, while the last two were Rangers.
[edit] DVDs
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior was released on DVD on October 24, 2006. Entitled Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior:Kickin Edition which features a
- Never-Before-Seen Extended Ending
- Homecoming Warrior In Training -- An Inside Look At The Making Of Wendy Wu,
- Cast Connections With Brenda Song -- Brenda Talks About Her Disney Family Tree
- Bonus Episode Of The Suite Life of Zack & Cody featuring Brenda Song
- Never-Before-Seen Extended Beginning
It is, the third DCOM (Disney Channel Original Movie) on DVD to be certified Platinum in DVD sales; the first is The Cheetah Girls. The Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior has sold over 13,933 in DVD on amazon.com making the DVD the #14 most popular Kids DVD ever sold on Amazon.com. Despite being filmed in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, the original and Kickin Edition DVD releases featured a 1.33:1 "full screen" version (though not pan and scan as the camera stays directly in the center of the image), the format of the film as shown on the Disney Channel.
In January 2007, Disney released Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior: Extended Edition DVD which features
- Wendy Wu Style --- Brenda talk about the outfits
- Drew Seeley Music Video Featuring Brenda Song
- Deleted Scenes with commentary by Director John Laing
- Remixed Trailer
- 2 Featurettes
- Girl Drama --- Feuds Wendy and Jessica
- High School Survival Guide
- Girl Drama --- Feuds Wendy and Jessica
[edit] Soundtrack
[edit] Songs
- Brenda Song recorded a song for Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior called "I'm Not That Girl" written by Eddie Galan.[13] The song aired on Radio Disney and landed #2 on Radio Disney's Top 30.The track was released in 2007 under Walt Disney Records label and peaked at number 2 in the American Pop Airplay. The song was not released separately on Itunes instead Disney released the track with Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior.
- Go (Jump! Mix)" Performed by Jupiter Rising
- "Will it Go 'Round in Circles? Performed by Orlando Brown
- "Dance Alone" Performed by Sweet James
- "Keepin It" Performed by Drew Seeley
[edit] Contributions
The song "I'm Not That Girl" by Brenda Song was a bonus track on the album, Radio Disney Jams, Vol. 10.
[edit] Sequel
According to Variety (magazine), Brenda Song and Shin Koyamada will again star in Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior 2.[14]Where Brenda and Shin will reprise their characters, shooting begins in early 2008 and it will be released sometime in late 2008 or early 2009. The film will be entirely shot in Auckland, New Zealand and will have a new villain since Yan Low was destroyed by Wendy by the help of Shen. It will be preceded by Hatching Pete
[edit] Awards
Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior won the "Best TV Movie" award at the Nickelodeon Australian Kids' Choice Awards 2006. It also won the Golden Icon Award for "Outstanding Cast Ensemble", the award was presented by The Travolta Family Entertainment. The movie also won the "Best Asian American Cast Ensemble" at the "San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival".[15]
[edit] Other Media
[edit] Sequels
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior 2 (TBA, working title)
[edit] Merchandise
In 2006, Claire's and Disney released necklaces and hairbrushes on the face of Wendy Wu and Shen. They later released a full line of accessories. Postcards and colouring books were also released. Brenda Song and Shin Koyamada got the opportunity to design some items in the line. A calendar for the movie has been released in 2006.
[edit] Availability
Asian toy distributors teamed with Disney to release a line of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior dolls exclusively released only in Malaysia, Japan and South America.
Most of the merchandise lines are mainly available in Asian retailers in Asia though some postcards and colouring booklets are available in the USA and in Europe. The merchindise depended on the film's popularity in states. A video game was also released in various countries.
[edit] Activity Books
- Disney's Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Challenge (January 2007)
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Poster Book (June 2007)
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Princess Colouring Booklet (June 2007)
- Disney Channel's Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior by Cynthia Stier
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Party Planner (August 14 2007)
[edit] Calendar
- Official Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Calendar 2006
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Calendar 2007
[edit] Video game
[edit] Novels
- Wendy Wu: Hoemcoming Warrior: the Junior Novel (June 30, 2006)
- Wendy Wu: Hoemcoming Warrior 2: the Junior Novel (TBA)
[edit] Series
- Poetry in Motion by Alice Alfonsi (May 12, 2007)
- Wendy to Shen by Helen Perelman (November 17, 2007)
- Yan Low is Back by Catherine Hapka (February 26, 2008)
- Homecoming Dance by Alice Alfonsi (April 28, 2008)
[edit] Wendy Wu Covert Ops M.U.S.E.S The Final Assault Of Campaign
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Covert Ops Muses (Xiao Xiao Stick Comic Series)
[edit] Television
[edit] Parody
In Malaysia, TV3 (Malaysia) created a small parody of the movie, the plot was the same though the channel joked about the monsters and villains in the movie.
Mad TV had a small parody about Wendy Wu and Shen losing their virginity and having to lose their supernatural powers and Yan Low attends to reappear in the scene battling Wendy and Shen.
[edit] In popular culture
Also TV One in New Zealand lanched a reality show for the Next Homecoming Queen which has some references to the movie and to the cast. In a Halloween-themed episode of The View, Barbara Walters referenced to Yan Low and Wendy Wu.
In Costa Rica, Disney created a search for Wendy Wu and Shen for a small stage production airing on Disney Channel. The prodution did not include stunt doubles or moves since the actors were not trained that professionally. The fighting scenes were less professional and dangerous.
Song and Koyamada attended the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade in Disneyland as Wendy Wu and Shen doing a small sketch and battle scene. Song was one of the co-hosts in the parade before her appearance. The April 13, 2008 comic of comic series, Marvin featured Brenda Song in kid form promoting a fictional Dizney Preshcool Karate. [16]
[edit] Tagline
- She's pretty... she's pretty tough.
- Part Teenager. Part Warrior. All Hero.
- Homecoming Warrior: Queen.
[edit] Goofs
- Revealing mistakes: In the scene where Shen is seen walking down the road as he tries to hitch a lift, you can see all the cars are driving on the right side of the road. However, in some background shots you can see the traffic moving on the left side of the road as it is supposed to in New Zealand where the film is shot.
- In the scene where Wendy is training in the park, the top of the Auckland sky tower can be seen over the top of the trees.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ RISING STAR: Brenda Song Shows Off Chops in 'Wendy Wu'Netscape Celebrity:RISING STAR: Brenda Song Shows Off Chops in 'Wendy Wu' By Stacy Jenel Smith . Accessed 2007-09-08.
- ^ Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior UltimateDisney.com. Accessed 2007-08-25
- ^ Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior - Free Screening AsianAmericanFilmFestival.org. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
- ^ R. Thomas Umstead (January 22, 2007). Disney Movie Skips to Another Record. Retrieved on 2007-09-22.
- ^ Brenda Song is Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior AsianceMagazine.com. Retrieved 2007-08-08
- ^ Wu: Homecoming Warrior Review. RevolutionSF.com. Accessed 2007-08-08.
- ^ Caroline Baker. Brenda Song hits the big screen -- Wendy Wu Homecoming Warrior. BellaOnline.com Accessed 2007-08-08.
- ^ [wkp.fresheye.com/wikipedia/小山田真 Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior has received the highest rating in the history of Disney Channel Japan]].
- ^ Jacques Steinberg (June 15, 2006). Brenda Song Turns Warrior in Disney's 'Wendy Wu'. New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-05-09.
- ^ Live-Action Fare Gives Disney Channel U.K. a Boost
- ^ What to watch this weekend:Brenda Song stars in the latest Disney Channel movie, Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warriorretrieved 6/16/2006 USATODAY.com by critic Robert Bianco:What to watch this weekend.
- ^ Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Airing is a Hit
- ^ Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior Soundtrack. IMDB.com. Accessed 2008-01-16.
- ^ Shin Koyamada Joins the Cast of Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior 2Retrieved on Sunday, October 14, 2007 Source:Variety
- ^ San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival Retrieved on Sunday, March 14, 2008
- ^ Marvin 4/13/2008 Comic. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Seattle Post-Intelligencer. Retrieved on 2008-04-20.
[edit] External links
- Disney Channel USA official website
- Disney Channel UK official website
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior at the Internet Movie Database
- Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior at TV.com
| Preceded by Cow Belles |
Disney Channel Original Movies | Succeeded by Read It and Weep |
| Preceded by High School Musical |
Highest Rated Disney Channel Original Movie | Succeeded by Jump In! |
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