Good Girls Go Bad: Shedding the Disney Image

It's ironic enough that 90% of the Disney Channel's starlets are some of the most famous, yet least talented actresses, in the industry. But furthermore, it's ironic that these same young "actresses" always seem to be biting the hand that feeds them-- A.K.A. Disney--as if any other legitimate production company would give them the time of day (and I'm not sure why Disney has either). These young actresses, who are all highly inadequate in the talent department, take the first opportunity they get to "shed the Disney/good girl" image, the very image that made them who they are. Thanks to the likes of Miley Cyrus and Vanessa Hudgens (among others), the Disney Channel is the laughing stock of cable television to anyone over the age of 10.

Let's take Miley Cyrus... Oh Miley, where do I begin? She was cute enough when she landed the role on Disney Channel's Hannah Montana, but Disney's cheesy, elementary school level comedy, and Miley's barely sufficient acting skills, aren't enough to sustain a real career for Miss Cyrus. And she knows it. Alas, she's going to prove to the world that she's a "real actress" that is "misunderstood," and wants to be taken seriously. Can you feel the angst? So, instead of doing the logical thing--scouting for more challenging roles and educating herself to the point where she doesn't sound like a complete moron in interviews (pardon me if this is starting to sound a bit like an ad hominem attack)--Miley is going to do a raunchy photoshoot with Elle Magazine (August 2009), in which she sports a tight black leather jacket and some new found cleavage (or maybe she just gave the photo editor a nice tip to add that in).

Of course, one sexy photoshoot isn't gonna do the trick, so Mastermind Miley broke out a stripper pole for her performance at the Teen Choice Awards 2009 (aired Monday, August 10th). Maybe she thought she was performing at the AVN Awards?? Where are her parents?! Oh wait... they're at the bank cashing her checks. Don't you wonder what God would think of all this? Since Miley is a self-proclaimed devout Christian and all.

It all boils down to this question--whatever happened to serious actors? It seems all these little Disney stars care about is their image. And call me crazy, but I'd be more concerned about the actual acting aspect of, well, acting. The whole "good girl gone bad" is such a cliche. Get a new slogan, Miley. Or, better yet, a new career.

And as for Disney, they've done two things right--Zac Efron and Shia LaBeouf. Ashley Tisdale and Demi Lovato have potential, but nothing is certain. I guess you would think, as one of the most powerful production empires in the industry, Disney could at least afford some talented actors.

Just another classic case of reality.