Common Sense Media Review
By Tracey Petherick
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Wholesome Disney TV tween comedy is far-fetched but fun.
Parents Need to Know
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Where to Watch
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The Thirteenth Year
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE THIRTEENTH YEAR marks a significant moment in Cody Griffin's (Chez Starbuck) life. As one of the school's star swimmers, Cody is a popular kid with loving adoptive parents. But when he turns 13, strange things begin to happen. He can't stop drinking water, his hands grow sticky scales, and he keeps giving his girlfriend, Sam (Courtnee Draper), electric shocks. When Cody is paired up with science whizz Jess (Justin Jon Ross) for a school project, Jess runs some tests and they discover that Cody is a mermaid -- or, to be more precise, a merman. He now wants to meet his birth mother and realizes that, in finding her, he might also find out who his real friends are.
Is It Any Good?
Although this coming-of-age comedy fails to make a big splash, it does provide some amusing pre-teen entertainment and an insight into the politics of school friendships. As with most Disney Channel Original Movies of the late 1990s, The Thirteenth Year's young actors turn in solid performances, ably supported by the enthusiastic adult cast.
There are some peculiar plot points -- not least that a mermaid would think it wise to leave her newborn baby on a boat with a couple of humans. But the essence of the story -- a coming-of-age tale in which teenagers navigate school, parents, and relationships -- is well told. With a little bit of jeopardy, some social observation, and a few laughs, this is a perfectly acceptable family comedy in the made-for-TV mold.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which characters in The Thirteenth Year displayed positive traits such as loyalty, compassion, and enthusiasm. Why are these such important character strengths to have? Can you think of any times when you've shown these traits in real life?
Lots of the characters portrayed self-confidence. Is this always a positive trait? Talk about the contrasting ways that different characters showed confidence.
Discuss the concept of popularity in a school or college setting. What makes some kids more popular than others? Is this always fair or appropriate?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : May 15, 1999
- Cast : Chez Starbuck , Justin Jon Ross , Courtnee Draper
- Director : Duwayne Dunham
- Studio : Disney Channel Original Movies
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Character Strengths : Compassion
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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