By Megan Deppe
How many times have you raced to the TV and flopped onto the couch to enjoy the latest Disney Channel Original Movie? That time-honored tradition began 20 years ago today with the debut of Under Wraps, the story of three friends who discover a mummy—a living mummy. Under Wraps is full of fun, adventure, and relatable characters, along with more than a little magic and mystery—everything a DCOM should be! An added boo-nus: Under Wraps’ major milestone comes just in time for the spookiest season, and you can check out the film on the new DisneyNOW app. We sat down to watch this Disney Channel classic again, and here’s why you should, too.
1. It’s perfect for Halloween.
First of all, there’s the mummy… but Under Wraps includes characters who are obsessed with monsters and other scary stuff, ancient Egyptian curses, and all sorts of great Halloween decor. Whether you want shivers or snickers, Under Wraps has got you covered!
2. It’s frightfully funny.
The three kids, Gilbert, Marshall, and Amy, are each funny in their own way, of course, but they take sarcasm to a whole other level. Our heroes’ quick wits are the perfect complement to their strong, silent co-star, who mostly relies on physical comedy to keep us in high spirits throughout the movie.
3. You’ll want a pet mummy.
Though Harold the mummy is a man (?) of few words, his charming performance is enough to almost make you want a mummy of your own. As Marshall says, taking care of him is kind of like taking care of a puppy—a cute mummified puppy who is fascinated by a boombox and will give you a potted plant when you feel sad.
4. It’ll renew your faith in love.
Part of the movie’s charm is the sensitive and tender way it looks at love. Marshall, whose parents who are divorced, laments to Harold that no one seems to stay in love for long. This is partially why he likes Harold, who is still devoted to his Egyptian queen even years after they’ve died. By watching Harold’s devotion, Marshall comes around on the idea that maybe, just maybe, love can last forever. It’s a sweet subplot driven by a love that lasts for hundreds of years.
5. It will inspire you to face your fears.
What better time to learn how to be brave than when all of our scariest dreams roam the earth? The always-anxious Gilbert is scared of the mummy, worried about breaking into the house of a dead guy, and too paralyzed by fear to save his friends when they’re in danger. He judges himself harshly for this, but his friends don’t—and it’s their love and support that allows him to find the courage he needs to be a hero when they really need him.
