Phil of the Future: Gadgets & Gizmos

Admittedly popular with its intended ‘tween audience, this live-action Disney Channel series makes very little of its high-concept, fish-out-of-water premise. Fifteen-year-old Phil Diffy (the amiable Ricky Ullman) and his family, who hail from the 22nd century, experience a breakdown in their time travel machine while on vacation, stranding them in the present day. Don't look for any satirical observations about contemporary customs à la Mork & Mindy or 3rd Rock from the Sun. Instead, the focus is more on special effects used to render the family's futuristic gadgets, such as an Invisi-Spray. In "Double Trouble," Phil and his combative sister, Pim, must contend with school bullies; "Age Before Beauty" finds Phil's friend Keely using his New-Ager to see what she will look like as a young woman, and attracting the attention of the school science teacher; and in "My Way," Phil helps his friend overcome stage fright. The final episode, never broadcast in the United States, poses an ethical dilemma for Phil, when an old friend offers to take the family back to the future, but only if Phil will help him pull a prank. Some clever writing and absurd situations (the Diffys also shelter a caveman) hint that the series may have a promising future, but for now fans can get their fill of Phil from TV. DVD extras include a catalog of gadgets and gizmos from the show, and an audio commentary by Ullman on one episode. An optional purchase. Aud: P. (D. Liebenson)