The Suite Life of Zack & Cody: Taking Over the Tipton (August 18/06)

The Suite Life of Zack & Cody is unapologetically aimed at the "tweener" crowd, and yet there's no denying that the show remains somewhat engaging for older viewers as well. It's silly and juvenile, sure, but there's something distinctly old-fashioned about the way most episodes tend to play out.

The series stars Cole and Dylan Sprouse as Cody and Zack Martin, a pair of identical twins who live in a fancy hotel with their single mother (played by Kim Rhodes). They're surrounded by quirky characters, including the stuffy hotel manager (Phill Lewis), a scrappy gift shop clerk named Maddie (Ashley Tisdale), and London (Brenda Song), the spoiled daughter of the hotel's owner.

The first episode on the DVD is entitled "Rock Star in the House" and follows London and Maddie as they attempt to get closer to visiting pop sensation Jesse McCartney. Meanwhile, Zack begins stealing Jesse's towels and clothes for the purpose of selling them to his fans at exorbitant prices. Finally, Cody - desperate to win a science fair - enlists the help of local science whiz Arwin (Brian Stepanek) and builds a laser that perhaps works a little too well.

Episode #2, "Kisses and Basketball," revolves around Zack as he attempts to come to terms with the impromptu kiss planted on him by tomboy Max (Alyson Stoner) during a basketball game. After their relationship turns weird and Max refuses to play for the team, Zack and his friends decide that the only way out is for Zack to ask Max out on a date. Meanwhile, Maddie has her hands full as she tries to limit London's outrageous spending habits.

The disc's third episode, "Odd Couple," follows London as she attempts to impress a smart boy (Zac Efron) by paying Maddie to make her look intelligent. Cody, fed up with Zack's sloppiness, moves out of their room and sets up shop inside the apartment's coat closet (a subplot that culminates in a fairly amusing riff on A Night at the Opera's infamous stateroom scene).

The fourth episode, entitled "French 101," revolves around Zack and Cody's efforts to woo the daughter of a French Ambassador (as expected, an all-out battle for her affections ensues). Meanwhile, London and Maddie attempt to make Esteban (Adrian R'Mante) feel better about himself after he gets his butt kicked by a purse snatcher.