Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media, but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for kids to have said example to follow.

DISCLAIMER: The following is rife with spoilers for Disney’s Halloweentown. If you haven’t watched this quintessential ’90s Disney Channel movie, then … I have questions. 

Marnie Piper 

Fast Facts: 
Still of Kimberly J. Brown in Halloweentown.

Pictured: Kimberly J. Brown

Marnie Piper (Kimberly J. Brown) is half mortal and half witch. She’s the daughter of Gwen Piper (Judith Hoag) and granddaughter of Aggie Cromwell (Debbie Reynolds). Marnie is descended from a long line of powerful witches who resided in Halloweentown. It’s discovered early on in Halloweentown that Marnie potentially possesses “The Gift,” which is the ability to control creatures. Her mother attempted to conceal Marnie’s witch connections so the latter could lead a normal life. However, this became increasingly difficult as Marnie grew older and her burgeoning powers took center stage. 

Aggie lives in Halloweentown and informs Marnie that several people have gone missing. Marnie, her brother Dylan (Joey Zimmerman) and Aggie flee to Halloweentown against Gwen’s wishes. It’s there that Marnie meets Mayor Kalabar (Robin Thomas). Unfortunately, Kalabar is the culprit behind the missing people, and he’s hellbent on gaining control of the human realm. 

But he’s no match for the Cromwells/Pipers! Marnie ultimately defeats Kalabar with the help of her mother, brother and grandmother. After that ordeal, Marnie reconciles with her mother. She agrees to continue her training under Gwen’s tutelage. 

The Real Deal: 

Marnie is the real deal, folks. She was only 13 years old when she learned of her supernatural abilities. While she expressed a tendency for stubbornness that is prevalent in teenagers, Marnie always took the high road. She incessantly has good intentions at heart and will stop at nothing to do the right thing regardless of personal cost. Not to mention, her aptitude for all things witchy makes her a formidable opponent in battle. Additionally, Marnie thinks outside of the box. She finds ways of working around rules (usually detrimental ones) for the betterment of those around her. She’s immensely intelligent, unabashedly kind and intensely protective of her loved ones. She’s the savior of Halloweentown! 

Why She Matters: 
Kimberly J. Brown as Marnie Piper and Debbie Reynolds as Aggie Cromwell in a promotional photo for Halloweentown 2.

Pictured: Kimberly J. Brown and Debbie Reynolds

Why does Marnie matter? She’s a young girl burdened with overwhelming responsibility as a powerful witch who utilizes her gifts for good. With great power comes great responsibility, folks, which is a line that I just made up on the spot. Marnie is wholly honest and non-judgmental. She loves everyone regardless of whether they’re human, goblin or a skeletal taxi driver. Young ladies everywhere can look to her for inspiration and motivation to always do the right thing, even when it’s the hard thing.

So, be like Marnie. Be bold. Be brazen and brutally honest. Always do what’s right no matter the cost. Use magic for only good, even though the dark side does have cookies. Oh, and don’t fall for cute boys named Kal. Chances are his dad is probably a demon bent on wreaking unending destruction in the mortal realm and beyond. 

RELATED: Looking for another strong female crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here!

RELATED: The Best Halloween Movies of the ’90s

 

 

Melody McCune
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