NeverBeforeSeenDisneyFilms -- Treasure Planet

Okay, before you get all worked up over the title, when I say "never before seen Disney films," I mean for me, an avid Disney freak who still needs to get around to certain films in order to thoroughly get a grasp on the animation company I know and love. So, let's get to business: from here on out, I will be reviewing both "never before seen" and well-known Disney animated films, giving both original and current opinions on each film at hand. To start, let's dive into the film I remember watching the trailer to when I was twelve, and never getting around to actually watching it until last night, when my 20-year old decided once and for all, I need to see it at last.

And as a whole, I was not disappointed. In fact, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Here are a few reasons as to why: first off, the fantasy/sci-fi elements were amazing!! OH.MY.GODS, I geeked out inwardly at all the action, the weird creatures, the transportation methods, etc. I wish this film was more successful, or at least more popular, so then I get down all the names of the places, creatures, and more of this galactic world. The 2D mixed with 3D animation was a little... odd, at first, but still worked well for a film like this one, considering most of the action took place in space, thus requiring a bit more technology to make the explosions and fighting much more effective. Plus, this was made in 2004, so it's not quite on par with today's technology, obviously, so I was more forgiving.

Second, it followed the original story incredibly well. Aside from being in outer space (and ignoring the fact that they don't seem to have a problem breathing, but that's another story....), having fantastical beasts and other details, the story of how Jim Hawkins is given a treasure map from a dying old pirate and goes on an adventure to seek out Treasure Island--er, Planet, remains very much the same. He befriends Long John Silver (who has a "Morph" for a companion instead of a parrot; I want that awesome little blob of ever-changing shapes!!), then is "betrayed" when the old pirate shows his harsher side. If you're familiar with the book, you'll understand the unique relationship between Jim and Silver, one that's neither hateful nor loving, but definitely strong. In the Disney version, they, of course, umped up the "loving" side of Silver, but still kept his character realistic and the struggle between his selfish, treasure-hungry pirate side vs his tenderness toward the young cabin boy was a heart-warming and powerful evolution to watch.

Third, I will admit, this movie did have some..... annoyances. I'm referring mainly to the mentally unstable robot, B.E.N., who would have amused me as a kid, but now watching this for the first time as an adult.... I kinda wanted to slap his metal head for every line he said. Maybe one or two made me grin, but mostly he was obnoxious and pushing his humor far too much. (Think of the Genie on crack, with Dory's short-term memory loss, and add in Iago's loud voice and rants. Mix it all together, and double it over, and you get this robot. NOT a good mix, as you can imagine....)

Some people may be a little confused by the time era mixture: outer space with traditional colonial outfits...? But to me, I thought of it as possibly an alternative universe, with the same era of fashion of our world around that time, but just advanced in technology..... I guess.... =_=" The point is, I found it creative and an interesting blend of styles. :)

Lastly, the character development and relationships are FANTASTIC. If Disney has trouble with funny, awkward characters on the side, it excels at storytelling and keeping the characters alive and close to our hearts. Being a big fan of the original novel (read it 2-3 times), I was still able to fall in love with the characters all over again. I especially adored the strong female character, Captain Amelia, a feline-like woman of integrity, cleverness, and cool authority. Of all the "forgotten" female leads of Disney films, this lady sure is near the top of the list!! She's smart, funny (thank that lovely British humor of hers), and knows how to take the lead when necessary. Another funny Brit was Jim's companion, Dr. Doppler (a dog-like human... hehe....), who quite possibly made me laugh the most throughout the film. Yes, his moments could be a little rough sometimes, but mostly he was not disappointing. And of course, the hero himself, Jim Hawkins. Unlike the wide-eyed innocent of the book, this Jim is rough to begin with: a juvenile delinquent, but still wishing he could make his mom happy. He growls and sighs at every taste of authority taking over his life, but doesn't come across as a whining baby, but a struggling teenager who only needs a strong father-figure in his life.

All in all,. it's a little difficult to go too deeply into this film since it wasn't exactly a significant part of my childhood. I enjoyed it, though it's hard to top it over other Disney classics. Still, for an adventure family film, it was loads of fun and a ride I do not regret experiencing. :)

Nostalgia Critic on Disney

Today, I would like to share the wisdom of one of my favorite Youtube reviewers, known as the Nostalgia Critic, regarding the magic of Disney:

"You may act like you don't like Disney. You may talk about how it's an 'evil corporate monster,' that only keeps getting stronger and stronger the longer you live. But the funny thing is, you don't have a choice. You can bombard us with all the genius, monstrous things Disney has done in the past. You can argue debatable messages, you can argue debatable ethics, you can even argue debatable stereotypes, but it doesn't matter. Disney has always been there. For most of us, it's the first thing we're introduced to and that's the genius of Disney: putting all their time and all their effort, not in something adult, but in something for children. And once something has your childhood by the balls, it's never gonna leave you. It's there forever. Disney has practically become family to us. It's fairytales, it's magic, it's everything we enjoyed and thought was possible when we were younger. And as we grow older, there's a lot of other things to enjoy: the artistry, the creativity, the imagination. There's literally no other word for it but Disney. It's an artistic, cultural phenomenon that will never, ever leave."

EXACTLY how I think and feel about Disney. Of course, I could add so much more, but the Nostalgia Critic put it best in a concise, clear format. Disney is real and constant, and will always bring magic to our homes, no matter how old we get. <3

Days 101-115

101. Funniest Live-Action Scene
Cannibal Island in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

Everything, from Jack being their chief, to the men in the bone cages, to the hilarious chase scene is just HILARIOUS. Love love LOVE the whole sequence of events that occur!!

Mind you, ALL of the Pirates' films have plenty of hysterical moments and sequence of events, but to name one in particular, the adventures on that cannibal island just get me cracking up every single time. XD

102. Scariest Live-Action Scene
The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come from The Muppet's Christmas Carol

As a kid, mind you, AS A KID, this guy terrorized me. He never says a word, never lifts a finger of threat or causes any harm.... and that's exactly what freaked me out!! I was always suspecting SOMETHING, ANYTHING, was going to happen because of this guy's doing!! Naturally, those of you who'...ve seen this movie or are familiar with Dickens' classic story, this ghost doesn't cause anything more than cause the final transformation of Scrooge. But like I said, when I was younger, I was rarely in the room when this ghost was on screen, and now I can handle watching it quite easily.

(In fact, comparing animated to live-action films, I find that the animated films carry MUCH scarier scenes than even the more "adult" of live-action films.... O.O Interesting....)

103. Favorite Intense/Action Scene
The Maelstrom from Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End

EPIC EPICNESS!!!! This ENTIRE fight is pure awesomeness!!!! *fangirl* XD ♥ ♥

104. Favorite Emotional Live-Action Scene
Bridge to Terabithia, Jess with his father

I almost put Old Yeller, but since I already used that for my Day 33. Saddest Non-Villain Death, I went along with this instead.

I mean, just look at that face!! DX Jess is heartbroken over the loss of his only friend in the world... it just tore me apart, watching this scene. I read the book at least twice (and even saw a staged musical version) before watching this movie. And yet the scene where Jess breaks down completely and asks his father, "Is she going to Hell?" and then goes on about how it's all his fault ..... MY GOD, it kills me every single time!!! </3

105. Favorite Live-Action Disney Child
Pollyanna

I watched the 1960 film before reading the original children's book, but I still loved Disney's interpretation of this wide-eyed, happy girl.
...
Pollyanna lived life by playing the "Glad Game," where she sought a silver lining in every cloud. After her parents died, she came to live with her rich aunt, who ran and dominated the town of "Harrington." Slowly but surely, Pollyanna began working her magic into the hearts and souls of the embittered people of Harrington, and even managed to melt the cold heart of her aunt.

It's a very sweet, lovely film, and I totally recommend watching it. :)

106. Least Favorite Live-Action Disney Child
Charlie from Bedknobs and Broomsticks

God, talk about a killjoy! Every time Ms. Price and the children are off on an adventure, who decides to pipe up and moan and complain about all the nonsense and inconvenience magic makes? That's right: this little brat.

I mean, none of the children in this film are exactly likable or thrilling. Carrie is sweet, but is very dull. Paul is on the brink of annoyance, though his innocent knowledge gives him credit. But Charlie? Just a whining, complaining like brat who wants nothing more than to get attention. >.<

107. Favorite Live-Action Disney Animal
Aslan from The Chronicles of Narnia 

For those of you who know me and my beliefs, this may seem ironic :P However, I can't help it: a magical, mysterious lion that brought about the creation of Narnia and somehow brings justice and good at the right time.... he's pretty darn awesome. Plus, having read all the books, I'm very familiar with the emotional connection he had with the Penvesie children (especially Lucy), so he just seems more alive and wonderful to me. :)

108. Least Favorite Live-Action Disney Animal
The Kraken from Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest 

*shudder* This thing-- no, this monster-- no, this, um, monster-thing-- no no, this MEGAFREAKYHORRIFYINGMONTROSITY scares me!!!

Seriously, after all that time leading up to the creature's appearance, I STILL was taken aback by it's terror!!! :O No me gusta.... no me gusta at ALL....

109. Favorite Live-Action Disney Opening
Bridge to Terabithia

This is such a beautiful opening.... I absolutely love it! :)

110. Least Favorite Live-Action Disney Opening
1961's The Parent Trap

I don't dislike this opening.... it just seemed like the opening into an animated film (if not partially animated) and.... well, there's no animation whatsoever....

Plus in the song, the names of the couple are different (Marsha and John? What happened to Maggie and Mitch???) and the twins don't LOOK like twins at all!!! It just was very distracting (and, to be honest, a bit corny/cheesy) compared to the rest of the film, which is actually very cute and clever. :/

111. Favorite Live-Action Disney Ending
Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl

*squee* God, I love the way this film ends!!!
Jack, now finally reunited with his beloved Black Pearl, and Captain again: Now.... bring me that horizon.... *singing incoherently, glances at compass* And really bad eggs.... Drink up, me hearties, yo ho! *snap compass shut* BAM!! Credits roll in..... FREAKIN AWESOME!!!!! XD XD ♥ ♥

112. Least Favorite Live-Action Disney Ending
A Kid in King Arthur's Court

Okay, I won't even bother going on how horrendous of a movie this is; it's not worth it. However, the ending is.... wtf?? Apparently, Calvin returns to his own time period (long story short: an earthquake had interrupted his baseball game, launching him back to King Arthur's time), to start over his place at bat. He hi...ts a home run and somehow meets the girl/princess he "fell in love" with in King Arthur's time. Oh and King Arthur's there too. Both in modern clothes. No explanation, no logical or coherent connection. No, just freaking popping out of nowhere and then, wham, the movie's over!! O.O

But hey, there's no point in putting logic into a movie as horrible as this, so I'm just going to leave at that...

113. Favorite Disney Credits Song (Animated, Pixar, or Live-Action)
"Beauty and the Beast" by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson

I. Just. LOVE. This. Song!!!! Celine's voice is angelic and coincides wonderfully with Peabo.... it's just BEAUTIFUL. :) ♥

114. Least Favorite Disney Credits Song (Animated, Pixar, or Live-Action)
"Love is a Song that Never Ends" from the beginning of Bambi 

Sort of like my Day 80. Least Favorite Animated Opening, Bambi's opening credits song as well as the slowest first scene in history.... just don't appeal to me. :/

115. Favorite Day/Entry From the Entire 115 Day Disney Challenge (LAST DAY!!!!)
My Day 3. Favorite Disney Heroine (animated) 

I just love Belle altogether. She never grows old in my eyes and never annoys me or causes me to lose my respect for her. Here's what I wrote for that day:
...
There's no doubt about it. Belle is my personal favorite of ALL the Disney females (both animal and human).

I guess it's because I relate to her the most: a bookworm, dreams of adventures, loyal and loving to her father, and appreciates inner beauty over good looks.

She's the ONLY Disney girl who actually falls in love with a Beast (aka: a "hideous" person, thus against societal ideals). True, he transforms into a handsome prince, but I think that's more symbolic than anything else: it's not that "oh, he's suddenly handsome now, you can have him!" No, it emphasizes that his inner beauty has finally come out, making him a kind, loving individual. The physical appearance represents that. Nothing more.

(Note: I considered putting Mulan for this, because I DO love her, and relate to her as well. But honestly, Belle is like my twin sister/clone. I /had/ to choose her.... ^.^)

AND THE 115 DISNEY QUESTIONNAIRE IS DONE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Days 91-100

91. Favorite Live-Action Disney Duo
The Great Gonzo and Rizzo the Rat 

Absolutely hilarious, the two of them. XD I particularly LOVE their interaction in "Muppet's Christmas Carol" when Gonzo is playing the role of Charles Dickens and Rizzo comes along for the ride. Brilliant pair. :D

92. Least Favorite Live-Action Duo
Ellen and the Cook from Mary Poppins 

Don't get wrong. I don't dislike the two. I just had such a hard time choosing my least favorite..... (I would have gladly gone and insulted High School Musical all the way through..... but ..... I have yet to see ANY of the films so that's not fair.....)

93. Favorite Live-Action Couple
Wil Turner and Elizabeth Swann from Pirates of the Caribbean 

As much as Elizabeth drives me NUTS in the 2nd and part of the 3rd films, I do absolutely ADORE her love story with Will!!!! *squee* ♥ ♥ ♥

94. Least Favorite Live-Action Couple
Mitch and "Maggie" from 1961's The Parent Trap

I guess they're too hateful and irritable for me to belive they've ever been in love (or will fall again). Yes, it's realistic, and yes it's pretty darn hilarious.... but... when it comes to loving a couple, I want to be able to enjoy their chemistry, not just laugh because they're both prideful idiots.... >.< Just saying...

95. Favorite Love Song (from Live-Action film)
"So Close" from Enchanted

...... I cannot begin to explain the amount of love and passion I feel for this scene!!!! My GOD, it chokes me up every single time!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ Absolute favorite!!! Just by this scene alone, I might have made Giselle and Robert my favorite couple.... but I couldn't toss away Will and Elizabeth.... b-b-but this scene, this song, this --- *fangirling* ..... LOVE IT!!!!!!

96. Least Favorite Love song (from Live-Action film)
"Start of Something New" from High School Musical

*sigh* again, I used HSM because.... I simply couldn't think of a "least favorite love song" :/ And, as I've made perfectly clear, I never seen these films so I wouldn't judge for myself....

97. Favorite Kiss Scene (from Live-Action film)
Will and Elizabeth's wedding scene 

Best. Scene. EVER!!! Seriously, out of all those sappy, romantic scenes, funny scenes, action scenes, whatever that Disney creates, this one has it ALL!!! Action, romance, hilarity, it's just AWESOME!!!!

98. Least Favorite Kiss Scene (from Live-Action film)
Elizabeth and Jack Sparrow's kiss in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest

UGH!!!!!! This scene pisses me off to NO END!!!! I hated it when I first saw it, and I hate it to this day!! I mean, Will sees it happen!! WTF, Elizabeth?! >.<

99. Favorite Dance Scene (from Live-Action film)
Post "Jolly Holiday" scene, Bert dancing with the penguins from Mary Poppins 

Classic hilarious scene. Dick Van Dyke was PERFECT as the lovable Bert and his goofy companions. Always loved this scene, and always will. :)

100. Least Favorite Dance Scene (from Live-Action film)
"Get'cha Head in the Game" from High School Musical 

Dancing. Basketball. Players. WTF.

This isn't a "Remember the Titans" moment where the football players sing and dance to "We Are the Titans" and are being deliberately funny and unorthodox. No. The "High School Musical" movies have a tendency to make corny, cheesy, ridiculous, and just "wtf" moments with EVERY godforsaken subject possible!!!! >.< And THIS is just one example....

Days 81-90, Live-Action Films

81. Favorite Live-Action Heroine

Mary Poppins

Talk about a classic Disney icon. And even a classic literary icon. (Although I prefer Julie Andrews' interpretation of the proper, practically perfect nanny)

I just always adored Mary's magical abilities, but also upkeeping a "no-nonsense" attitude. Not to mention, she's the best live-action singing voice Disney ever cooked up. In fact, Walt Disney's personal favorite song was "Feed the Birds (Tuppance a Bag)" which Julie Andrews sang beautifully. I just love Mary Poppins, and anyone who's had a childhood should agree with me ♥

82. Least Favorite Live-Action Heroine
Susan from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe

My God, this girl drove me nuts!!! In the second film "Prince Caspian" she improved tremendously, but did I HATE her in the first one!!
...
Not only is she a snob and a half, she always tries to be "realistic" when there's no time for logic (thus being a pain in the arse for everyone). She even tries to stop her brother Peter from killing the Head Wolf who's about to kill THEM!! WTF??? Idiotic girl.... She thinks she's smart, but she's not!! The only cool thing she does is be a great archer, and by then she was only slightly tolerable.

(Note: like I said, she DID improve very very much in the second film. But here.... I just couldn't stand her. >.<)

83. Favorite Live-Action Hero
Captain Jack Sparrow from the Pirates of the Caribbean films 

Ohhhhh yeah.... No doubt about it. None whatsoever. Absolute favorite, and always will be. Disney may be good at producing villains and animated heroines, but normally it's pretty lax on the "really great hero" category. Jack nails that category to a "T." He's charming, suave, hilarious, badass, and realistically cowardly with his moments of heroism. Well, he IS a pirate.... ;) ♥ ♥ ♥

84. Least Favorite Live-Action Hero
Robert from Enchanted 

Okay, I hard time with this one. Not because I had another close choice, but because I don't really DISLIKE this guy.... He's just not my favorite. And technically, he IS the hero as opposed to the bumbling Prince Edward. And besides, I LOVE that absurd prince!! He's so ridiculously over-the-top, it's just hilarious!! Sort of like Giselle, except she's also adorable and genuine.

But yeah... Robert was just.... Eh. :/ Neither really like nor really dislike him. I just never really cared. *shrugs*

85. Favorite Live-Action Sidekick (Villainous or Heroic)
Mr. Gibbs from the Pirates of the Caribbean films

Jack Sparrow's loyal sidekick is just underrated. Everyone remembers Will (of course ♥) and Barbossa, but few people think of Mr. Gibbs. Personally, I always liked him because he seemed to have the most knowledge out of all the characters (besides Tia Dalma) and also can pull a wisecrack now and then.

Admittedly, I almost chose the two pirates, Ragetti and Pintel, because those two DO make me laugh, but they also tend to be in the way a lot. Plus, they're more like a "duo" then just a sidekick, so yeah... :/

86. Least Favorite Live-Action Sidekick (Villainous or Heroic)
Lily from The Princess Diaries

She's not really a sidekick, per se, but she IS the heroine's (Princess Mia, played by Anne Hathaway) best friend, so it counts. I just didn't like how she turned from sassy but supportive best friend to an evil bitch just because Mia was "transformed." I mean, I respected and related to what she said ("I thought you cared about what was IN your head, not ON it" etc), but sheesh... this is your best friend, girl!! TRY and act supportive at the very least!!

I guess for a harmless comedy as opposed to action, it's kind of silly to choose Lily at all. But maybe that's my point.....

87. Favorite Live-Action Villain
Barbossa from Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl 

Classic. Just a classic villain: cursed pirate captain kidnaps daughter of a British governor, meaning to spill her blood to end the curse. He's vicious but also charming, witty and deadly, and just a great, great villain. :)

88. Least Favorite Live-Action Villain
Meredith Blake from 1998 The Parent Trap

What a b****. Seriously, if Vicki was bad enough in the 1961 version of the film, this broad is WORSE!!!
...
For one thing, Vicki was almost amusing with her slippery sarcasm, and because Mitch (the dad) is so clueless in the first film, she has no power over him.

Meredith, on the other hand, plays the role of "Sex Goddess" to a T. Not that I find her sexy, because I don't; rather, she really hams up her seductive powers to the point where it seems that Nick ('98 dad) just desires her as a bed partner!!! UGH!!!

(I hate to be this blatantly forward in my opinion -- especially regarding a freakin DISNEY movie -- but.... I can't stand this chick. And I simply LOVE how Hallie and Annie (aka: one Lindsay Lohan) get back at her....)

89. Favorite Live-Action Villain Song
"Shiver My Timbers" from Muppet Treasure Island 

This song is just awesome. The rest of the movie is pretty ..... bland, as far as Muppets movies go (I prefer Muppet's Christmas Carol by a LONG shot), but the opening to the film is still pretty epic. Pirates, FOR THE WIN!!!

90. Least Favorite Live-Action Villain Song
"Castle in Spain" from Babes in Toyland

Honestly, I couldn't think of a better choice ..... (never seen this movie).

Days 71-80, Least Favorites and more, Animated

71. Least Favorite Animated Singing Voice
Iago from Aladdin (or Return of Jafar)

Iago may be hilarious, but when he SINGS??? .... Not pleasant to the ears.... >.>

72. Favorite Animated Disney or Pixar Duo
Woody and Buzz Lightyear from the Toy Story films

These two are unstoppable. And unforgettable. Hilarious personalities (that sometimes clash rather than commune), fascinating stories, great development, wonderful chemistry.... they are just a fantastic pair!!! ♥ 

Admittedly, a bunch of other Pixar duos came close: Dory and Marlin from "Finding Nemo," Sully and Mike from "Monsters Inc," Remy and Lingiuni from "Ratatouille," and Jessie and Bullseye from "Toy Story 2." Plus, there are great Disney ones: Timon and Pumbaa from "The Lion King," the Mad Hatter and March Hare from "Alice in Wonderland," Terk and Tantar from "Tarzan," Kuzko and Pacha from "The Emperor's New Groove," Phil and Pegasus from "Hercules" (or Hercules with either of those two), etc etc.....

But I just have to choose Woody and Buzz in the end ^.^

73. Least Favorite Animated Duo
Esmeralda and Djali 

Not that I DISLIKE these two, because I don't. In other words, I do like them, very much..... buuuuut, when compared to other great duos..... they're not QUITE as memorable or funny as other ones..... so, yeah, my apologies Esmeralda, but and your goat don't cut to the chase on my level of awesome Disney duos... :/

74. Least Favorite Animated Villain Song
"Madam Mim" from The Sword in the Stone

Most Disney villain songs are fantastic (and some of the better ones were written during and after the 80s and 90s); this song was just obnoxious. I never really liked Madam Mim, and this song simply exemplifies her absurdity. :P

75. Least Favorite Animated Love Song
"Natural Attraction" from The Fox and the Hound

Nehh, I never understood or cared about this couple, not the "love song" that Big Mama serenades them in order to make them fall in love. 

Psh, they don't even get along (except for when Todd was too gooey-eyed to notice at first) and yet, a small offering of a single flower suddenly gets Vixie to flirt with him again?? Talk about petty!! That's NOT love, that's .... that's.... Idk WHAT it is, but this is definitely of Disney's biggest romantic flops :P

76. Least Favorite Animated Kiss Scene
Phoebus and Esmeralda

Why do I hate this scene? Well.... if you ever read my Day 12 entry (Least Favorite Couple) that should give you an idea..... :P

I mean, it would have been the perfect, sweet kiss scene except for one tiny detail: see that broken-hearted boy to the right??? That's right: they just had to make-out when Quasimodo, the poor ignorant hunchback watches with a shattered heart!!!! WTF??????



..... Sorry, I just HATE this shipping of Phoebus and Esmeralda so much that even the kindness and chemistry in their romance is simply NOT bought by me. Poor Quasi.... :'( </3

77. Least Favorite Animated Dance Scene
The pirates in Peter Pan 

I just never got this.... I mean, other dances are either romantic, party-esque, or just.... idk, fun? This is just a bunch of unfit dudes singing about their captain and how awesome the life of a pirate is..... while the ones they're trying to convince are tied to the ship's mast against their free will.

Wow. Just wow..... XD

78. Least Favorite Animated Ending 
The Emperor's New Groove

Okay, I know the whole movie is supposed to be a spoof, but I still never understood (or liked) the very very last scene. It seems the ending is fairly decent: Kuzco finally learns what really matters in life, he and Pacha have fun with the family during summer, and everything's just peachy. And then.... THIS. O.o wtf??

79. Favorite Animated Opening

"Circle of Life" from The Lion King

I can only imagine how spellbound audiences were from the moment the sun broke out over that horizon, with the African music to create atmosphere. Absolutely stunning opening, this one beats all by a long mile.... ♥

80. Least Favorite Animated Opening

Bambi

This is just one of the slowest openings ever.... Beautiful animation and all, but jeez it sure takes its time to get to even the first character (Friend Owl) >.>

Days 61-70, From Pixar to Favorite Films

61. Least Favorite Pixar Character

Sally from Cars

Eh, I admire her morals and the fact that she tries to give Lightning a second chance, but Sally never really interested me as a character. I almost chose Mr. Potato Head from the Toy Story films, but he's still funny in his own way. Sally is just.... boring. Good, but dull. :/

62. Favorite Pixar Villain
Hopper from A Bug's Life

What I liked about this pest of a villain is that he seems to be the one true villain of the Pixar films. He has power, wants power, and fears losing that power. Not necessarily an evil guy (that is a topic entirely on it's own) but he definitely has the qualities of a classic villain. He knows that the ants out-number his troop of grasshoppers, yet he also knows that intimidation can keep them in line. He knows it's dangerous to give those ants the knowledge of their own strength, so he "dumbs them down" in order to keep them under his control.

It's both cruel and brilliant, and that's why when Flick is the first to stand up to him, it's significant to the rest of the ants of their own power.

63. Least Favorite Pixar Villain
Stinky Pete the Prospector from Toy Story 2 

I just never took this guy seriously. He had no minions, no power, no real logical motivations. Just to trap Jessie, Woody, and Bullseye with him as a collector's item. O.o 


His villainous nature is almost a joke, and yet he still manages to drag the whole toy gang through the airport until they finally catch him off guard (courtesy of flashing camera lights). Not a very convincing villain; he was more like a nuisance to get rid of.

64. Favorite Animated Film Made During Walt Disney’s Lifetime

Pinocchio

Walt's 2nd masterpiece, this is a timeless piece of Disney's magic. The story of an innocent wooden puppet that transforms into a "real boy" is a story that is not likely to be forgotten. Great music, hilarious characters, disturbing elements, and heart-stopping action, this story captures it all, and still retains that childlike innocence (with some darkness to overcome). Plus, the moral's fantastic: if you are good, good things are bound to happen. In the words of the wise Blue Fairy, "Prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish, and someday you will be a real boy." Only YOU can change yourself, and doing good things will truly make you a good person.

LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥

65. Least Favorite Animated Film from Walt Disney’s Lifetime
Saludos Amigos

This was the first "packaged" film Walt Disney produced in the 1940's, courtesy of the country gone to war. It took me FOREVER to find and watch this lost treasure....... and frankly, I was a little disappointed. 

I didn't grow up with most of these "packaged films" (Make Mine Music, Fun and Fancy Free, Melody Time, The Adventures of Ichabob and Mr. Toad) and was only familiar with some of the clips each film possessed. Later, when my knowledge of Disney grew and became hungry for more, I went out to watch these "lost treasures" as I can them (since very few people know of them today). They're all hilarious, sad, musical, magical, and just bizarre in their own ways.

"Saludos Amigos" theme song was the only thing I knew of this 1944 film.... and it's not as wonderful as I had hoped it would be.

But.... to be fair, this was Disney's first grasp at producing a "packaged film" so of course it's gonna be a little rough around the edges. The next film, in 1945, "The Three Cabarellos" is much better, and one of my all-time favorite movies from my childhood. :)

66. Favorite “Disney Renaissance” Movie
Mulan

This is, without a doubt, one of the most kickass Disney animated films.... and definitely one of the most hilarious!!! XD 

Mulan is an entirely different Disney girl altogether (as much as people try to claim that Rapunzel or Tiana are more unique). No, none of the other girls disguised themselves as men and tried to get involved a freakin' WAR, for crying out loud!! What's also interesting about that is Mulan's "transformation" from a woman to a man (sort of) does not involve magic or voodoo or trickery of any kind. It was all done by her free will and THAT's what sets her apart from other Disney girls. Ariel does willingly change into a human, but it still involved magic and a contract that sacrificed her voice. Belle doesn't transform, but her love transforms the Beast (again, magic). Tiana turns into a frog (voodoo magic) unwillingly and is thrust into adventure.

Mulan doesn't rashly commit a deed, nor break/start any spells. What began as a conquest to protect her father became the transformation of what's most important of all: finding herself.


But.... besides all that philosophical stuff, it's just FUNNY AS HELL!!! Mushu, Mulan's dragon "guardian" is the main source of hilarity (Cri-Kee the "Lucky Cricket"; Khan, Mulan's horse; Chi-Fu, the Emperor's Council; Chin-Po, Ping, and Yao.... they all are funny as well). None can compare with that little lizard----
Mushu: "Hey, hey dragon. DRAGON. Not lizard. I don't do that tongue thing!" *slithers tongue out*

Er.... of course.... ^^"

67. Least Favorite “Disney Renaissance” Movie
Pocahontas

Huh. My least favorite heroine falls in this category.... Again, not that I DISLIKE this movie, because I don't. The animation, music, and story are all well-done, and even some of the characters have their attributes. It's just..... this movie didn't affect as dramatically as most Disney movies have (and that's BOTH negatively and positively) 


I admit, Meeko and Flit were always my favorites.... and the songs ARE awesome (Stephen Schwartz, hello!!!), but, er, it just didn't hit home. :/

68. Favorite “Modern” Animated Disney Movie (Made after 2000)
Tangled and The Princess and the Frog 

I can't say which one I love more because both are freakin' fantastic!!! Princess and the Frog is WAY underrated, and for being the first 2D animated film for almost a decade, it did a fantastic job. In my opinion, it's up there with the Disney Renaissance. :) As for Tangled, despite some cheesy drawbacks, it's still an adorable film and I love it to bits. :)

69. Least Favorite “Modern” Animated Disney Movie
Dinosaur 

Ehhh, I need to watch it again to make this one definite, but, from what I remember, it wasn't all that great (not to mention, it's basically ripping Don Bluth's 1988 "The Land Before Time" and that's just sad) :/

70. Favorite Animated Singing Voice
Aurora from Sleeping Beauty 

I mean, DAMN. This 1959 Disney princess has the perfect operatic voice. There's the typical "pretty" voices of all the other girls, but none sound as gorgeous as Aurora. Well, what would you expect from a princess who had a Good Fairy bestow her the Gift of Song? ;)