What Disney movie did you just watch?

[moviefan12]

The Little Mermaid

I just got this on Blu Ray and I just love it. It was shorter then I remembered but everything I loved about this film held up well and I loved getting to see all the deleted scenes. Can't wait to watch this again.


Sleeping Beauty

God, this film is so boring. And the three fairies are so stupid, they tip off Diablo and that is why Aurora is found.


Beauty and The Beast.

Thankfully, I was able to wash out the taste of that bad film with this. First time, I've seen it with Human Again included in the film and while it's not a bad number. I don't think it's needed. Belle is just such a great character as is the Beast and I love watching his arc as he grows as a character.

[MovieMan995]

The Muppets (2011): A wonderful reintroduction for these characters. Hilarious, touching, the perfect tone and wonderful performances by the humans. This is an absolute joy to watch. The musical numbers were fantastic and the opening musical sequence set the tone. One of my favorite Muppets movies and an incredibly happy and nostalgic trip. I was smiling the entire time watching this film.

[moviefan12]

The Princess and The Frog - not one that I'd seen in two to three years and I don't know why . It's really good. Great songs, one of the best Disney villains and gorgeous animation all around.

Frozen - Love this movie. Easily, one of my all time favorite Disney movies. Could not wait to watch once I got it on Blu Ray/DVD and having watched it, it is just as good as when I saw it in theaters.

[BelleGirl]

Monster's University - for the first time on blu ray. I think it is pretty good for a 'prequel', it actually added something to the original "Monsters Inc". - which you absolutely should have watched first to make sense of "Monster's University". Professor Hardscrabble is a great addition to the movie and Mike and sully are just as funny as in the original.

[EZLiver9139]

My last five...

1. Who Framed Roger Rabbit (5/1/2014)
Viewed in memory of the late, great Bob Hoskins whose career was pretty much secured after this role. Fans of old Hollywood, detective capers and overall animation alike will find something to love with what may be one of Bob Zemeckis' greatest works (Cast Away being the other prime example). Always have the best time revisiting this classic. This being a Touchstone title, I've been inspired to go on a bender, trying out some of those other legendary live-action features from the last 30 years under those two labels this summer.

2. Invincible (5/8/2014)
Mark Wahlberg portrays Philadelphia Eagles WR Vince Papale in his journey from lowly bartender to star of the gridiron. As cheesy as sports dramas go, but Wahlberg, along with Greg Kinnear and Elizabeth Banks carry their characters enough to pass this over the goalpost. First time viewing, worth it on Blu.

3. So Dear to My Heart (5/8/2014)
Walt's follow-up to Song of the South, from a live-action perspective. Animated segments don't help much as I couldn't tell whether this was a religious fable with the message hidden or a piece of edutainment where the lesson was obvious. Burl Ives and Bobby Driscoll barely make this work for me, apart from that I'd say neither heads or tails.

4. The Rookie (5/9/2014)
Dennis Quaid in one of his better roles as a Navy-backgrounded high-school baseball coach with aspirations of playing in the big leagues. Again, sports drama level cheesy but just as enjoyable.

5. Million Dollar Arm (5/12/2014)
Picked up an advanced pass for the newest in this long line of "inspiring sports stories". Jon Hamm (looking as suave as ever) portrays a hot-shot LA sports rep in an attempt to reach the last untapped market for potential baseball players, seeking a couple of average Indian kids for their shot in the national ranks. Out of the three I've viewed to this point, this is the most outstanding, with an top-notch cast, and a uniquely-branded director (Craig Gillespie) leading the charge. More than worth your summer dollars.

[BelleGirl]

Up once more. It's a lovely movie i.m.o. but it defies logic and nature's laws of course. I cannot imagine Carl could be comfortable in his house up in the air for it would be 1: very cold, 2. very thin air. He would freeze to death. Or was he not high enough for that? anyway, I still thinks some scenes are priceless. For instance when Carl sits down in his floating house and hears a knock on the door. "What the heck?" You see him think. It's also endearing to see how a friendship arises between two lonely people Carl and the boy scout Russel.

Frozen on blu-ray. Some people seem to think this movie has no great villain and is therefore not entirely successful as story. I disagree: I think it's quite clever that on first viewing you don't suspect prince Hans of having bad intentions until this becomes clear about 3/4 into the movie. And any way, the greatest 'villain' here is not Hans but the gift Elsa cannot control, and therefore becomes a curse. I like it how conventions of typical Disney princess movies are put aside here: romance takes a second place to love between siblings, and the 'act of true love' is from one sister towards another.
I was disappointed in the bonus features for the greatest part: I liked the short 'get a horse' and the music videos, But 'The making of Frozen', was a totally pointless 'funny' musical number. The documentary 'From Hans Christian Andersen to Frozen" was too short. I would have appreciated an Art gallery, but alas, it was not on the disc.

[thelittleursula]

Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Too underated sadly. Needs more love. It did seem to be getting some more attention, but then it faded into underated zone again. sigh.

[BelleGirl]

Hunchback Of Notre Dame. Too underated sadly. Needs more love. It did seem to be getting some more attention, but then it faded into underated zone again. sigh.

I love this movie!

[moviefan12]

Peter Pan - watched it in chunks but overall, a pretty fun movie. Not one of my faves but still enjoyable.

[thedisneyspirit]

Saving Mr Banks- Such a wonderful movie! A lovely insight into the past of Disney (i'm not sure if it's completely accurate to history though). I cannot watch Mary Poppins again without feeling mildly nostalgic. I'm hoping Disney does more films in this type from now on, something "for adults" as mr Doug Walker said.

Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy- Very cute and funny, very creative and I liked all of the Peter Pan references. Reminded me a lot of My Little Pony.

[DisneyQuack]

Sleeping Beauty - Hadn't seen this in a very long time...didn't remember much about it, loved the colors the bluray showed, lots of great popping, and just looked fantastic.

[sunhuntin]

Saving Mr Banks- Such a wonderful movie! A lovely insight into the past of Disney (i'm not sure if it's completely accurate to history though). I cannot watch Mary Poppins again without feeling mildly nostalgic. I'm hoping Disney does more films in this type from now on, something "for adults" as mr Doug Walker said.

im with you. got the blu ray earlier in the week, but didnt have time to watch it til last night. i saw it at the cinema and forgot how good it was. i really liked the bonus feature of the crew singing "fly a kite" and also the feature where they interviewed children of staffers and one of the shermans, with footage of walt from back then. incredible. like you, id love to see more of this behinds the scenes type film, where its not the making of, but everything else.

[dvdjunkie]

Had eight of the ten grandkids over this weekend and last night (Saturday) we watched (as a family):

Song of the South - Among my all-time favorites in my Disney collection. Ruth Warrick, in one of her younger roles, is great as the concerned mother of Bobby Driscoll, and the film also features Luana Patten and James Baskett as Uncle Remus. The Disney animation is top-notch, and the storyline is wonderful. This is my 'boot' Blu-ray copy of the film and it really makes me wonder why we have to be deprived of this wonderful film. Someone at Disney needs to make this happen sooner than later.

The Castaway Cowboy - Starring James Garner. Just a very good, feel good, movie with all of the glamour of Hawaii as backdrops.

Old Yeller - Fess Parker, Dorothy McGuire, Kevin Corcoran, Tommy Kirk and Chuck Conners, star in this story of a rural family who are befriended by an Ol' Yeller dog that just won't go away. He is finally accepted in the family and if the tragic ending doesn't make you cry, then you are just not human. Great family movie, lots of fun for all ages, but the brutal ending is a shock to the senses, but even our six-year-old understood that it was a movie and handled it all pretty well.

[Old Fish Tale]

Yesterday, I saw 'Wreck-It Ralph' for the first time and I must say I'm in love with it! I adored 'Brave', but this film should have won the Oscar in 2012. And that's how you write misunderstood characters and plot twists, 'The Snow Queen'!

[EZLiver9139]

The Little Mermaid (5/22/14) - An irresistible legend in Disney animation's hallowed legacy, looking near-show off in HD. Plot may be a tad simplified, but A+ soundtrack makes up for it. Bonus points: Anyone else wish Ursula's picture could appear in a dictionary, next to the word "theatricality"? Defines it to a T.

Splash (5/22/14) - The last great thing Ron Miller did for the company: Launch the Touchstone label, for the sake of widening the reach of this Ron Howard charmer. The literal fish-out-of-water rom-com that made Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah household names, while maintaining career security for SCTV alums John Candy and Eugene Levy. As much an 80s summer comedy as you could get. A memorable piece of Disney's history, back when a crossroads was reaches at the start of the Wells/Eisner/Katzenburg era.

Arachnophobia (5/22/14) - First release for the Hollywood Pictures label (I could understand the tongue-in-cheek symbolism of using the Sphinx for its logo, but I wonder who'd consider the idea justified), launched by Eisner to capitalize on the string of live-action successes he secured in his early years at the company, and you couldn't pick a better feature to start it off. Longtime producer Frank Marshall's directorial debut, a purely ironic dark comedy set in a small California valley town, welcoming a new physician (Jeff Daniels) just as a spider infestation takes over. John Goodman pops around periodically as a bumbling exterminator (in only 2-3 scenes, barely leaving an impression). Otherwise an interesting choice if you're looking for a horror flick with a borderline satirical snap.

My Science Project (5/23/14) - 80s comedy that would've been given Disney label-status, had it not been for an excess of 4-letter words, thus making it an OK Touchstone entry. In a desperate attempt to maintain graduate status during his closing weeks at high school, grease monkey Michael (John Stockwell) creates a science project utilizing parts stolen from an abandoned military base. Surprise twist: It's a warp generator, creating a perfect storm of past, present and future. Decent cast makes a B+ script buoyant, particularly Dennis Hopper's disillusioned 60s-era science teacher.

Frozen (5/25/14) - As brilliant (and slightly flawed) the 11th time as it was the first, though I did pick up on at least a couple of new artistic details in the backgrounds. Perhaps trolls are of a somewhat religious stature in Arendelle? Still a new classic for this modern generation. Rented a copy for this round. Holding out on a purchase until the studio can bother to issue a 3D Blu for the several households who'd care.

Saving Mr. Banks (5/25/14) - John Lee Hancock and the smartly-teamed cast save this film for being complete schmaltz. A winning epic for fans of Disney, Poppins or stories of Hollywood in general. I, too am curious about its accuracy with historical elements

[Musical Master]

Frozen- I still love this as the first time I saw this in theatres, everything about it is still amazing.

Alice in Wonderland- Despite the problems I have with the story, characters and the infuriating cliches, (did you know that the "Futterwacken" was not what Linda Woolverton originally wrote? Thanks a lot Burton ) this movie has turned into a guilty pleasure that I shockingly enjoy, maybe that's because of Carter's performance as the Red Queen.

[DC Fan]

Well, i´m back viewing all the Classics in order of release and as I currently own them on BD.

...since I started back when with Snow White I stopped at Beauty and the Beast, so:

-Aladdin: My favorite. However, even though I can tell it´s flaws now (mainly Robin William´s jokes as Genie that have become dated) and still pretty much like the movie it may...has lost it´s charm? Maybe not so much as that I watched it constantly as a kid that now it doesn´t has the same impact as it once had on me.

Still, the characters are great. Particularly Jafar and Iago of course.

-The Lion King: Amazed Disney got away with this. As controversial as it was back then if the movie was released today I´m not sure if it would have or had to change many parts so much it wouldn´t be the same movie as we know it.

I, however, don´t consider it a perfect masterpiece. As amazing as the soundtrack is to me Can You Feel the Love Tonight just feels out of place; Timon´s jokes based on bodily humor, even though obviously there to reach kids and tone down the heavy themes, are just too low brow.

The animation however is brilliant, the voice cast perfect, Simba´s story the best developed Disney character and Disney´s highest point in the sense that they managed to create a movie where no more would adults´s cringe at the idea of watching a Disney film.

So sad, so sudden after this one Disney couldn´t just keep it up.

[DC Fan]

Chicken Little

This movie was supposed to be funny?

The worst part is that by, watching the directors talk about the movie, in the making of what they wanted to accomplish was the complete opposite of what they wanted:

-"Disney legacy is all about memorable characters, great story telling, fantastic eye popping visuals, emotional music. And our goal was to take all these elements and pour them into Chicken Little".

As such, what the heck happened?

...Regarding Chicken Little´s voice:

-"We debated back and forth about the voice. We needed a slighted altered voice, with a little bit of edge and a little bit of teenage ring to it".

¿REALLY?; Cause Zach Braff´s voice is ANYTHING but that. Teenage voice? He has a very deep adult voice!

...Regarding music:

-"The music is so important in a movie. Especially in a Disney film because those songs that we all know they create a emotional react on people. And that´s it all about. Getting the audience an emotional experience".

Do anyone here felt that with the soundtrack? Especially helpful were all those pop songs...


Seriously. How come they say all those things and ended up with a movie like this?

Also, you watch the directors talk about the movie and they are very excited about it and seems like they were saying that everything was great in the movie.

[BelleGirl]

Saving mr. Banks

I don't know how true to the facts this movie about the debate between Walt Disney and P.L. Travers is, but it it sure is a good movie, with an excellent Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks pulling it off once again despite the fact that he doesn't look like Walt in the least. Travers' own troubled childhood put an interesting angle to the story; and of course it was mr. Banks who needed to be safed, not his children! So sad Travers' own father could not be saved
Now I really have to watch Mary Poppins again.

[EZLiver9139]

Need For Speed - Technically a studio release in the US, as part of the Dreamworks output deal. Inspired by the popular video game franchise, director (& former pro stuntman) Scott Waugh attempts a unique racing story/vengeance plot not unlike the Fast & Furious series while trying to weave in elements from the Steve McQueen/Paul Newman era of auto racing features in the 70s. At least, that's what I could take away from it. Most of you will probably say, "Red flag! Fast ripoff!", and you'd be right as well. It's really the cast that make it not a complete waste. Aaron Paul does shine, along with Dominic Cooper and Michael Keaton. Some fun to be had, but if you're not into the genre, I'd recommend you watch Bullitt first.

My Neighbors the Yamadas - Yes, I know it's a Ghibli film. And yes, I know it's not a Miyazaki-led Ghibli (the best kind, I'm aware), but I'll include it anyway, since the studio might still hold the rights. One of Miyazaki's art school chums, Isao Takahata brings a popular Japanese comic to celluloid life, in a creative style that more than explodes on the screen. Think Modern Family, if it were inspired by a turn-of-the-millenium Japanese single-cam sitcom. English dub is satisfactory, particularly Jim Belushi in one of his rare roles that doesn't make you turn your head in disapproval.

Sleeping Beauty - Of course, I dove into this one ahead of witnessing Maleficent. One of the most artistic films in the canon. So what if it wasn't a major success back in '59? What matters is that it holds up in this modern post-Frozen era.

The Last Shot - Jeff Nathanson crafts a near-detailed account of a true life story involving Hollywood and the mafia, that of which is extremely soul satisfying. Alec Baldwin is an at-odds FBI agent assigned with an elegant plan for taking down a major east coast crime kingpin (Tony Shaloub). The plan: Create a hollywood picture. With the help of a wannabe writer/director (Matthew Broderick, unknowing of what's really going down), they find the enemy and discover the business of making movies may not be as shrewd as some may say. A lot to love with this, another underappreciated gem from the deepest basement of the studio output.

Maleficent - I did have my doubts about this one, but despite the rushed pace in the middle third (could've gone for 10-15 extra minutes), what was asked out of first-time director Robert Stromberg (previously a production designer on Alice, Oz, Pirates) was fulfilled. Angelina Jolie embraces the role in every manner, accomplishing a diffcult compromise between snarky (with some level of sex appeal) and seriousm amidst a vivid combination of locales (not enough time given there) and supporting characters (led by Elle Fanning's worthy performance as the teenage Aurora). An improvement from Oz, but doesn't match the lofty heights set by Tim Burton's Alice. Best enjoyed with an open mind and a healthy heart.

Noises Off! - I could tell right away this was one of those movies Eisner really wanted to do against Katzenburg's good wisdom. Peter Bogdanovich directs this film version of Michael Frayn's Tony-nominated play-within-a-play, to the best of his ability. Though I've never seen any stage production of this work, I can only imagine this film take can't possibly recreate the frenetic absurdity that may be exposed when presented to a live, breathing audience. Still, there's some servicable laughs, thanks to the all-star ensemble led with gusto by Sir Michael Caine. Another interesting entry in the Touchstone canon; A must-watch for all the theater geeks out there.

Down and Out in Beverly Hills - Disney's first R-rated feature; it had to have happened sooner or later. Paul Mazursky helms a satisfactory Americanized remake of a cult-favorite 1930s French comedy, while at the same time reviving Bette Midler and Richard Dreyfuss' careers. Nick Nolte is your typical homeless guy (lost it all after having been disillusioned by the norm of society in the 80s) is saved from drowning in an affluent family's pool and becomes their best possible frenemies over the course of the six-week holiday season. Above-standard 80s comic fare, it's worth your time.

Shopgirl - Who knew Steve Martin had such a way with words when it comes to the language of unconventional love? His acclaimed novella is adapted into this mid-naughts rom-com, at the time a breath of fresh air. Claire Danes portrays Martin's flighty heroine, an under-the-radar department store clerk, who falls for an unconventional artist (Jason Schwartzman), but finds it hard to connect and loses him, literally, when he's snatched up by a music group for their summer tour. Martin's character, an elderly, wealthy businessman pitches woo to her in the meantime, and thus finds herself contemplating which love is the more real. A feel-good yarn, should be thrown in for a wild card pick for couples' movie nights everywhere.

Simon Birch - The same year Disney gave us Mulan, Armageddon and Deep Rising (if anyone even remembers), we were offered up a title some might just remember as a meager "flavor of the week" that quickly went under the radar. Adapted from John Irving's novel "A Prayer for Owen Meany", scriptwriter/director Mark Steven Johnson (Grumpy Old Men) fashions a satisfying piece of schmaltz, whilst maintaining a required level of emotional range. The title character, Birch (Ian Michael Smith), a 12-year old Maine kid with Morquio's syndrome experiences an average year in 1960s northeast Maine. Despite what everyone says about him, and convinced he's God's personal messenger, he attempts to change the world around him, with a varying degree of circumstancial consequence at every turn. A bit unsure of itself as it goes along, but Birch manages to accomplish what it sets out to a point. Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt, and a low-key Jim Carrey provide satisfactory supporting performances. Read the book first.